2 days ago
Foundations and civil society rally to make national dialogue work
DESPITE clear challenges facing South Africa like rampant youth unemployment, deepening inequality, crime, and a failing economy, the government still insists on a multimillion rand national dialogue. The writer argues for foundations and civil society organisations' involvment
Sthembiso Sithole
FOUNDATIONS and civil society remain committed to making South Africa great.
While there are mixed voices around the National Dialogue, that shouldn't discourage individuals or organisations from participating and making a meaningful contribution.
To strengthen and deepen South Africa's constitutional democracy through inclusive and sustained dialogue, foundations and civil society continue to play a central role in the country and in preparation for the kick-off of the National Convention set to take place on 15 August 2025 ahead of the National Dialogue.
On 30 April 2024, former president Thabo Mbeki called for 'a new and truly inclusive national dialogue.'
He made this announcement during an event marking '30 Years of Democracy.'
On 01 May 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the Cosatu May Day Rally and expressed his support for the call for a national dialogue.
On 19 June 2024, Ramaphosa reiterated the call and support for the national dialogue. Since then, foundations, civil society organisations, and ordinary South Africans have come out in full support of the initiative, while others continue to raise concerns about the dialogue.
Post-1994, despite the efforts made to improve lives and service delivery, the country is still faced with inequality, unemployment, poverty, violence, crime, and social discord, which affect the lives of millions of South Africans.
Let's face it, the country stands at a critical juncture.
This moment calls for all of us to critically reflect with honesty on the journey travelled and work together to come up with practical solutions to make South Africa a better place.
The National Dialogue is a citizen-led nationwide initiative to respond to the country's democratic challenges supported by government, civil society, and foundations.
It is expected to result in a shared national vision with an action plan. The National Dialogue is an opportunity for all South Africans from all demographics to address these challenges and help restore the country to a place of progress and development in the next 30 years.
It's for that reason that the role of civil society and foundations should be supported. The dialogue is a perfect platform for South Africans to engage robustly and ensure that all voices are heard in shaping the future of the country.
Government, foundations, civil society, and many other representative bodies can't do everything on their own.
Citizens must play their part and participate fully and freely in the national dialogue.
The criticism and dissenting voices around the national dialogue should be welcomed, as they help bring another perspective with the intention to contribute to the outcomes of the dialogue.
Like Deputy President Paul Mashatile said, the national dialogue is not a party-political exercise, but it's for the people and by the people.
Just like during the dark days under apartheid, civil society and foundations have organised themselves to play an active role in mobilising South Africans to participate in the national dialogue.
This moment needs all of us to unite and work together as we navigate the next 30 years of South Africa.
(Sithole is a PhD student, communications and social media specialist. His views don't reflect those of the Sunday Tribune or IOL)
