National Dialogue: Archbishop Makgoba urges communities to take charge

ANGLICAN Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has urged communities across South Africa not to allow politicians to take control of the National Dialogue.

- THEOLIN TEMBO. [e-mail]

Makgoba, who was appointed by the president to be among the Eminent Persons Group, was speaking during a church service at Taung in the North ‘West Province.

The National Dialogue is a government initiative designed to unite South Africans in addressing the country’s most pressing issues.

This includes social, economic, and political challenges. Its purpose is to spark discussions at a grassroots level, identify common ground, build a collective vision for progress, and strengthen democratic processes.

The phased, participatory process involves local consultations, sectoral discussions, and provincial gatherings. There is expected to be a second convention in early 2026 where a national programme of action will be adopted.

The Eminent Persons Group is made up of leading figures in society with a proven commitment to advancing social cohesion and nation-building.

Pointing out that the process would include nearly 14 000 community dialogues at ward, district and sectoral levels, Makgoba said: “Given the levels of dissatisfaction at the grassroots in our society, any politician who thinks he or she can control the process is sorely mistaken. The process can generate new policies and even new political parties.