President Cyril Ramaphosa will today officially open the First National Dialogue at the University of South Africa (UNISA) main campus in Pretoria, ahead of the National Dialogue.According to the presidency, the Convention is intended to agree on the approach and modalities for the nationwide public dialogues at sectoral and community level. Furthermore, it will also outline and agree on the key themes for discussion in the National Dialogue and establish a Steering Committee.
“The convention will bring together about 1 000 delegates representing the diversity of the South African nation from government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organisations, women, youth, community voices, among others.
“The National Dialogue will kick-off with the 1st National Convention and end with a 2nd National Convention to consolidate the outcomes through a Peoples Compact with commitments for citizens, sectors, government, business, labour, civil society, families to heal and rebuild our nation,” read a statement from the presidency.
Ramaphosa earlier this year appointed the Eminent Persons Group drawn from across all sectors of society to “develop a concrete plan to ensure the dialogue is inclusive, transparent and truly reflective of the voices of all South Africans.”Some of the topics that will be discussed at the National Dialogue include, poverty, inequality, hunger, economic transformation, job creation, social cohesion and nation building, gender-based violence, safety, governance, accountability, and particularly democracy, land reform and food security.
The convention has however been marred by withdrawals by seven legacy foundations, some political parties and other stakeholders, citing unhappiness regarding its budget, and lack of preparedness among others. The president said the convention will continue, without the foundations and all the stakeholders.
