Ramaphosa calls for inclusive, citizen-led dialogue
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the newly appointed Eminent Persons Group to safeguard South Africa’s National Dialogue process by being its “champions, not cheerleaders”.
He warned that public trust hinges on their ability to ensure transparency, inclusivity and real accountability.
Speaking at the Union Buildings during the group’s inaugural meeting on Friday, Ramaphosa said the dialogue must not become a symbolic talk shop or a government-controlled initiative.
"We expect that you will critically consider the progress and the conduct of the National Dialogue and provide advice where correction is required,” Ramaphosa told the group.
"If there is confusion, misunderstanding or disarray, we ask you to help correct it. If there are groups that seek to commandeer the process, we ask that you alert us.”
The president’s remarks come as questions swirl over the dialogue’s estimated R700 million cost, with civil society raising concerns about wasteful expenditure and a lack of clarity on its structure.
Ramaphosa acknowledged the criticisms but said they should not distract from the urgent task of rebuilding national unity and fixing a faltering democracy.
"We should not fear criticism. We should welcome it,” he said.
Reclaiming public trust
Ramaphosa said the National Dialogue aims to bring together South Africans across all spheres of life, political, social, cultural and economic, to confront the country’s most pressing post-democracy challenges.
"The vestiges of our apartheid past remain. Our economy has not been growing. The number of unemployed people has been rising. We’ve seen a deterioration in governance, poor service delivery and widespread corruption.”
The president said the process must be driven by ordinary citizens, not political interests or elite gatekeepers, and should reflect the real hopes and frustrations of communities.
"It cannot favour one group or perspective over another. It needs to be citizen-led, and the outcomes need to reflect the collective views of the South African people.”
Why now?
Ramaphosa said he was deeply concerned by growing political disengagement, pointing to the low turnout in the May 2024 national elections as a sign that people are losing faith in democratic institutions.
He described the dialogue as a platform to reignite civic participation, create a new social compact, and chart a way forward on issues like economic transformation, justice, service delivery, youth unemployment and inclusive growth.
"South Africans want to be heard. They want to participate. They want to be included in whatever process is meant to improve their lives.”
First national convention coming in August
The first National Convention is expected to take place next month. At this event, input from consultations across the country will be consolidated into a shared vision.
Ramaphosa reminded attendees that dialogue has long been a tool for transformation in South Africa, from the National Peace Accord to the democratic transition and the country’s COVID-19 response.
"Dialoguing is not new to South Africans. We must now draw on that tradition to restore our social compact.”
The Eminent Persons Group, which includes high-profile figures from various sectors, has been tasked with ensuring that the process remains grounded in public interest and doesn’t fall prey to co-option or apathy.
"The National Dialogue is neither government-driven nor directed,” the President stressed. “That is why the Eminent Persons Group is so important.”
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