Ramaphosa announces date for National Dialogue

This first-ever dialogue is aimed at addressing the nation's most pressing socio-economic issues.

The convention is expected to bring together government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders and sports organisations among others.

Ramaphosa announced over the 30 prominent people including former IEC Chairperson Brigalia Bam, former Constitutional Court judge Edwin Cameron, ZCC leader Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, and ZCC St Engenas leader Bishop Engenas Lekganyane as well as Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba.

Sportspersons include Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, and Tennis champion Kgothatso Montjane.

Former members of parliament, Lindiwe Mazibuko, Roelf Meyer and Nompendulo Mkhatshwa.

Actors John Kani and Gcina Mhlope. Traditional leaders Hosi Phylia Nwamitwa and Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo.

Business leaders including Gloria Serobe, Robbie Brozin, Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman amongst others.

Ramaphosa said the dialogue would reflect on the state of the country.

"It is an opportunity to forge a new social compact for the development of our country, a compact that will unite all South Africans, with clear  responsibilities for different stakeholders. 

"Through dialogue we were able to deal with the challenges that the apartheid system caused

in our country and achieved peace and overcame violence.

"The National Dialogue is a chance for all South Africans, from all walks of life, to come

together and help shape the next chapter of our democracy."

Ramaphosa said the dialogue will be a participatory process that unfolds in phases, of which the 15 August gathering would be the first.

"The views, concerns and proposals that will emerge from this conversation will be brought

together at a second National Convention, that is planned to be held in the beginning of next year," he said on Tuesday

The Secretariat, which is responsible for day-to-day management of National Dialogue activities, will be housed at National Economic Development and Labour Council.