National Convention kicks off amid political tensions and cost concerns

The much-anticipated National Convention in Pretoria has brought together political parties, civil society, business, labour, and traditional leaders to pave the way for South Africa’s nine-month National Dialogue — aimed at tackling the country’s socio-economic and political challenges.

Opening the first day of the convention, President Cyril Ramaphosa, said he expects the dialogue to surpass its goal of engaging 10 million South Africans, with plans to reach 13,500 people through ward-based conversations and more than 50,000 via media platforms.

Ramaphosa reminded delegates that dialogue has long been part of South Africa’s political fabric, noting that democracy itself was achieved through such engagement. He also invited those who had withdrawn from the process to return and contribute.

Addressing concerns over costs, the President assured that the dialogue will cost far less than the initial R700 million estimate, saying he had instructed organisers to cut expenses.

 

A citizen-composed steering committee — with minimal government involvement aside from financial and logistical support — is expected to be elected at the close of the National Convention.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says this will ensure the process remains citizen-focused and community-driven.

Former Member of Parliament and Deputy Chair of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group, Lindiwe Mazibuko, stressed the need to include unemployed graduates in the process, describing them as key to finding long-term solutions for the country’s challenges.

She called it appalling that essential workers, including newly qualified doctors, are unable to find jobs.

The Eminent Persons Group will be responsible for guiding, championing, and overseeing the dialogue, ensuring it remains inclusive, fair, and free from political manipulation, while holding organisers accountable throughout the process.

 

The African National Congress (ANC) has dismissed allegations that it is using the dialogue as a campaign platform ahead of next year’s local government elections.

ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu, said the party is participating like any other stakeholder in the process.

Bhengu also rejected what she called baseless claims, driven by right-wing groups, that the ANC is hijacking the process for electioneering purposes.

Bhengu added that the withdrawal of former president Thabo Mbeki from the dialogue would not spark conflict with President Cyril Ramaphosa. She also confirmed that ANC branches will remain actively engaged until the process concludes.

 

The convention will wrap up on Saturday, when a citizen-composed steering committee will be formally elected to guide the dialogue as it begins its nationwide journey to hear directly from ordinary South Africans.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe