The National Dialogue process has entered a crucial new phase with the completion of nominations for representatives to serve on the National Dialogue Steering Committee.

The first National Convention, held in August, approved the committee’s mandate, composition and responsibilities, and tasked 26 identified sectors with nominating their representatives through internal consultations.

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The full list of nominees has now been submitted to the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) for quality assurance. The EPG will review and submit its recommendations to President Cyril Ramaphosa for final approval.

Once confirmed, the Steering Committee will lead the rollout of public dialogues across the country. The appointment process is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.

President Ramaphosa has also received the Handover Report from the Convention Organising Committee (COC), marking the conclusion of the COC’s mandate. The committee was established to convene the inaugural National Convention after some legacy foundations withdrew from the process.

In a statement, the President commended the COC, the EPG and the Inter-Ministerial Committee for ensuring that hundreds of delegates from across the country were able to participate in the National Convention.

“As a country, we owe a great debt of gratitude to the members of the Convention Organising Committee. It is extremely important now that the momentum that has been built up and the expectations that have been raised are not allowed to dissipate.”

He also acknowledged the contribution of civil society organisations and foundations that helped launch the National Dialogue.

The EPG, the Inter-Ministerial Committee and the Presidency will continue to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the process until the Steering Committee is formally appointed.

Meanwhile, work is underway to establish a fully-fledged National Dialogue Secretariat at NEDLAC, which will provide institutional and administrative support.

The full Report of the National Convention is available for download here.