Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement in June 2025, South Africa will convene the First National Convention which begins a process of hosting a countrywide, people-led National Dialogue process. The Convention will take place from 15 to 17 August 2025 at the ZK Matthews Hall, University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria.
This historic gathering brings together representatives of all sectors of the South African society including government, political parties, civil society, traditional leaders, youth, religious groups, business, labour, academia, and government to reflect on the state of the nation and begin reimagining the future of our democracy.
The National Convention serves as the launchpad for an inclusive and people-led dialogue process aimed at carving a shared vision for the country. It is expected to come up with a clear roadmap to facilitate participation and ensure that citizens have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Dialogue process.
About the National Dialogue
The National Dialogue presents an opportunity to forge a new social compact that drives progress towards Vision 2030 and lays the foundation for South Africa's next National Development Plan.
The National Dialogue will cover many important issues, including some of the key challenges listed below.
- Poverty, inequality and hunger
- Economic transformation and job creation
- Social cohesion and nation building
- Gender-based violence and safety
- Governance, accountability, and participatory democracy
- Land reform and food security
The process is guided by an Eminent Persons Group, drawn from across all sectors of society, whose mandate is to develop a concrete strategy to ensure that the National Dialogue is inclusive, transparent, and truly reflective of the voices of all South Africans. The Dialogue will unfold in phases – from local consultations and sectoral engagements to national conventions.
This initiative comes out of the realisation that the complex challenges faced by South Africans need a lasting solution which is informed by the collective wisdom of the people of this country.
The National Dialogue will continue in phases after the Convention through local conversations, public engagements, and further conventions until a lasting democratic renewal is achieved.
The rallying call is: “Let us come together to shape the South Africa we want. Uniting Voices, Shaping the Nation”.
As part of the preparations for the first National Convention, the Eminent Persons Group will be made available for media interviews from the 6th of August 2025. They will engage more about their role ahead of the National Convention, what to expect and the importance of South Africans participating in the National Dialogue.
Members of the media who wish to schedule interviews with the EPGs can send their requests to: Sithembiso Sithole 078 356 4355 or Anga Jamela 082 671 5764.
To learn more about the National Dialogue and the structures involved visit the following websites and follow the conversation on social media platforms:
A National Dialogue | SONA 2025
https://nedlac.org.za/national-dialogue/
X: @NatDialogueZA
Facebook: National Dialogue South Africa
Instagram: Natdialogueza
LinkedIn: National Dialogue South Africa
Media Enquiries on the National Dialogue and National Convention contact:
Sthembiso Sithole – Civil Society Representative
Cell: 078 356 4355
Anga Jamela – Civil Society Representative
Cell: 082 671 5764
William Baloyi – Government Representative
Cell: 083 390 7147
#GovZAUpdates
