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

Pretoria, 17 January 2026 — President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to seize the National Dialogue as a defining moment to confront the country’s enduring challenges and forge a new social compact for development, as he addressed the inaugural meeting of the National Dialogue Steering Committee.

Speaking at the meeting, President Ramaphosa thanked members of the Steering Committee for accepting what he described as a “call to service at a critical moment in our nation’s journey,” noting that their work would shape one of the most significant initiatives in South Africa’s democratic history.

The President acknowledged that while South Africa has made meaningful progress over the past 32 years in building a united and democratic society, deep-seated challenges remain. Poverty, unemployment and inequality continue to undermine the country’s potential, while crime, gender-based violence and corruption persist as threats to social cohesion. He further noted growing public disengagement from democratic processes.

Despite these challenges, President Ramaphosa reminded the gathering that dialogue and collective action have been central to South Africa’s most pivotal achievements. From the Freedom Charter and the democratic Constitution to the National Peace Accord and the country’s response to COVID-19, he said South Africans have repeatedly turned to dialogue, cooperation and partnership to shape their future.

“Our diversity is our strength,” the President said, stressing that the National Dialogue must draw on the full range of experiences and perspectives within society.

He explained that the composition of the Steering Committee was the result of an extensive sectoral consultation process mandated by the National Convention held in August 2025. The process, which took several months, culminated in nominations coordinated by the Eminent Persons Group and supported by the former Convention Organising Committee and the Secretariat.

Outlining the mandate of the Steering Committee, President Ramaphosa said its core responsibility would be to set strategic priorities and coordinate the implementation of the National Dialogue process. Its effectiveness, he added, would determine whether the initiative truly becomes a citizen-led, society-wide effort capable of reimagining South Africa’s future.

The President highlighted four guiding principles for the work ahead. First, the process must be inclusive, ensuring that every sector, community and individual has a voice in shaping solutions and defining the South Africa future generations will inherit. Second, the dialogue must be citizen-led, with outcomes reflecting the collective views of the people rather than those of government alone.

Third, President Ramaphosa emphasised the need for effective coordination and governance. He proposed that one of the Steering Committee’s initial tasks should be to establish strong mechanisms for cooperation with the Eminent Persons Group, the Inter-Ministerial Committee and the Secretariat to ensure transparency, credibility and coherence.

Finally, he said the dialogue must promote understanding and healing. As South Africans confront difficult questions and uncomfortable truths, discussions should be conducted with courage, humility and a commitment to reconciliation.

The President noted that the Steering Committee would be responsible for synthesising insights from thousands of conversations across the country into a clear vision and programme of action for adoption at the second National Convention.

“In many ways, you carry the hopes and aspirations of millions,” President Ramaphosa told committee members. “South Africans need confidence that participation in this process can advance their interests and secure a better future for their children.”

He concluded by thanking the Steering Committee for its service and wishing members strength and courage as they embark on what he described as vital work for the nation.