Latest news with #EminentPersonsGroup
News24
5 days ago
- Politics
- News24
An open and candid letter to EPG leader Brigalia Bam on the National Dialogue
My Dear Esteemed Sister Congratulations on your appointment as an elder and leader of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), in our beautiful yet troubled country, SA. This is in respect to the all too consequential subject of the National Dialogue. No other suitable and eminent candidate could have been identified for this responsibility. Like numerous citizens of our country, one can vouch for many in the group as eminent, whereas some are better recognised as prominent. Regardless of terminology, the assignment the group has been tasked with requires complete and genuine independence of thinking on the part of the members, as well as a collective endeavour to arrive at a credible outcome. Most citizens of our country have been victims of high-flown false flags from numerous conferences and position papers, which resulted in deferred dreams of a better life for all. The crisis in SA is the pivotal reason the National Dialogue process has been initiated. To a large degree, it is an admission that things are falling apart. After three decades of democratic rule, this is not where SA should be. On the announcement of the dialogue process by President Cyril Ramaphosa, there was a cacophony of mixed reactions for and against this initiative and its related structures. My immediate text message to some interlocutors was as follows: '…This thing has a chance to make or break. If it becomes an elitist exercise, camouflaged as a national dialogue while being a 'monologue' of sorts, then it is doomed. However, if it is about really interrogating how the nation landed in the situation which led to this clarion call and genuinely results in implementable, practical and people-sensitive outcomes, then it must be supported wholeheartedly.' Wethu, in this open and candid letter to you in your capacity as the esteemed leader of the EPG, I have opted to go more into detail, beyond my initial reaction. Although there have been several voices toying with the need for a national discourse in respect of many crises confronting the country, it is widely acknowledged that the concretisation of the National Dialogue idea is the brainchild of former president Thabo Mbeki. It stands to reason that the dialogue idea might have been precipitated on his part, by the electoral misfortunes of the majority party, the ANC, during the last general elections. Dialogues? We have been there before The history of SA, following the painful colonial wars and conquest, characterised by the forceful capture of our land, is riddled with various types of dialogue. The major and historical national dialogues include: The formative Bloemfontein conference of the SA Native National Congress – later the ANC – in 1912. Its foundational objective was to forge the unity of all African tribes in our territory to continue with the anti-colonial resistance for the restoration of our birthright and for national self-determination. Simultaneously, the other critical mission of this gathering was to chart the way forward for the creation of an inclusive South African nation. This was a response to the formation, earlier in 1910 by European conquerors, of an exclusive white racist Union of SA. The purpose of this racist union was the unification of the then four white 'republics' and colonies of the Transvaal, Natal, Orange Free State and the Cape, underpinned by the oppressive philosophy of white domination. The Kliptown Congress of the People of 1955 was convened 43 years later, at which various organisations assembled. (The government of the day was also invited but declined. However, a year later, in 1956, the apartheid regime responded by unleashing its security forces and arresting 156 leaders for treason.) Nevertheless, this dialogue culminated in the adoption of the Freedom Charter. It contained the people's democratic demands. These became the expression of the will of the majority of South Africans regarding the creation of a future democratic state. Convention for a Democratic Future, Codesa. This preeminent dialogue in 1991 became a watershed moment because the apartheid regime was finally compelled to sit down with its victims to map a way forward for the drafting of a democratic Constitution and the creation of a new democratic state. The National Development Plan of 2012 and several other national dialogues were convened, including sectoral ones, to address many issues confronting the country over the last three decades. Focus on the National Dialogue 2025 A dialogue is defined as a discussion, an exchange of views by two or more people, with a view to solving problems. The greatest challenge today in SA, regarding societal problems and crises, is not, as it is assumed, that of merely defining or mapping the road ahead for the next 30 years, or devising a 'plan of action' of how to get there. The greatest and fundamental question that we must stare in the face is about interrogating the following: How did we as South Africans, in the first place, end up in this quagmire of political and socioeconomic problems that have become a crisis today? It stands to reason that, to define the road ahead, there should be a clear understanding of where we come from, the causality of the problems and which forces should be held to account. As the saying goes, those who ignore or fail to understand the errors of history are bound to repeat them in an attempt to rush headlong into the future. More so, a well-respected philosopher once proclaimed: 'History teaches that man learns nothing from history.' Thus, it is extremely crucial, for the sake of a successful National Dialogue, that we dig deep to comprehend how we got here in the first place. In addition, we must interrogate the type of leadership, or leadership style, which landed us in this crisis. It would be unhelpful and misleading, to characterise the situation euphemistically as 'challenges'. A spade must be called a spade. This National Dialogue is about a national crisis if the type of organisation, forces and finances required for it are realistic – a job-shedding economy, rising youth unemployment, continuous grinding mass hunger and poverty experienced by many, escalating energy insecurity through mass electricity blackouts or intermittent supplies, rampant drinking water and food insecurities affecting mostly the poorest of the poor, crumbling health and education services ... the list goes on. Quite clearly, for the sake of contributing more light into the discussion and less heat, the idea is to avoid, for the sake of this national debate, finger-pointing at personalities; rather point at problems. A caution on the nature and structure of deliberations: the arrangement of the discussions during the dialogue, driven by the presentation of position papers, aimed at guiding the conversations ought to be avoided. Such a method has previously on many occasions, at different forums, been utilised to 'guide' and 'shape' the discussions. The conference must be where constructive ideas are generated rather than where the conference participants are reduced to editors of position papers, some of which are drafted in verbose and technical language, which may be construed as influencing the direction of discussions. It is hereby suggested that scribes should collect and collate discussion points and therefrom experts produce conference reports. It would be more productive to allow the people to express themselves adequately. Participants should never be made to feel muzzled in any way. Great importance is attached to this exercise. There should be no holy cows. Extreme care must be taken to ensure that malfeasance and malcontents, no matter how highly placed, who are culpable for the quagmire the country finds itself in, should not find a way of exploiting the dialogue processes to worm their way back into relevance. This would be akin to the situation where the tattered-clothed arsonists of yesterday reappear the following day on the crime scene, dressed up in the immaculate uniforms of the fire brigade. The list of factors that have led to the country's crisis is endless and many elements have been left out of this letter. The boil must be lanced at this convention if the outcome is to be embraced by the nation as credible. Having stated all the above, it must nevertheless be emphasised, without any equivocation and with much pride, that not all hope is lost for our country. Since the dawn of democracy, there have been many positive developments in different areas and spheres that have occurred, particularly in the upliftment of the poorest of the poor. At the same time, it must be recognised that the crisis the country currently finds itself in is fraught with the danger of many gains being rolled back. Hence the need for a dialogue. As Madiba would always say: 'There are good men and women in our country who are there to shoulder the wheel of responsibility for the wherewithal of South Africans.' It is trusted and hoped that the voice of such people who are committed to the values, ethics, morality and overall principles of goodness, will be heard loudest during the dialogue. The issues which the EPG and other dialogue structures will be confronted with, are not to be taken lightly. By accepting the responsibility to serve in this structure, you and your team have staked your reputations for your country. That is an admirable commitment. It is patriotic! Last, but not least, if as reported, the dialogue's objective is to map a road for the next 30 years as well as an implementable a programme of action, then, judging by the average age of the EPG members, many of us, myself included, may no longer be here by then. Therefore, it is imperative that, during the National Dialogue, our country's young people ought to be prominent in the driver's seat, to a fairly reasonable extent, bolstered by the wisdom of eminent persons, such as your team. After all, needless to say, the 30-year future and beyond certainly belongs to the youth.
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
‘Hijacked' by the ANC? Maimane issues National Dialogue warning
The government has yet to confirm the details of the financial costs associated with the national dialogue. The government says it is still finalising details of a controversial National Dialogue that some fear may be hijacked by the ANC. The dialogue will give South Africans an opportunity to comment on the kind of country they want to live in and their concerns about the direction the country has taken. Speaking to The Citizen about preparations for the dialogue, presidential spokesperson Vince Magwenya said the government will give full details once they have been finalised. 'Preparatory meetings are underway to finalise various details. The Eminent Persons Group will be meeting the president soon,' Magwenya said. There has been a public outcry over the alleged proposed R700 million budget for the National Dialogue event. Fix SA, not the ANC Build One South Africa (Bosa) leader, Mmusi Maimane, told The Citizen that the dialogue should be treated as an occasion to respond to the country's problems and not those of the ANC. Talks about a national dialogue first surfaced during the election season last year, when some polls suggested that the ANC would lose the elections for the first time since 1994. 'National dialogues occur post a significant crisis, be it a war or pandemic, so ideally we should have had one post the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, what is needed is efficacy in governance. 'So, our call is that the dialogue must depart from the National Development Plan (NDP) and build on from there. The crisis is not the ANC's electoral losses, it is our economy and lack of jobs.' Maimane said. He said a plan should come out of this dialogue on how South Africa should be governed over the next 30 years. 'My suggestion is that a number of parties have a prior dialogue, explore realigning politics and offer a different model of how SA can be governed in the next 30 years. 'If we don't have the alternative, then a dialogue will be ANC hijacked and the outcomes will be the same,' he said. ALSO READ: Clarity sought on alleged R700m cost of National Dialogue South Africans must be part of the process Meanwhile, the president of the South African Council of Churches (SACC), Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, urged all South Africans to actively participate in the National Dialogue. 'The National Dialogue that has been committed to will require all of us to bring our complaints without allowing them to be curses, to speak our truths without weaponising them. 'To listen to the pain beneath the accusations; today's prayers prepare us for that dialogue,' he said. He described South Africa as a 'wrangling' nation in need of transformation and 'true reconciliation'. 'The fact of the matter is that we are a wrangling family. The recent events that have dominated our public conversation, the exodus of some citizens claiming persecution, the debates about the land and genocide, the accusations flying back and forth, those are not just political disagreements, they are the symptoms of a family that has never learnt how to be a family,' he said. Sipuka said black South Africans are unhappy about the slow pace of economic transformation and redress, while white citizens expressed anger about corruption and the collapse of ethical governance. 'We hear, 'Where is the acknowledgement of corruption that has become endemic and is destroying this country? 'Where is the accountability for the collapse of structures and systems that once worked for municipalities that no longer function, and infrastructure that crumbles, and for services that fail the very same people they were meant to serve?'' he said. NOW READ: 'Bring all to dialogue': Experts insist National Dialogue must be people-driven
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
From Cradle to Unemployment Line: A generation condemned to poverty
Graduate unemployment also remains a concern. Uasa has called for practical solutions to address South Africa's youth unemployment crisis, urging the government to include young voices in high-level decision-making. Image: Phill Magakoe AFP AS South Africa commemorates Youth Month under the theme 'Skills for the changing world – empowering youth for meaningful economic participation', two pressing issues demand urgent attention: the exclusion of young people from critical policy discussions and the systemic neglect of early childhood development (ECD), which experts warn perpetuates cycles of poverty and unemployment. Trade union Uasa has called for practical solutions to address South Africa's youth unemployment crisis, urging the government to include young voices in high-level decision-making. Uasa spokesperson Abigail Moyo welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's initiative to convene a national dialogue through an Eminent Persons Group, but cautioned that excluding unemployed youth risks rendering discussions 'out of touch with reality'. 'While the Eminent Persons Group comprises notable leaders who have made significant contributions to society and the economy, where are the young people who face the daily challenges of unemployment and inequality?' Moyo asked pointedly. 'We want to see young unemployed youth contributing to these dialogues, sharing their innovative ideas to help shape our future, the same way the youth of 1976 fought the apartheid system.' With youth unemployment exceeding 45%, Moyo stressed that the current generation must be given the same opportunities as the 1976 youth to drive change. 'We acknowledge the contributions made by the youth of 1976 in ending apartheid and shaping democracy. This is why we need the current generation on such platforms; it is time for them to lead and be part of the solutions for the next generation.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ She called for a dedicated forum where graduates, job seekers, and young entrepreneurs can engage directly with policymakers. 'While experience and wisdom are important, proactive solutions come from those living the daily realities of unemployment. Young people must be involved in policymaking where their perspectives are heard at the highest level.' Moyo also urged broader societal collaboration, saying: 'It is everyone's responsibility to shape an inclusive future with sufficient support.' As Youth Day approaches, Uasa extended solidarity to young South Africans, with Moyo affirming: 'Their voices matter, and their energy must be harnessed to build a better future.' While youth unemployment dominates headlines, experts cautioned that South Africa was failing its youngest citizens long before they enter the job market. Deb Zelezniak, chief executive of the Santa Shoebox Project, highlighted that more than 1.3 million children lacked access to early childhood development (ECD) programmes — a critical missed opportunity to break the poverty cycle. Though the government has allocated R10 billion to ECD — increasing daily subsidies from R17 to R24 per child and expanding access to 700 000 more children — Zelezniak argued this remains insufficient. 'The current R24 per child per day cannot cover the full cost of a quality ECD programme, estimated at at least R36,' she said. 'This won't meet the Department of Basic Education's goal of universal ECD access by 2030.'
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Jobless youth call for practical solutions in National Dialogue
Youth unemployment crisis in South Africa: A call to action. Image: Ron Lach/Pexels In a landscape where high unemployment and socio-economic disparities continue to plague South Africa, the voice of the youth is becoming increasingly pivotal. Abigail Moyo, spokesperson for the trade union UASA, has outlined the urgent need for practical and effective solutions that address the concerns of jobless young South Africans amid President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent address regarding the National Dialogue. The National Dialogue is lauded as a significant step towards generating constructive solutions to some of the country's most pressing issues. However, Moyo cautions that the dialogue may be 'somewhat out of touch with reality', as many South Africans, particularly the youth, are still grappling with the adverse effects of unemployment and inequality. Moyo expressed hope that the Eminent Persons Group, a team of distinguished leaders tasked with guiding the National Dialogue, will focus on the persistent challenges of unemployment and socio-economic difficulties. 'We hope they will help the government develop viable solutions to overcome this national crisis,' she said, highlighting the importance of addressing the grievances of the nation's youth. While acknowledging the expertise and achievements of the Eminent Persons Group, Moyo raised a key concern: the absence of young people in crucial discussions that shape their futures. 'Where are the young people who face the daily challenges of unemployment and inequality? We want to see them contributing to these dialogues and sharing their innovative ideas,' she urged, citing historical parallels with the youth who courageously fought against apartheid in 1976. This call to action is not merely a plea for inclusion; it is an urgent appeal for young voices to be integral in shaping policies that affect their lives. Just as the youth of 1976 played a critical role in reshaping South Africa's future, today's young generation is positioned to lead and contribute towards creating robust solutions for the generations that follow. Moyo advocates for the establishment of a dedicated forum that enables graduates and job seekers to engage in meaningful dialogue surrounding the real-life challenges they face. 'While experience, knowledge, and wisdom are important,' she remarked, 'some proactive solutions come from those who live by the realities and challenges of daily life.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The trade union spokesperson emphasised that inclusive policymaking should be the order of the day. Young people should be actively involved in decision-making processes, allowing their perspectives to drive meaningful change. 'Practical and effective solutions can only be reached when youth are part of these important conversations,' Moyo asserted. To that end, she encouraged broader society—including stakeholders, leaders, and government—to join forces in the quest for a prosperous future. 'It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that things work inclusively, with sufficient support to achieve these goals, thus shaping a better future for our country,' she concluded. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa: Presidency clarifies role of foundations in the National Dialogue preparations
The Presidency has noted various media reports on the National Dialogue that are based on incorrect or incomplete information. In this regard, the Presidency wishes to clarify the following: The National Dialogue is to be an inclusive process in which all South Africans will have an opportunity to participate as individuals or through organised formations. The first National Convention to enable an all-inclusive process will be convened on 15 August 2025 to set the agenda for the National Dialogue. This will be followed by discussions across the country, in various sectors and on issues that citizens feel deserve national attention. These will then be grouped into agenda themes for national engagement. A second National Convention will be held in the beginning of 2026 where these discussions will be consolidated into a common national vision and implementation programme. The Eminent Persons Group has been appointed to champion the National Dialogue and to provide guidance to ensure that the process is inclusive and credible. It is comprised of respected individuals who have played and continue to play an important role in various areas of our national life. The Eminent Persons Group will not be responsible for the day-to-day running of activities. Preparations for the National Convention and other activities are currently being undertaken by a National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team made up of representatives from various foundations, civil society organisations and the Presidency. The National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team has been working for close to a year on developing the form and approach to the National Dialogue. This team will remain seized with the practical arrangements for the National Dialogue until a representative Steering Committee has been established. Media reports that certain foundations belonging to the stalwarts of the liberation struggle have been sidelined or overlooked are inaccurate. These foundations, together with other civil society formations that were part of the initial work, remain centrally involved in the Preparatory Task Team. Over the next few weeks, the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team will undertake a series of information sessions and consultations with a range of stakeholders in preparation for the first National Convention on 15 August 2025. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
