By Johnathan Paoli
Despite challenges, the first National Convention of the National Dialogue has concluded with organisers saying it reflected the “complexity of our nation”.
Convention Organising Committee spokesperson Sthembiso Sithole said on Sunday that the two-day gathering in Tshwane signalled a “new era of citizen activism for radical change, rapid response and a call to rebuild the nation”.
“This was a citizen-led process, iterative in nature, with robust engagement. Delegates emphasised that the National Dialogue must be inclusive, must reach those communities who are often not heard and must lead to genuine action,” Sithole said.
Over 1000 delegates from more than 200 organisations attended the convention at the University of South Africa.
The event, convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa, launched a nationwide dialogue intended to forge a new vision for the country and develop a programme of action.
Discussions focused on key themes identified by delegates, including the economy, jobs, education, health, gender-based violence, crime, corruption and constitutional reform.
Other topics included building South African values and culture, strengthening the social fabric and addressing intergenerational trauma.
A draft roadmap for the dialogue outlines a six- to nine-month process of thousands of community-led engagements.
Delegates agreed that each community should have the freedom to use dialogue methods suited to their context.
The aim is to generate solutions to urgent challenges while laying foundations for long-term renewal.
The next step is the formation of a steering committee to coordinate the dialogue.
Initially framed around 22 sectors, the process was extended to allow more diverse representation.
Sectors are expected to finalise and submit their nominees by the end of August.
Several marginalised groups raised concerns about exclusion over the weekend, with some protesting at the event.
Despite disputes, organisers hailed the convention as a turning point.
As the process moves into communities across the country from September, it success is dependent on whether it genuinely empowers citizens or becomes another top-down exercise.
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