By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Member of Parliament Lindiwe Mazibuko, the deputy co-chair of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), delivered the closing remarks at the National Convention at the University of Pretoria on Saturday.
The two-day National Convention, in which stakeholders and representatives from all quarters of society participated, it aims to outline and agree on key themes for the National Dialogue.
The National Dialogue has been described by the Presidency as a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing the country.
The Convention also intended to agree on the approach and modalities for the nationwide public dialogues at sectoral and community level.
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed the NDEPG, comprising leading figures in society, who he said reflect the great diversity of the nation, and who have a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building.
The NDEPG aims to guide the National Dialogue, and is expected to provide advice where correction is required.
Professor Tinyiko Maluleke and former Minister and National Party 1994 constitutional negotiator Roelf Meyer have been designated as co-chairs.
Mazibuko and award-winning rocket scientist Siyabulela Xusa will serve as deputy chairs, while student activist and former Member of Parliament Nompendulo Mkhatshwa has been appointed as the secretary.
Mazibuko said the process of national engagement will not be easy, but she said the EPG will be there to ensure the success of the National Dialogue.
“The road ahead will not be easy, our obstacles are deep-rooted and complex, we will have setbacks and we will have disagreements, there may be moments where despair seems more appealing than hope.
“The imminent persons group, which I am proud to be part of, is committed to walking this path with you.
“We will not waiver or abandon our efforts. This dialogue is for the people, and it belongs to you,” she said.
She said the dialogue will help shape the future of South Africa for the next 30 years.
“Together we will create a shared vision for the next 30 years. We are here because South Africans want real action jobs and livelihoods, safety from crime and corruption, a functioning education system, a state that embodies integrity, a culture of values and social cohesion, tangible progress in addressing violence against women and girls,” she said.
The dialogue has already faced pushback, with some organisations pulling out of the convention just days before it starts. They have raised concerns about “cutting corners” and rushing to host the convention.