By Johnathan Paoli
The Eminent Persons Group (EPG), a voluntary body of 31 prominent South Africans appointed to facilitate the National Dialogue, will actively engage with stakeholders to explore avenues for participation, arguing that a process of such national importance must accommodate all perspectives, even dissenting ones.
In a statement issued ahead of the inaugural National Dialogue Convention over the weekend, the EPG reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the dialogue remained a citizen-led, inclusive and representative process to shape a shared vision for the country’s future.
“The EPG will engage these important voices to enable opportunities for their participation and contributions. The EPG will continue to encourage humility, compassion and diligence in the leadership and execution of the National Dialogue,” the statement read
Drawn from diverse sectors of society, EPG members serve in their personal capacities, without remuneration, and do not represent any political or organisational interests.
Their mandate is to act as guarantors, advisors and champions of the dialogue to ensure that it reflects the aspirations of all communities across the country.
The EPG stressed that its work was “animated by a love of country and deep concern for the security, safety and prosperity of current and future generations”.
It acknowledged recent challenges in the build-up to the convention, particularly disagreements within the Preparatory Task Team (PTT), which was initially tasked with planning the event.
These disputes led to the withdrawal of some legacy foundations that had been instrumental in conceptualising the dialogue alongside other civil society actors.
The EPG described the withdrawal as “regrettable,” noting the historic role these foundations have played in fostering democratic engagement and reconciliation.
The disagreements also caused delays in the EPG’s ability to access detailed readiness information for the convention, complicating its oversight role.
In response, a new Conference Organising Committee (COC) was formed to steer preparations.
The EPG said its leadership collective had been meeting with the COC “almost daily” since its establishment to ensure the event proceeded smoothly and inclusively.
Over the past week, EPG co-chairs, deputy co-chairs, and the secretary also held consultations with President Cyril Ramaphosa to provide counsel and raised some concerns regarding the process.
The EPG has called for renewed efforts to bring the legacy foundations back into the fold, stressing that their involvement remained both possible and necessary.
Beyond civil society tensions, the EPG acknowledged that some political parties and organisations have voiced scepticism, indifference, or outright rejection of the dialogue.
Citing Nelson Mandela’s famous words about the long journey to freedom and the many hills still to climb, the group framed the National Dialogue as a collective effort that would require patience, resilience and shared responsibility.
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