Pretoria, Saturday 09 August 2025 — In preparation for the inaugural National Convention of the National Dialogue process, President Cyril Ramaphosa met on Thursday, 7 August 2025, with representatives of the interim Preparatory Task Team (PTT). The PTT has been tasked with organising the convention and preparing for the public dialogues that will follow.
During the meeting, representatives informed the President that the PTT was divided on several issues, including its readiness to deliver the National Convention as scheduled on 15 August 2025.
Some PTT members, representing Foundations involved in the initial planning of the National Dialogue, argued for a postponement of the convention to a later date.
President Ramaphosa reaffirmed his understanding of the National Convention as a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the country’s challenges.
“Ever since we announced the date of the first National Convention, South Africans from all parts of society have been getting ready to take part in the local conversations that will follow. There is a great desire to get involved and be heard,” the President said.
Despite the challenges, Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of proceeding with the convention on 15 August 2025.
“The National Convention must happen so that South Africa’s people can take ownership and control of the National Dialogue. Invitations have gone out to organisations across the country and delegates are preparing themselves to attend the convention. It is at the National Convention that the people of South Africa will take over and run with the National Dialogue process,” he said.
As a result of the divisions within the PTT and the decision to proceed as planned, some Foundations have indicated their withdrawal from organising the event and participation in the PTT. However, they assured the President of their continued commitment to the National Dialogue and their intention to encourage public participation.
President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for the Foundations’ role in initiating and championing the National Dialogue. While he regretted their withdrawal from this phase of the process, he welcomed their ongoing support.
On Friday, 8 August 2025, the President met with the co-chairs, deputy chairs, and secretary of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG)—a collective of prominent South Africans appointed by the President to act as voluntary guarantors of the National Dialogue.
The meeting with EPG leadership reviewed progress toward the National Convention. The group stressed the importance of inclusivity and credibility in the process, and called for improved coordination, governance, and communication.
“The National Dialogue is a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring all South Africans together to resolve our challenges and build a better future. The Eminent Persons Group stands ready to play its part in making this a reality,” said Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, co-chairperson of the EPG.
EPG members reaffirmed their commitment to using their influence and expertise to ensure the first National Convention lays a strong foundation for a vibrant and inclusive national conversation.
The first National Convention will bring together 200 organisations from 33 sectors and will initiate the National Dialogue process by:
- Endorsing the need for and value of a National Dialogue
- Outlining key themes for discussion
- Agreeing on the approach and modalities for public dialogues
- Finalising the establishment of a broadly representative Steering Committee to coordinate implementation going forward
The National Convention is intended as a call to action for citizens to lead inclusive dialogue on national challenges. The broader National Dialogue will unfold through public engagements in communities and sectors across the country.
In response to difficulties within the PTT, the organising team has been restructured and reinforced by social partners and civil society formations to ensure the successful hosting of the National Convention on 15 August 2025 and the launch
