Preparations For National Convention Continue Despite Differences In Planning Team

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By DSD News.

  • President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the first National Convention will proceed on 15 August 2025 despite divisions within the interim Preparatory Task Team (PTT).
  • The convention will bring together 200 organisations from 33 sectors to launch the National Dialogue process, aimed at fostering inclusive discussion on the country’s challenges.
  • Some founding organisations have stepped back from event planning but remain committed to encouraging participation in the broader dialogue.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the first National Convention will proceed on 15 August 2025 despite divisions within the interim Preparatory Task Team (PTT).

On Thursday 7 August 2025, the President met with PTT representatives responsible for organising the convention and preparing for the public dialogues to follow. Members reported differences on several issues, including the state of readiness to deliver the event as planned. Some representatives from the Foundations involved in the initial planning argued that the convention should be postponed.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the National Convention is a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing the country. “Ever since we announced the date of the first National Convention, South Africans from all parts of society have been getting ready to take part in the local conversations that will follow. There is a great desire to get involved and be heard,” he said.

While acknowledging the challenges, he stressed that the event must proceed as scheduled. “The National Convention must happen so that South Africa’s people can take ownership and control of the National Dialogue. Invitations have gone out to organisations across the country and delegates are preparing themselves to attend the convention. It is at the National Convention that the people of South Africa will take over and run with the National Dialogue process,” he said.

Following the decision to continue, some Foundations indicated they would step back from organising the event and participating in the PTT, though they remained committed to supporting the process and encouraging public participation. President Ramaphosa thanked the Foundations for initiating and championing the dialogue, expressing regret at their withdrawal but welcoming their intention to remain engaged.

On Friday 8 August 2025, the President met with the co-chairs, deputy chairs, and secretary of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) prominent South Africans appointed to act as guarantors of the National Dialogue. The EPG called for inclusivity, credibility, effective coordination, and stronger communication, reaffirming their voluntary commitment to help lay the foundations for a vibrant national conversation.

Co-chairperson Prof Tinyiko Maluleke described the dialogue as “a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring all South Africans together to resolve our challenges and build a better future.”

The convention is expected to:

  • Endorse the need for and value of a National Dialogue.
  • Outline key themes for discussion.
  • Agree on the approach and modalities for public dialogues.
  • Finalise the establishment of a representative Steering Committee to oversee the process.

To ensure success, the organising team has been reorganised and strengthened with support from social partners and civil society formations. The National Dialogue will then unfold through public conversations at local and sectoral levels across the country.