The National Convention Organising Committee says its all systems go for the National Convention, which kicks of tomorrow at the University of South Africa (Unisa) main campus.
The National Convention takes place at Unisa in Pretoria on 15 – 16 August 2025, ahead of the National Dialogue. The National Dialogue itself will take the form of public dialogues across the country in communities and sectors over several months.
The Convention is also intended to agree on the approach and modalities for the nationwide public dialogues at sectoral and community level. It will also outline and agree on the key themes for discussion in the National Dialogue and establish a Steering Committee.
The Presidency has described the National Convention as a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing the country.
“Ever since we announced the date of the first National Convention, South Africans from all parts of society have been getting ready to take part in the local conversations that will follow. There is a great desire to get involved and be heard,” President Ramaphosa said last week.
At a technical media briefing at Unisa on Thursday, Sthembiso Sithole, of the National Convention Organising Committee, said over 1 000 delegates are expected to attend the National Convention this week at Unisa’s ZK Mathews building.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address on Friday. As part of the Convention, there will be breakaways sessions and there will be no closed sessions, Sithole said.
The Convention brings together representatives from government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organisations, women, youth and community voices, among others, to chart a way forward for the commencement of the National Dialogue.
Chair of the Convention Organising Committee, Boichoko Ditlhake, confirmed that its all systems go for tomorrow’s National Convention.
“We have many people who wanted to be part of the Convention. Unfortunately, [some] could not make it. We are looking forward to South Africans taking part in the Convention,” he said.
In preparation for the first National Convention of the National Dialogue process, President Cyril Ramaphosa met with representatives of the interim Preparatory Task Team (PTT) on 7August 2025. The task team has been given the responsibility of organising the convention and preparing for the public dialogues that will take place thereafter.