Mixed views on President Ramaphosa's National Dialogue

THERE are differing opinions on whether President Cyril Ramaphosa's national dialogue will have a significant impact or bring solutions to the pressing issues the country is facing.

- MASHUDU SADIKE and SIMON MAJADIBODU

On Tuesday, Ramaphosa announced the appointment of an “eminent persons group” made up of 31 South Africans who will lead the National Dialogue, set to take place on August 15.

Among others, the group includes Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, leader of the Zion Christian Church, Grace Bishop Engenas Lekganyane, leader of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church, Bheki Ntshalintshali, unionist and former COSATU General Secretary and Siya Kolisi, Springbok captain and world champion.

“At every turning point in our his-tory — from ending apartheid to building democracy — it has been dialogue that led us forward,” Ramaphosa stated.

The National Dialogue will not be a single event but a phased, participatory process unfolding through local consulta-tions, sectoral discussions and provincial gatherings.

It will culminate in a second convention in early 2026, where a national programme of action will be adopted, according to the president.

However, not all are on board with Ramaphosa’s dialogue initiative.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has rejected the dialogue as an “elitist farce”, saying it is a “staged theatre for the political elite”.