President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially opened the First National Convention at UNISA in Pretoria on Friday, 15 August.

The Convention will launch a wider nationwide dialogue process, which aims to address key challenges in South Africa and shape a shared future for all citizens.

This initial two-day event brings together 1,000 delegates from across society and will set the agenda for an inclusive, citizen-led National Dialogue.

The National Dialogue is set to unfold in every ward of the country over the next 9 months.

Ramaphosa opened the inaugural sitting of the National Convention of the National Dialogue by expressing deep gratitude to the diverse delegates present, saying he was humbled that so many had travelled from across South Africa to take part.

He emphasised that this gathering was a non-partisan national platform where no voice is too small and no perspective too inconvenient to be heard.

He said South Africa is meeting at a time of profound challenges, economic hardship, unemployment, inequality, growing poverty, and a crisis of confidence in public institutions, in a rapidly changing world. How the country responds to these challenges, he said, will define the next generation.

The president highlighted the rich diversity in the hall: farmers, informal traders, civic activists, policy makers, traditional leaders, waste pickers, industrial workers, unemployed youth, graduates, religious leaders, public servants, young and old.

“We are South Africans, sons and daughters of the same soil,” he said, sharing a common history, pain, and pride, as well as a shared destiny.

Ramaphosa noted that while some groups historically refused to participate in national dialogues, citing the PAC’s absence from the Freedom Charter and Constitution processes,  they are now engaging, realising the value of being heard. He warned that those who choose to stand outside may one day regret not taking part.

He called for frank conversations about the country’s deepest issues: gender-based violence, inequality in wealth and opportunity, racial disparities in children’s prospects, the gender pay gap, discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people, failing public services, and corruption. “We must be ready to not only ask hard questions, but to act on the answers,” he said.

The president said the Dialogue aims to spark “a million conversations” in homes, community halls, schools, churches, mosques, temples, boardrooms, lecture rooms, and online. The process will be citizen-led, guided by an Eminent Persons Group of respected South Africans, including Brigalia Bam, Robbie Brozin, Edwin Cameron, Desiree Ellis, Bobby Godsell, John Kani, Siya Kolisi, Lindiwe Mazibuko, Roelf Meyer, Imtiaz Sooliman and others, appointed to steer the process with integrity.

Ramaphosa stressed that the Dialogue must be affordable, using free or low-cost venues such as schools and churches, and avoiding unnecessary spending. He reiterated that this is not a government-led process, but one driven by the people, with government playing a supporting “light-touch” role.

He concluded by urging all South Africans to participate, listen with humility, speak with courage, and work together towards a bold yet practical shared national vision, one that strengthens social cohesion, national unity, and builds a capable, ethical state.

“I declare the First National Convention of the National Dialogue officially open,” he said to applause.

Follow the proceedings at the LIVE SABC Link below: