By 
South Africa has been battling the triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality post-apartheid, these have resulted into escalated crime levels, land grabs and many undesirable outcomes.
A low performing economy of the country is not helping in resolving these challenges; the high unemployment rate continues to climb, especially amongst the youth. To address these challenges, including that of gender-based violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a National Dialogue on Tuesday, 10 June 205, that will seek solutions towards addressing these challenges.
Ramaphosa said the dialogue will be people led and will involve people from all walks of life, representatives from the different sectors, political parties, civil society, LGBTQI and business. He said he will convene a National Convention on the 15th of August, which will set the agenda for the National Dialogue to be held at local level, provincial, sectoral and national levels.
“For more than 30 years, we have worked together to realise the promise of our democratic Constitution. We have made great strides as a nation, expanding freedom, deepening democracy and building a better life for millions. Yet we face persistent challenges. Poverty, unemployment and inequality are deep wounds that prevent us from reaching our full potential as a nation and as a country.
Millions of people are under-employed and unemployed. Many of those who work earn wages that cannot sustain them or their families. Crime, gender-based violence and corruption are prevalent across our society. We are therefore called upon at this moment to direct all our efforts to build a thriving, inclusive economy that creates jobs and opportunities,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa.
He said the National Dialogue is a chance for all South Africans, from all walks of life, to come together and help shape the next chapter of the country’s democracy.
“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 will reinforce our shared values and adopt a common vision and programme of action for our country into the future,” said the President.
Ramaphosa further appointed an Eminent Persons Group (EPG) committee to lead the National Dialogue; he named the following as members of the EPG.
• Dr Brigalia Bam, former Independent Electoral Commission Chairperson,
• Mr Robbie Brozin, entrepreneur and business person,
• Judge Edwin Cameron, former Constitutional Court judge,
• Mr Manne Dipico, former Northern Cape Premier,
• Dr Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana coach and football legend,
• Ms Ela Gandhi, peace activist and stalwart,
• Prof Nomboniso Gasa, researcher and rural activist,
• Mr Bobby Godsell, business leader,
• Dr John Kani, award-winning actor,
• Mr Siya Kolisi, Springbok captain and world champion,
• Ms Mia le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024,
• His Grace Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, leader of the Zion Christian Church,
• His Grace Bishop Engenas Lekganyane, leader of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church,
• The Most Reverend Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town,
• Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Chairperson of the National Planning Commission,
• Dr Barbara Masekela, poet, educator and stalwart,
• Ms Lindiwe Mazibuko, former Member of Parliament,
• Mr Roelf Meyer, former Minister and constitutional negotiator,
• Ms Gcina Mhlope, storyteller, writer and actor,
• Ms Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, student activist and former Member of Parliament,
• Ms Kgothatso Montjane, Grand Slam tennis champion,
• Prof Harry Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu, former activist and educationist,
• Mr Bheki Ntshalintshali, unionist and former COSATU General Secretary,
• Hosi Phylia Nwamitwa, traditional leader,
• Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders,
• Dr Gloria Serobe, business leader,
• Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the Gift of the Givers,
• Prof Derrick Swartz, academic,
• Ms Lorato Trok, author and early literacy expert,
• Mr Sibusiso Vilane, mountaineer and adventurer,
• Mr Siyabulela Xuza, award-winning rocket scientist.
“UBaba uShembe uNyazi LweZulu has also been invited to join the Eminent Persons Group, but, as he is travelling, has not yet been able to confirm his availability,” said Ramaphosa.
