WESTERN CAPE (South Africa), Dec 17 (NNN-SANEWS) — The structures and processes of South Africa’s National Dialogue will be in place in early 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa said.
The President made the announcement at the National Day of Reconciliation commemoration held at the Vredendal North Sports Ground in the Western Cape.
“We reaffirm our commitment to work together through a National Dialogue to define the path that our nation will take,” he said.
He added that through various actions, government is reigniting “our collective vision and shared passion to create a South Africa that works for all its people”.
“We are confronting our challenges with the courage and determination displayed during the darkest days of the struggle against apartheid.”
This he said as the country has a rich history of inclusive solutions to problems.
“I hereby announce that we will hold a National Dialogue next year to enable a conversation among citizens on shaping our country’s future developmental path. The National Dialogue will seek to build on the achievements of 30 years of democracy.”
The first citizen said the dialogue will give the country an opportunity to address the challenges it has been facing for the past 15 years of low growth and unemployment, poverty and hunger, poor governance, slow land reform and corruption.
“We will also want the National Dialogue to address pressing challenges such as gender-based violence and femicide, social fragmentation, racism, homophobia and sexism, violence and instability.
The National Dialogue will strengthen and consolidate the process of social compacting, where we come together as different sectors and communities to find common solutions.
It is envisaged that the National Dialogue will be informed by an extensive public consultation process in local areas organised by various sectors of society,” he explained.
The President first made the announcement of the National Dialogue during his inauguration in June.
Since then, many representations from civil society, including foundations established by stalwarts of the struggle for freedom, have been received.
“Further consultation is underway with other formations within society on the form and content of the National Dialogue.”
In addition, the President will appoint an Advisory Panel of Eminent Persons to provide guidance and advice through the National Dialogue Process in due course.
The Advisory Panel will include men and women of stature who have played prominent roles in nation building and advancing social cohesion.
“I will also appoint a National Dialogue Steering Committee to coordinate the National Dialogue process. This Steering Committee will include representation from the Foundations that have played a leading role in championing the idea of the National Dialogue process, government, labour, business and the community constituency.”
“All the necessary structures and processes of the National Dialogue will be in place early in the new year so that the preparations can commence in earnest. We expect that the National Dialogue will reach agreement on the critical challenges facing the nation. It is expected to develop a shared vision of what it means to be a South African and of a common value system, that will guide current and future generations.
“With a renewed commitment to social justice, economic empowerment, and cultural understanding, our country can continue to build on its achievements. We can fulfil our destiny to be a truly reconciled, equal, caring and united nation.”
The President also called on South Africans to make the country’s Presidency of the G20 a success.
“Next year, South Africa will become the first African country to lead the influential group of the world’s largest economies, the G20. We have outlined an ambitious agenda for our G20 Presidency under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability’.
“I call on all South Africans to be part of making South Africa’s Presidency a success,” he said adding that the road ahead will not be easy.
South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 on Dec 1.
The G20 group comprises many of the world’s largest developing and developed economies. It was established to tackle pressing global economic and financial issues. Together, G20 members account for around 85 percent of global GDP and 75 percent of international trade. — NNN-SANEWS
