Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada foundations left out of national dialogue
None of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s predecessors were on the list that he announced on Tuesday night.
President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke at the launch of Operation Vulindlela Phase II at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 7 May 2025. Picture: @GovernmentZA/X
JOHANNESBURG - After months of calling for a National Dialogue, the Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, and Ahmed Kathrada foundations have seemingly not made the cut of those who will guide conversations on the country’s future.
None of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s predecessors were on the list that he announced on Tuesday night.
He has, however, appointed 31 prominent South Africans who will champion the National Dialogue.
The event, which was initially set for 16 December 2024, will now take place on 15 August.
As the Freedom Charter, a blueprint that ultimately birthed the country’s constitution marks 70 years, South Africans are being called upon once more to gather and imagine a shared future.
Ramaphosa said this idea is not new, as dialogue is in South Africa’s DNA.
“Every important moment in the history of our country, we have come together as a nation to confront our challenges and forge a path into the future.”
The president’s named 31 prominent South Africans to champion the project but has seemingly left out the many foundations who were at the forefront of calling for South Africans to talk among themselves.
Former President Thabo Mbeki, who’s consistently warned that the country’s liberation was in trouble, is not mentioned among those spearheading the dialogue.
But the likes of Reverend Thabo Makgoba, constitutional negotiator Roelf Meyer, Mam Gcina Mhlophe, and Miss South Africa Mia Le Roux are included.
The dialogue will happen in phases.
NOT A ONE-TIME EVENT
Ramaphosa said the country’s national dialogue will not be a one-time event.
He also announced on Tuesday night that a second meeting is scheduled for early 2026.
The president’s announcement speaks to widely shared concerns about the state of the country and its future.
He said this will be a people-led reflection on challenges facing South Africa.
“It will be a participatory process that unfolds in phases, from local consultations and sectoral engagements to provincial and national gatherings.”
The 31 prominent South Africans have also been appointed to an eminent persons group aimed at championing the national dialogue.
The president said this also presents an opportunity to finalise the long-anticipated social compact.
“This second national convention will reinforce our shared values and adopt a common vision and programme of action for our country into the future. We expect that the next phase will finalise our compact, which will set out the roles and responsibilities of every South African.”