By Lungile Ntimba
The African National Congress and Congress of SA Trade Unions have welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on the convening of the National Dialogue’s first National Convention in August, and the appointment of a broad-based Eminent Persons Group.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the initiative marked a significant step toward national unity, rebuilding trust and renewing the country’s collective commitment to social and economic transformation.
She said the party had always placed dialogue at the centre of the country’s struggle for liberation and nation building.
“From our engagements in exile to the negotiations that brought an end to apartheid, it is through dialogue that we have overcome division and built consensus,” Bhengu said in a statement.
“We therefore welcome the inclusive character of this dialogue process and the calibre of individuals appointed to guide it.”
She said the participation of all sectors of society would ensure that the National Dialogue reflected the hopes, frustrations and aspirations of the people.
Cosatu said the dialogue must prioritise tangible interventions to rebuild the moral fabric of society and address the socio-economic faultlines threatening social cohesion.
“With the onslaught of fake news and shameless attempts to undermine the non-racial ethos of our hard-won constitutional democracy, it is crucial that the dialogue seeks to address the still painful scars of racism, discrimination and a sense of alienation amongst many across various ethnic, linguistic and other demographic groups,” Cosatu parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks said in a statement.
He said the dialogue could play a key role in re-anchoring the country upon the Freedom Charter’s progressive vision of a South Africa belonged to all who lived in it.
The dialogue aims to tackle persistent challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, crime, gender-based violence and corruption.
Ramaphosa said the National Convention would represent the diversity of the South African nation, bringing together government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organisations, women, youth and community voices.
The proposals would feed into the second National Convention, planned for the beginning of 2026.
The members of the Eminent Persons Group are:
- Dr Brigalia Bam, former Independent Electoral Commission chairperson,
- Robbie Brozin, entrepreneur and businessperson,
- Judge Edwin Cameron, former Constitutional Court judge,
- Manne Dipico, former Northern Cape premier,
- Dr Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana coach and football legend,
- Ela Gandhi, peace activist and stalwart,
- Prof. Nomboniso Gasa, researcher and rural activist,
- Bobby Godsell, business leader,
- Dr John Kani, award-winning actor,
- Siya Kolisi, Springbok captain and world champion,
- Mia le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024,
- Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, leader of the Zion Christian Church,
- Bishop Engenas Lekganyane, leader of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church,
- Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town,
- Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, chairperson of the National Planning Commission,
- Barbara Masekela, poet, educator and stalwart,
- Lindiwe Mazibuko, former Member of Parliament,
- Roelf Meyer, former Cabinet minister and constitutional negotiator,
- Gcina Mhlope, storyteller, writer and actor,
- Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, student activist and former Member of Parliament,
- Kgothatso Montjane, Grand Slam tennis champion,
- Harry Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu, former activist and educationist,
- Bheki Ntshalintshali, unionist and former Cosatu general Secretary,
- Hosi Phylia Nwamitwa, traditional leader,
- Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders,
- Dr Gloria Serobe, business leader,
- Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the Gift of the Givers,
- Prof. Derrick Swartz, academic,
- Lorato Trok, author and early literacy expert,
- Sibusiso Vilane, mountaineer and adventurer,
- Siyabulela Xuza, award-winning rocket scientist.
“UBaba uShembe uNyazi LweZulu has also been invited to join the Eminent Persons Group, but, as he is travelling, has not yet been able to confirm his availability,” added Ramaphosa.
He said an Inter-Ministerial Committee has also been established under the chair of the Deputy President to coordinate government’s contribution to the National Dialogue.
Ramaphosa said that the secretariat, which was responsible for the day-to-day management of the dialogue’s activities, would be housed at the National Economic Development and Labour Council.
INSIDE POLITICS