President Ramaphosa Announces National Dialogue Initiative
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CAPE TOWN, Western Cape – June 10, 2025 – President Cyril Ramaphosa today announced the formal launch of the National Dialogue, an initiative aimed at fostering nationwide discussions to address South Africa’s current challenges and shape its future trajectory. The announcement, made from Cape Town, detailed a multi-phase process intended to gather broad societal input.
The President stated that the concept of a national dialogue has garnered significant support since its proposal last year and has been endorsed by various societal formations. Discussions over recent months with diverse entities have led to a broad consensus on the necessity of convening this dialogue, particularly in light of the country’s current difficulties.
President Ramaphosa emphasized that dialogue is an inherent part of South Africa’s national character, referencing historical instances where national conversations led to resolutions of critical challenges, including the dismantling of apartheid and the establishment of democracy. He highlighted the achievement of peace and the building of a united nation through such processes.
Despite strides made over the past three decades in expanding freedom and deepening democracy, the President acknowledged persistent challenges. He cited poverty, unemployment, and inequality as “deep wounds” hindering national potential. Other societal issues noted included underemployment, inadequate wages, crime, gender-based violence, and corruption.
The National Dialogue is positioned as a people-led, society-wide process designed to reflect on the nation’s current state and “reimagine our future.” Its objectives include forging a shared vision of South African identity, developing a new national ethos and common value system, and establishing a new social compact for national development. This compact is envisioned to unite all South Africans with clear responsibilities for various stakeholders, including government, business, labour, civil society, and communities. The dialogue is expected to drive progress towards Vision 2030 and lay the groundwork for the next phase of South Africa’s National Development Plan.
The National Dialogue will not be a singular event but a participatory process unfolding in phases, beginning with local consultations and sectoral engagements, progressing to provincial and national gatherings.
President Ramaphosa announced that he will convene a National Convention on Friday, August 15, 2025. This initial convention will aim to represent the diversity of the South African nation and will be tasked with setting the agenda for the broader National Dialogue. Attendees will include representatives from government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organizations, and various community voices.
Following this initial convention, South Africans will be encouraged to engage in dialogue within their political, social, and other formations, workplaces, places of worship, communities, villages, and learning institutions. The concerns, views, and proposals emerging from these conversations will be consolidated at a second National Convention, scheduled for early next year. This second convention is intended to reinforce shared values and adopt a common vision and program of action for the country’s future, with the expectation of finalizing a compact outlining roles and responsibilities for all South Africans.
To guide and champion the National Dialogue, President Ramaphosa announced the appointment of an Eminent Persons Group. This group comprises 31 individuals from diverse backgrounds, recognized for their commitment to social cohesion and nation-building. The appointed members are:
- Dr. Brigalia Bam
- Mr. Robbie Brozin
- Judge Edwin Cameron
- Mr. Manne Dipico
- Dr. Desiree Ellis
- Ms. Ela Gandhi
- Prof. Nomboniso Gasa
- Mr. Bobby Godsell
- Dr. John Kani
- Mr. Siya Kolisi
- Ms. Mia le Roux
- His Grace Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane
- His Grace Bishop Engenas Lekganyane
- The Most Reverend Thabo Makgoba
- Prof. Tinyiko Maluleke
- Dr. Barbara Masekela
- Ms. Lindiwe Mazibuko
- Mr. Roelf Meyer
- Ms. Gcina Mhlope
- Ms. Nompendulo Mkhatshwa
- Ms. Kgothatso Montjane
- Prof. Harry Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu
- Mr. Bheki Ntshalintshali
- Hosi Phylia Nwamitwa
- Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo
- Dr. Gloria Serobe
- Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman
- Prof. Derrick Swartz
- Ms. Lorato Trok
- Mr. Sibusiso Vilane
- Mr. Siyabulela Xuza
President Ramaphosa also noted that UBaba uShembe uNyazi LweZulu has been invited to join the group but has not yet confirmed availability due to travel.
The President expressed gratitude to the appointed members for their willingness to participate as “guarantors of an inclusive, constructive and credible process.”
An Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Deputy President, has been established to coordinate the government’s contribution to the dialogue. A Steering Committee, with representatives from various societal sectors, will set strategic priorities and coordinate implementation. The Secretariat, responsible for day-to-day management, will be housed at NEDLAC.
President Ramaphosa concluded by stating that the nation is embarking on a new path of partnership and united action, drawing on traditions of dialogue and debate to define a shared vision for a diverse nation.
