President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday advised members of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group not to be distracted by misinformation and misrepresentation, saying he expects the National Dialogue process to be contested and be used to score political points, or to advance interests.

Ramaphosa was speaking during a meeting with the Eminent Persons Group, which will guide and champion the National Dialogue.

He met with them at the Union Buildings, where he told them that they should not be surprised if there is “scepticism or disinterest” from some quarters.

Last month, Ramaphosa announced that a National Convention, which will set the agenda for the National Dialogue, will be held on August 15.

He explained that in the wake of government’s engagements with various entities, there was broad agreement to convene a National Dialogue, given the challenges facing the country.

He appointed an Eminent Persons Group, comprising leading figures in society, who he says reflect the great diversity of the nation, with a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building.

The members include former Independent Electoral Commission chairperson Dr Brigalia Bam; former Constitutional Court Judge Edwin Cameron; Banyana Banyana coach and football legend Dr Desiree Ellis; researcher and rural activist Professor Nomboniso Gasa; Springbok captain and world champion Siya Kolisi; leader of the Zion Christian Church Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane; Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba; chairperson of the National Planning Commission Professor Tinyiko Maluleke; student activist and former Member of Parliament Nompendulo Mkhatshwa and business leaders Dr Gloria Serobe and Bobby Godsell. 

The Labour Party of South Africa has launched an urgent High Court application to interdict Ramaphosa’s National Dialogue process, arguing that it is “unconstitutional, irrational, fiscally irresponsible", and excludes the working class.

ActionSA has called for the proposed National Dialogue to be halted, while Government of National Unity (GNU) member, the Democratic Alliance, has withdrawn from the Dialogue, a decision it made following Ramaphosa’s removal of Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield from the GNU Cabinet.

Ramaphosa claimed there was already misinformation and misrepresentation on the cost of the National Dialogue and on who was leading it.

“But that should not distract us from the work we have to do to give a platform to the millions of voices in our country, so that they may be heard and so that they may be counted,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the Eminent Persons Group should not fear criticism, but they should rather welcome it.

He said criticism was a signal that South Africans care about the country and were invested in its future.

“Most critics want a National Dialogue that is effective and inclusive,” he added.

He noted that dissenting voices made the debate richer and should make the outcomes more robust and meaningful.

He pointed out that the convening of a National Dialogue was endorsed by the ten political parties that constitute the GNU in their Statement of Intent and is incorporated into government’s Medium Term Development Plan.

ROLES AND TASKS

Ramaphosa pointed out that Friday’s meeting marked the start of the work of the Eminent Persons Group, which he said promised to be “challenging and rewarding”.

“As the Eminent Persons Group comes to understand its role and set out its tasks, we must recognise and appreciate the long road and the hard work that has brought us to this point,” he said.

He stressed that the Eminent Persons Group were not being asked to represent any constituency or organisation.

“…rather, you are being called upon to use your experience, acumen and energy to give South Africans confidence that participation in the National Dialogue can help to advance their interests and secure their future.

“We are asking you Eminent Persons to be champions of the National Dialogue, not cheerleaders,” he said.

The Eminent Persons are expected to critically consider the progress and the conduct of the National Dialogue, and provide advice where correction is required.

“If there are people being left out, we ask you to raise it. If there is confusion or misunderstanding or disarray, we ask you to help correct it. If there are groups that seek to commandeer the process, we ask that you alert us,” he urged.

OPPORTUNITY TO MOBILISE

Ramaphosa believes the National Dialogue is an opportunity to mobilise South Africans to address challenges and restore the country to the path of transformation, development and progress.

“. . . it is an opportunity to build on the achievements of the last three decades by defining a shared vision and a common programme to take the country forward. The National Dialogue draws on a rich tradition of discussion, debate and united action,” he noted.

He clarified that the National Dialogue does not displace the democratic processes mandated by the Constitution, noting that it’s outcomes cannot supersede the electoral mandates that parties carry into Parliament and the executive.

“But it can deliver a social compact that outlines clear commitments and responsibilities for different stakeholders, government, political parties, business, labour, civil society, communities and individual citizens,” he said.

INCLUSIVE

He urged that the Group ought to ensure the outcomes of the National Dialogue could be institutionalised in a manner that “informed and guided” the direction the country took.

“We have been clear that this dialogue must be as inclusive as possible. It cannot be partisan. It cannot favour one group or perspective over any other. It needs to be citizen-led, and the outcomes need to reflect the collective views of the South African people,” he said.

He explained that while the Head of State had a constitutional mandate to convene a National Dialogue and while government should use its capacity and resources to support and facilitate this process, the National Dialogue was neither government driven nor directed.

Ramaphosa noted that citizens must be able to “freely and fully” participate in the National Dialogue as individuals, in organised formations and through representative bodies.