Addis Ababa, August 15, 2025 (FMC) — South Africa has opened a national dialogue aimed at uniting all sectors of society to confront the country’s most pressing challenges and chart a collective path forward.
The initiative, launched Friday by President Cyril Ramaphosa following appeals from civil society, is expected to draw participation from political parties, civic organizations, and the public at large.
“The national dialogue must be a place where everyone has a voice,” Ramaphosa said. “It will be a people-led, society-wide process to reflect on the state of our country and reimagine our future.”
Discussions will be held both in person and online, enabling South Africans from all walks of life to contribute. To guide the process, Ramaphosa has appointed an Eminent Persons Group comprising figures from religion, sports, labor, and civic life, reflecting the country’s diversity. Members include national rugby captain Siya Kolisi, acclaimed “Black Panther” actor John Kani, and former Constitutional Court Judge Edwin Cameron.
The dialogue will roll out in phases, beginning with public discussions in all nine provinces. While no timeline has been set, a second national convention is under consideration for early next year.
The effort comes as South Africa grapples with deep-seated economic and social challenges, including high poverty and inequality, persistent unemployment, crime, and corruption.