Ramaphosa Calls for Inclusive, Citizen-Led National Dialogue at Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting

Pretoria, Friday, 17 January 2026 — President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to seize the National Dialogue process as a historic opportunity to confront the country’s deep-rooted challenges and forge a new social compact for the future.

Addressing the inaugural meeting of the National Dialogue Steering Committee, President Ramaphosa described the establishment of the Committee as a pivotal moment in South Africa’s democratic journey, saying its work would shape one of the most significant initiatives since the advent of democracy.

“We meet at a time of profound challenges,” the President said, noting that despite 32 years of democratic progress, poverty, unemployment and inequality remain “deep wounds” that continue to limit the nation’s potential. He added that crime, gender-based violence, corruption and growing public disengagement from democratic processes pose serious threats to social cohesion.

President Ramaphosa reminded the Committee that dialogue has been central to South Africa’s most important national milestones, from the Freedom Charter and the democratic Constitution to the National Peace Accord and the collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said these moments demonstrated the country’s ability to unite across differences in pursuit of shared solutions.

“Our diversity is our strength,” he said, adding that the National Dialogue must draw on the country’s wide range of experiences and perspectives.

The President explained that the Steering Committee was constituted following extensive sectoral consultations mandated by the National Convention held on 15–16 August 2025. He thanked the Eminent Persons Group for consolidating nominations from across society, as well as the former Convention Organising Committee and Secretariat for facilitating the process.

Outlining the Committee’s mandate, President Ramaphosa said it would be responsible for setting strategic priorities and coordinating the implementation of the National Dialogue. Its effectiveness, he stressed, would determine whether the process truly becomes citizen-led and society-wide.

He highlighted four key principles to guide the work of the Steering Committee. First, the dialogue must be inclusive, ensuring that every sector, community and individual has a voice in shaping the country’s future. Second, it must be citizen-led, with outcomes reflecting the collective will of the people rather than government alone.

Third, the President underscored the need for effective coordination and governance, calling for close cooperation between the Steering Committee, the Eminent Persons Group, the Inter-Ministerial Committee and the Secretariat. He proposed that one of the Committee’s first tasks should be to establish clear mechanisms for coordination with the Eminent Persons Group.

Finally, President Ramaphosa said the process must promote understanding and healing, particularly as the country confronts difficult truths. “We must speak with courage and listen with humility,” he said.

The President said the work of the Steering Committee would culminate in synthesising views from thousands of conversations nationwide into a clear vision and programme of action to be adopted by a second National Convention.

“In many ways, you carry the hopes and aspirations of millions who long for a country where everyone can thrive,” President Ramaphosa told Committee members. He thanked them for their service and wished them strength and courage as they embark on what he described as vital national work.