By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the launch of the National Dialogue initiative, aimed at forging a unified vision for South Africa amidst persistent socio-economic challenges.
Ramaphosa made the announcement during a live televised broadcast on Tuesday evening.
“This initiative has been gathering great support and enthusiasm since it was proposed last year,” the president said.
“It has been endorsed by a wide range of formations across society.”
A National Convention has been scheduled for August 15, 2025, which will set the agenda for the National Dialogue.
To guide this massive undertaking, Ramaphosa announced the appointment of an Eminent Persons Group—an illustrious and diverse panel of 33 national figures from sectors including business, academia, sport, religion, and civil society.
The so-called eminent persons’ group comprises 31 people with “proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building,” Ramaphosa said.
Among them are Robbie Brozin, co-founder of chicken franchise Nando’s, Siya Kolisi, captain of the nation’s rugby team known as the Springboks, former AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Bobby Godsell and actor John Kani.
“These are leading figures in our society, reflecting the great diversity of our nation, with a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa framed the dialogue as a crucial opportunity to shape the next phase of the country’s National Development Plan and steer progress toward Vision 2030.
“Through the National Dialogue, we seek a shared vision of what it means to be a South African and develop a new national ethos and common value system,” he said.
South Africa’s economic growth has averaged less than 1% a year in the past decade, contributing to an unemployment rate of 32,9% and inequality. According to World Bank data, South Africa is the most unequal country in the world.