South Africa has launched a sweeping national dialogue, initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa in response to growing calls from civil society for a collective reckoning with the country’s challenges. The talks, which began with a two-day convention in Pretoria, aim to include political parties, civic organizations, and everyday citizens in a broad, inclusive conversation about the nation’s future. The initiative comes at a critical juncture, following the African National Congress’s loss of its parliamentary majority in the 2024 election and the formation of a coalition government—marking a significant shift in South Africa’s political landscape.
Despite its historic role in ending apartheid through multiparty negotiations in the early 1990s, South Africa today faces deep-rooted issues including poverty, inequality, corruption, crime, and an unemployment rate exceeding 30%, among the highest globally. Ramaphosa described the dialogue as a “people-led, society-wide process” to reflect on the state of the country and reimagine its future. To guide the effort, he appointed an Eminent Persons Group composed of prominent figures from various sectors, including rugby captain Siya Kolisi, actor John Kani, and former Constitutional Court Judge Edwin Cameron, representing the nation’s diversity.
However, the initiative has not been without controversy. The projected $40 million cost has sparked public concern, and skepticism remains about whether the dialogue will lead to meaningful change. The Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s second-largest party, withdrew from the talks following a dispute with the ANC, calling the process a misuse of public funds. The MK Party, now the official opposition, also declined to participate. Some foundations pulled out of the opening convention citing rushed planning, though they expressed willingness to engage in future phases.
The dialogue is expected to unfold in stages, with public discussions held across all nine provinces. While the timeline remains uncertain, a second convention may take place early next year. Critics have accused the ANC of attempting to steer the conversation for political gain ahead of upcoming local elections. Political analyst Dirk Kotze acknowledged the financial burden but emphasized that a genuine nationwide process requires substantial investment. He cautioned the ANC to step back and allow the dialogue to unfold independently, reinforcing the need for transparency and public trust in shaping South Africa’s next chapter.