President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 15 August 2025, officially open the First National Convention at the University of South Africa’s ZK Matthews Great Hall in Pretoria, marking the start of an ambitious, nationwide National Dialogue aimed at rebuilding trust, addressing South Africa’s deepest challenges, and shaping a shared future.
The two-day convention, running from 15–16 August, will bring together around 1 000 delegates from across the country, representing the diversity of the South African nation.
Participants will include representatives from government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional and religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organisations, women’s and youth groups, and community-based organisations.
An Agenda for the Future
The First National Convention will serve as an agenda-setting and roadmap process, charting the way forward for an inclusive and citizen-led dialogue.
The National Dialogue process will be divided into phases, beginning with this opening convention and concluding with a Second National Convention, where outcomes will be consolidated into a People’s Compact.
This compact will outline commitments by citizens, sectors, government, business, labour, civil society, and families to heal and rebuild the nation.
President Ramaphosa has appointed an Eminent Persons Group drawn from across all sectors of society to ensure the dialogue process is inclusive, transparent, and truly representative of all South Africans.
In addition, an Inter-Ministerial Committee led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile will coordinate the government’s contribution to the process.
Tackling South Africa’s Most Pressing Challenges
According to the Presidency, the National Dialogue will focus on critical issues, including:
- Poverty, inequality, and hunger
- Economic transformation and job creation
- Social cohesion and nation-building
- Gender-based violence and community safety
- Governance, accountability, and strengthening democracy
- Land reform and food security
The process will feature ward-based and citizen-initiated dialogues, encouraging communities to develop Community Action Plans and Sectoral Compacts for sustained, people-led development. These engagements aim to strengthen civil society, foster mutual accountability, and deepen democratic participation.
From Grassroots to National Stage
Following the First National Convention, the dialogue will extend across the country, with sectoral engagements and community dialogues taking place in both rural and urban areas.
The Presidency says this inclusive approach is designed to ensure every corner of South Africa, and every sector of society, has the opportunity to shape the agenda and outcomes.
“The National Dialogue is a process of learning by doing, sharing, problem-solving, and listening to each other as we co-create the People’s Compact,” the Presidency said in a statement.
With the participation of leaders, community members, and interest groups from all walks of life, the National Dialogue aims not only to address pressing socio-economic challenges but also to re-energise community and citizen agency, fostering a renewed sense of shared responsibility for South Africa’s future.
