Ramaphosa hits out at National Dialogue boycotters

By Thapelo Molefe

President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised political parties, civil society organisations and legacy foundations that withdrew from the first National Convention of the National Dialogue, saying their absence would not derail the process of building a united vision for South Africa.

Addressing more than 1000 delegates from over 200 organisations at Unisa in Pretoria on Friday, Ramaphosa said the gathering marked “the moment at which the people of South Africa take over the National Dialogue”.

He said it was vital for all South Africans to contribute to the process rather than pass judgement from the sidelines.

“More importantly, the National Dialogue is a call to action. It is a call to all South Africans to seize this moment for change and progress. And this we cannot do when we are sitting on the sidelines. This we cannot do when we do not want to be part of this