Unity or Empty Talk? South Africa’s High-Stakes National Dialogue Begins

South Africa is set to begin a long-awaited National Convention on August 15 in Pretoria, aiming to unite leaders from government, business, civil society, and faith groups to chart the country’s next 30 years. President Cyril Ramaphosa envisions the summit as a turning point to tackle inequality, crime, and unemployment, but the initiative faces early turbulence. For instance, seven major foundations, including the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, have withdrawn from the initiative, citing government control and a rushed timeline. The Democratic Alliance, the African National Congress’s major coalition partner in the Government of National Unity, has also pulled out of the convention, dismissing it as an “expensive talk shop.” Critics fear the process lacks clear goals and decisive follow-up, while supporters say citizens are eager to engage.

DW