By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Inside 

President Cyril Ramaphosa had addressed the nation yesterday in regards to an initiative titled the “National Dialogue”. The purpose of this dialogue is to host a forum which aims to have a wide discourse with various community and business leaders, tenured academics and leaders of various social groups on how to structure an inclusive and sustainable South Africa. “Over the last few months, we have been engaged in discussions with various entities on the purpose of this dialogue…in the wake of these consultations, there is broad agreement that given the challenges our country is facing at the moment, we should convene the national dialogue.” President Ramaphosa said in his opening remarks. 

At the height of South Africa’s 31 years of independence, the country seems to be struggling to formidably heal the wounds of the past as it has exposed the true severity of inequality in South Africa. Hence the implementation of the National Dialogue which will aim to firmly break down all of South Africa’s problems to its last crevice. This dialogue is not exclusively a government led initiative as Ramaphosa has called upon various leaders from all social sectors to represent each sector on their specific challenges. Community and social leaders who spearhead the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), the social injustices that members of the LGBTQI face, people who suffer from poverty or unemployment and  marginalised religious groups are some of the key factors which will be highlighted in this dialogue. “Millions of people are under-employed and unemployed. Many of those who work earn wages that cannot sustain them or their families. Crime, gender-based violence and corruption are prevalent across our society” said Ramaphosa in the address. South Africa have hosted discussions of this magnitude before however it has never been this broad or inclusive, has it urges the citizens of the country to be involved in this conversation which shows the government’s intention to actually be informed about what’s going with the people from the people that face these day to day challenges, fears and constant unsafety and working together with the citizens of the country to eradicate these various forms of injustice. 1 July 2025 will mark a year since South Africa established the Government of National Unity (GNU) which consists of a ten party government due to the African National Congress (ANC) failure to secure a majority vote because of decades of corruption which has crippled to country away from true development and equality. This GNU aims to take a more hands on approach when it comes to dealing with state affairs largely due to the fact that now the government consists of people who can hold each other accountable. So, with the establishment of this diverse government it is no surprise that more action is being taken to build a functional and safe society in South Africa. 

The initiative will start with a forum which will be held on Friday 15 August 2025 called the “National Convention” which will be guided by various business and community leaders, judges and scientists called the “Eminent Persons Group” which comprises over 30 people even names like Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi and revered award-winning actor John Kani will be amongst the Eminent Persons Group. This National convention will be the first phase in initiating the National Dialogue which will also aim to include members of various communities to also speak for themselves and give suggestions on how to best facilitate a healthy dialogue about South Africa’s promising future.