UNISA hopes National Dialogue Convention will nurture SA's young democracy

JOHANNESBURG - The University of South Africa (UNISA) says it hopes the convention to the National Dialogue will nurture the country’s young democracy.

UNISA is hosting the two-day convention at its main campus in Pretoria.

The two-day convention aims to finalise the modalities and finer details of the National Dialogues, which are set to take place across the country over the next few months.

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Over 100 representatives from civil organisations, NPOs and other sectoral groups have made their way to the UNISA main campus in Pretoria.

The convention to the National Dialogue represents the first step of government’s attempt to rebuild the social compact it has with the people.

UNISA spokesperson, Boitumelo Senokoane, said the university was happy to provide a venue for these important talks.

"UNISA is more than only teaching and learning or research. We have got a responsibility amongst the many to activate a dialogue within communities but even beyond that to ensure democracy is nurtured within our society."

Senokoane said the university could not comment on the decision of its chancellor and former state president, Thabo Mbeki, to boycott the event.