President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa will hold a national convention on 15 August, marking the launch of an inclusive national dialogue aimed at addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges.
In a televised address to the nation on Tuesday night, Ramaphosa noted that the dialogue is necessary to tackle poverty, unemployment, inequality, crime, gender-based violence and corruption – issues that continue to hinder national progress.
“We are called upon to build a thriving, inclusive economy that creates jobs and opportunities,” Ramaphosa said, adding that the convention will provide all sectors of society with a platform to shape the country’s future.
The national dialogue will unfold in phases, starting with local consultations and sectoral engagements, leading to a second national convention in early 2026 to finalise a shared vision and action plan.
“South Africans will in the months following the National Convention be encouraged to be in dialogue to define our nation’s path into the future,” Ramaphosa said.
“The views, concerns and proposals that will emerge from this conversation will be brought together at a second National Convention that is planned to be held in the beginning of next year.”
This second national convention is expected to adopt a common vision and programme of action for the country into the future.
To oversee the process, Ramaphosa has appointed an Eminent Persons Group, including leaders from business, civil society, the church, sports and the arts such as Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba; national rugby team captain Siya Kolisi; former Constitutional Court judge Edwin Cameron; and peace activist Ela Gandhi.
An Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will coordinate the government’s role, while a Steering Committee will set strategic priorities.
The Secretariat managing daily operations will be housed at the National Economic Development and Labour Council in Johannesburg.
Ramaphosa urged South Africans to actively participate, stating that the dialogue will shape the next phase of the country’s National Development Plan and Vision 2030.
