National Planning Commission warns over neglect of vulnerable groups
JOHANNESBURG - The National Planning Commission has expressed concern about the needs of vulnerable groups in society.
READ: Black Sash and partners tackle social inequality
These concerns come as the country struggles to meet the goals of the National Development Plan by 2030.
Pearl Pillay from the National Planning Commission discussed the problems facing them and possible policy responses with eNCA.
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eNCA
a day ago
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National Planning Commission warns over neglect of vulnerable groups
JOHANNESBURG - The National Planning Commission has expressed concern about the needs of vulnerable groups in society. READ: Black Sash and partners tackle social inequality These concerns come as the country struggles to meet the goals of the National Development Plan by 2030. Pearl Pillay from the National Planning Commission discussed the problems facing them and possible policy responses with eNCA.
IOL News
a day ago
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Ramaphosa's national dialogue faces criticism as elitist talk shop
President Cyril Ramaphosa claims the dialogue will develop a national ethos and shared value system to unify a divided country, plagued by economic inequality, high crime, unemployment, and political instability. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the launch of a National Convention set for August 15, 2025, marking the formal start of a sweeping 'National Dialogue' process aimed at forging a new social compact and redefining what it means to be South African. The President claims the dialogue will develop a national ethos and shared value system to unify a divided country, plagued by economic inequality, high crime, unemployment, and political instability. But critics are already branding the initiative as out of touch, elitist, and likely to result in little more than symbolic gestures. Ramaphosa has appointed a group of 'Eminent Persons' to oversee the process, including former IEC chair Dr Brigalia Bam, Justice Edwin Cameron, Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi, and humanitarian Dr Imtiaz Sooliman of Gift of the Givers. While the group brings gravitas, analysts argue it lacks meaningful representation of ordinary South Africans. Political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela from the University of KwaZulu-Natal noted that many in the group are long-time associates of Ramaphosa, including former negotiator Roelf Meyer, raising concerns that the process will serve the President's political image more than the public interest. 'These individuals are respected, yes, but they don't reflect the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens. This may end up being another of Cyril's talk shops that yields no real results,' Ntombela said. The dialogue has also conspicuously excluded political heavyweights and vocal critics of Ramaphosa, including DA Federal Council Chair Helen Zille and former President Jacob Zuma. Their respective parties — the Democratic Alliance and MK Party — secured second and third place in the recent general election, yet were left out of the process. Zuma did initiate dialogues related to the National Development Plan (NDP) during his presidency. National dialogues are not a new thing; the National Development Plan 2030, adopted in 2012 under Zuma's administration, was designed as a long-term strategy to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality in South Africa. To give the NDP public traction, Zuma's administration held dialogues, public consultations, and stakeholder engagements with various sectors of society, including business, civil society, labour unions, and traditional leaders. Foundations named after former presidents Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, and Ahmed Kathrada— each with a track record of hosting their policy dialogues — were also excluded. Analysts suggest this may be due to their vocal criticism of Ramaphosa's leadership, especially regarding corruption and poor governance. 'They've spoken out against Ramaphosa the same way they once did against Zuma,' said Ntombela. 'Their exclusion is telling.' Professor Theo Neethling expressed disappointment at the lack of transparency surrounding the dialogue. 'Before we get carried away with enthusiasm, we must ask: Who exactly constitutes the 'national' in this National Dialogue? Who chose these participants? And why is youth representation so conspicuously absent?' Neethling added that involving the business sector is important, but warned that the effort could be meaningless if not backed by action. 'Without concrete implementation plans and inclusive consultation, this initiative risks becoming yet another talk shop.' Despite these concerns, Ramaphosa insists the dialogue will be a phased, participatory process. The August convention will be followed by provincial and sectoral consultations, leading up to a second national convention in 2026, where a national programme of action will be adopted. But South Africans have heard such promises before. Previous dialogues and commissions have often ended in reports gathering dust while the country's challenges deepened.'This is not our first national conversation,' said Ntombela. 'We've been here before—with summits, commissions, and imbizos that resulted in no change. Until the President starts engaging real power-brokers and grassroots voices, we're just going through the motions again.'
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EFF slams Ramaphosa's call for national dialogue as publicity stunt
EFF said it will engage in the dialogue but insists the country already held one in May 2024. President Cyril Ramaphosa's call for a national convention to set the agenda for a national dialogue has drawn mixed reactions, with the EFF slamming it as a 'meaningless publicity stunt by a limping President'. In his announcement on Tuesday night, Ramaphosa stated that the national dialogue has been discussed by various national leaders and other stakeholders for some time. National dialogue The national convention is scheduled to take place on 15 August. Ramaphosa mentioned that the national dialogue will drive progress toward the country's Vision 2030 and lay the foundation for the next phase of South Africa's National Development Plan. 'We expect that the National Convention will finalise a compact that outlines the roles and responsibilities of all South Africans.' ALSO READ: Ramaphosa announces 'Eminent Persons Group' to guide national dialogue – These are the people appointed National dialogue nothing new The EFF said while it will participate in all aspects of the national dialogue, including attending every government programme, South Africa had its national dialogue in May 2024. 'That national dialogue led to the people of this country reducing the former liberation movement into just one of many political parties in this country without a majority mandate to lead, because they have failed!' 'False impression' The party said the national dialogue is yet 'another attempt to give the country a false impression of work being done.' 'The EFF views the pronouncement of a national dialogue as a meaningless publicity stunt by a limping president who is leading a limping former liberation movement. 'Furthermore, the EFF rejects completely and with contempt the appointed individuals who will form part of what is referred to as Eminent Persons, as there is nothing eminent about most of these individuals,' the red berets said. ALSO READ: 'What has gone wrong?' – Mbeki, Biko foundations call for national dialogue amid 'political crisis' 'Long overdue step' Good Party secretary-general Brett Herron said Ramaphosa's announcement of a national dialogue is a 'long-overdue step toward renewing South Africa's social contract'. 'The president's recognition that South Africans from every sector of society must have a voice in shaping our future is significant. However, we must guard against a process that becomes performative or elite-driven. 'A truly people-led dialogue must reach beyond the boardrooms and podiums, into townships, rural villages, informal settlements, and inner-city blocks, where the most urgent issues are felt most acutely, Herron said. ALSO READ: Mbeki says issue of renewal of ANC 'not an invention' [VIDEO] 'Forging unity' The ANC welcomed Ramaphosa's announcement of a national dialogue, stating the initiative marks an important national effort to 'forge unity, rebuild trust, and renew the country's collective commitment to social and economic transformation'. National spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the ANC has always placed dialogue at the centre of the struggle for liberation and nation-building. 'The ANC calls on its members, alliance partners, mass democratic formations, and all South Africans to actively participate in this National Dialogue. It is through open, principled engagement that we will define a renewed national vision and construct a new social compact anchored in shared responsibility'. Mbeki proposal The national dialogue was first proposed by former president Thabo Mbeki on the eve of the country's national and provincial elections in May 2024. Mbeki, while on the campaign trail, suggested to the ANC that it convene a national convention after the elections to address the country's problems. Diversity Ramaphosa said the national dialogue will represent the diversity of the South African nation, including representatives from government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organisations, women, youth and community voices, among others. The president said South Africans will, in the months following the national convention, be encouraged to be in dialogue to define the nation's path into the future. He stated that the views, concerns, and proposals that emerge from this conversation will be compiled and presented at a second National Convention, scheduled to take place at the beginning of 2026. NOW READ: Ramaphosa defends transformation: 'We must dispel the false notion'
