In a decisive move to confront South Africa’s persistent socio-economic challenges, President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled plans for a national convention on August 15, marking the start of an inclusive national dialogue. The initiative, announced during a televised address on Tuesday evening, seeks to address entrenched issues such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, crime, gender-based violence, and corruption, which continue to impede the nation’s progress.

“We are called upon to build a thriving, inclusive economy that creates jobs and opportunities,” Ramaphosa declared, emphasizing the convention’s role as a platform for all sectors of society to collaboratively shape South Africa’s future. The dialogue, structured in phases, will begin with local consultations and sectoral engagements, culminating in a second national convention in early 2026 to finalize a shared vision and actionable plan.

Ramaphosa underscored the participatory nature of the process, stating, “South Africans will be encouraged to engage in dialogue to define our nation’s path into the future.” The outcomes of these discussions will feed into the 2026 convention, which is expected to adopt a comprehensive programme aligned with the National Development Plan and Vision 2030.

To guide this ambitious undertaking, Ramaphosa has appointed an Eminent Persons Group, comprising respected figures such as Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, former Constitutional Court judge Edwin Cameron, and peace activist Ela Gandhi. Their role will be to ensure diverse voices are heard and integrated into the dialogue’s framework.

The government’s involvement will be coordinated by an Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, with strategic priorities set by a dedicated Steering Committee. Daily operations will be managed by a Secretariat based at the National Economic Development and Labour Council in Johannesburg.

Ramaphosa called on all South Africans to actively participate, framing the dialogue as a pivotal moment to redefine the nation’s trajectory. “This is our collective opportunity to forge a future that reflects the aspirations of every citizen,” he said.

The initiative has sparked cautious optimism among analysts, who see it as a potential turning point for a country grappling with systemic challenges, provided it translates into tangible outcomes.