Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa’s National Dialogue will take place next year, following initial plans to hold it this year.
Speaking at the Day of Reconciliation gathering in the Western Cape, Ramaphosa outlined the dialogue’s goals: addressing economic challenges, social issues like racism and gender-based violence, and strengthening democracy.
“The National Dialogue will seek to build on the achievements of 30 years of democracy.
“The National Dialogue will give us an opportunity to address the challenges we have been facing for the past 15 years of low growth and unemployment, poverty and hunger, poor governance, slow land reform and corruption,” Ramaphosa said.
I hereby announce that we will hold a National Dialoguenext year to enable a conversation among citizens onshaping our country’s future developmental path.
The National Dialogue will seek to build on the achievements of 30 years of democracy.
The National Dialogue will give… pic.twitter.com/KdNoUIkuke
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) December 16, 2024
He added: “We will also want the National Dialogue to address pressing challenges such as gender-based violence and femicide, social fragmentation, racism, homophobia and sexism, violence and instability.
“The National Dialogue will strengthen and consolidate the process of social compacting, where we come together as different sectors and communities to find common solutions. It is envisaged that the National Dialogue will be informed by an extensive public consultation process in local areas organised by various sectors of society.”
The dialogue, initiated by calls from the Thabo Mbeki and Steve Biko Foundations, will involve public consultations and guidance from an Advisory Panel of Eminent Persons.
A National Dialogue Steering Committee will coordinate efforts, with representatives from various sectors, including civil society, government, and business. Preparations are expected to begin early in the new year.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
