ANC's Bhengu-Motsiri: National Dialogue is for all South Africans, not just politicians

IOL News

17 hours ago

ANC National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri says the National Dialogue must involve all South Africans in shaping a future that tackles crime, corruption, and inequality while protecting democratic gains.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said she believes the National Dialogue Convention marks a significant moment in South Africa's history, one that should unite all South Africans in confronting the country's most pressing challenges.
Speaking outside UNISA, where the national dialogue is being hosted, Bhengu-Motsiri stressed the importance of broad participation, noting that this is not a dialogue for politicians or any single sector, but one for 'the people of South Africa and by the people of South Africa.'
'We trust, as the ANC, that all South Africans from all walks of life, white or black, African or coloured or Indian, Christian, Muslim and all of the different religions represented in our country, organised civil society in the form of non-government organisations, in the form of public benefit organisations, we trust that they are going to utilise this opportunity for what it is worth,' she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri said the dialogue must tackle core issues such as crime, unemployment, the land question, gender-based violence, and inequality.
But beyond that, she said, it must also serve as a platform to build a shared national vision, one that addresses questions of patriotism, sovereignty, foreign policy, and most importantly, 'how to defend the gains of democracy.'
She highlighted corruption as a central concern, warning against both public and private sector corruption and pointing out how ordinary citizens can sometimes enable corrupt practices.