Let the real dialogue start

We now have a vigorous National Dialogue, but not the kind which President Cyril Ramaphosa wanted.

- Martin Williams

The nation is talking, without guidance from Ramaphosa's team of "eminent" South Africans which is due to meet on Friday to set the agenda.

KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has set the tone with allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and others.

Coupled with the Sunday Times lead story about how the court system is compromised because prosecutors offer out-of-court cash settlements, this has generated uproar about justice in South Africa.

Who can deny there are big problems with our justice system?

Public trust in the police was already low. It's sinking further. The people are speaking, loudly. They will not be deflected by the ANC's attempts to control and divert the narrative.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula whines about Mkhwanazi's failure to adhere to protocol at media conferences, as if that is the issue.