Leaders appointed to drive National Dialogue

By Johnathan Paoli

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a team of South Africans to spearhead the newly formed Eminent Persons Group (EPG), which will guide and champion the country’s National Dialogue on social cohesion, democratic renewal and nation building.

The announcement follows the EPG’s inaugural meeting at the Union Buildings on Friday.

“I am grateful to each of them for agreeing to take on this responsibility and to contribute towards the effective functioning of the Eminent Persons Group,” he said.

The president has designated Tinyiko Maluleke and Roelf Meyer as the co-chairs of the group.

Lindiwe Mazibuko and Siyabulela Xusa will serve as the deputy chairs, while Nompendulo Mkhatshwa has been appointed as the secretary.

The EPG has been established to serve as an independent, high-level advisory and convening body to promote inclusive public discourse, tackle inequality and foster unity across political, social and generational divides.

It forms a central