By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Dialogue has entered its next phase with the induction of the Steering Committee at the University of South Africa (Unisa)’s Muckleneuk’s main campus in Pretoria.
This follows the National Convention and handover from the Convention Organising Committee.
The 99-member panel, drawn from civil society, business, labour and faith sectors, focused on governance, ethics, and public participation.
Speaking virtually during the committee’s induction on Saturday, president Cyril Ramaphosa said the body will set strategic priorities and coordinate the dialogue process.
“ Your work will determine whether this truly becomes a citizen-led society-wide process that helps us forge a new social compact for our country’s development. This dialogue must be inclusive, leaving no one behind.”
Ramaphosa said the dialogue comes amid deep challenges in the country such as poverty, unemployment, crime, corruption and gender-based violence.
“ We have come together to confront our challenges and to forge a new path. South Africans have pursued dialogue and partnership to give expression to the voices of ordinary men and women. Our diversity is our strength. We have a wealth of experience on which to draw.”
Ramaphosa laid out four key principles to steer the committee’s work, ensuring the dialogue is fair, effective, and healing. First, inclusivity: every sector and individual must have space to speak, leaving no one out.
This means reaching deep into communities, from bustling townships to remote farms, to hear diverse stories and ideas.
Second, the process must be citizen-led. While the president convened it under his constitutional duty to promote unity, the outcomes belong to the people. South Africans must take ownership, driving the conversations and decisions to build lasting change.
Third, effective governance is vital. The dialogue needs to be well-organised, transparent, and credible, with close teamwork between the Steering Committee and the Eminent Persons Group.
This includes setting up regular information flows and clear rules for how everyone works together.
Finally, the focus on understanding and healing: spaces must encourage confronting “uncomfortable truths” and “difficult questions.”
This principle recognises the deep wounds from the past, like apartheid’s legacy, and aims to foster empathy and reconciliation.
In closing, Ramaphosa reminded everyone that South Africa’s strength lies in its people coming together. He invited all to own the process, turning challenges into shared victories.