First National Convention concludes, sets stage for launch of National Dialogue
Over two days, civil society groups, foundations and community leaders debated how to build a people-led process that can address the country’s most pressing challenges.
The national convention held at the University of South Africa (UNISA)’s main campus in Pretoria on 16 August 2025. Picture: Simphiwe Nkosi/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The first National Convention has concluded in Pretoria, setting the stage for the launch of the National Dialogue.
Over two days, civil society groups, foundations and community leaders debated how to build a people-led process that can address the country’s most pressing challenges.
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The convention faced multiple hurdles, with accreditation delays, complaints about accessibility for people with disabilities and even some organisations walking out of plenary sessions.
The next step is the formation of a steering committee - drawn from different sectors - to guide the national dialogue as it rolls out across communities nationwide.
Former politician Lindiwe Mazibuko, now part of the Eminent Persons Group, said, “This isn't just a dialogue for its sake. It's a dialogue with a purpose to pull together a set of policies, a program of action, and a national compact for who it is and, what we want to be as a nation for the next 30 years.”