President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has launched a citizen-led “national dialogue” aimed at addressing the nation’s significant challenges and shaping its future vision.
The initiative confirms growing calls for an inclusive process to tackle issues straining the country three decades after apartheid ended in 1994.
Ramaphosa emphasized this dialogue as an opportunity for all South Africans to contribute to the next chapter of their democracy.
Despite progress since the end of white-minority rule, the nation of 63 million people faces persistent problems of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
The President highlighted widespread under-employment and unemployment, inadequate wages for many workers, and prevalent issues like crime, gender-based violence, and corruption.
South Africa, Africa’s most industrialized nation, contends with a 32 percent unemployment rate, a sluggish economy, poor service delivery in areas like power and water, and infrastructure collapse.
The national dialogue will commence with a convention in mid-August, bringing together delegates from all sectors, including government, politics, business, and labor.
Over subsequent months, citizens nationwide will be encouraged to share concerns and proposals, which will be presented at a second convention next year.
This follow-up meeting aims to “finalize a compact” outlining the roles and responsibilities of all South Africans in a development plan.
Ramaphosa named approximately 30 eminent South Africans, including judges, religious and business leaders, scientists, and notable figures like actor John Kani and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, to champion the process.
This initiative follows the first anniversary of South Africa’s 10-party government of national unity (GNU), formed after the African National Congress lost its outright majority due to disillusionment with its governance, particularly concerning corruption.
The GNU has experienced internal strife over matters such as the national budget and black empowerment laws.
