The national dialogue is neither national nor a dialogue - but it can become that – Part One

21st January 2025

The national dialogue is neither national nor a dialogue - but it can become that – Part One

Raymond Suttner

Why a national dialogue and what does it mean?

From the first time the idea of a “national dialogue” was mentioned during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inaugural address, significant aspects of the concept have never been elaborated. Nor have processes necessary for their realisation been spelt out or even articulated. This affects its potential meanings and processes necessary for its realisation.

Professor Raymond Suttner unpacks part one of his column, 'The national dialogue is neither national nor a dialogue - but it can become that'.