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Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
National Dialogue will be meaningless without honest leaders, warns Mbeki
The National Dialogue, which will be held in three weeks, aims to foster national unity and develop shared solutions to South Africa's pressing challenges. As South Africa prepares for the National Dialogue, with an estimated price tag of R700-million, former President Thabo Mbeki warned that without capable leadership, the process risked being meaningless. 'What will come out of that National Dialogue will need honest, capable hands with integrity to implement what people have said,' said Mbeki. He was giving a keynote address at UDM leader Bantu Holomisa's 70th birthday celebration in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Saturday night. In recent years, Mbeki has been critical of the ANC, speaking about what he refers to as a decline in ethical leadership and the growing problem of corruption in the party. On Saturday, however, he toned the criticism down, saying that although he had views about ANC leaders, he was not free to mention them by name. He admitted that he, too, was part of the broader problem and anticipated that this would come up during the dialogue. 'They [South Africans] will say uncomfortable truths about us. 'You were President, and look what a mess you have created in the country.' And this is therefore what needs to be done in order to respect the people and implement what they have discussed: you need a particular kind of leader. I am not free to talk about our leaders by name.' The National Dialogue aims to foster national unity and develop shared solutions to South Africa's pressing challenges, including failing public services, high unemployment, rising crime, corruption, food inflation and economic stagnation. It starts with a National Convention on 15 August, which will set the agenda for the broader dialogue. The dialogue has been widely criticised by political parties and ordinary citizens, some of whom have argued that these are not just topics for debate but their daily realities. They want a concrete plan to lead the country out of crisis. One of the the parties that has rejected the National Dialogue is the EFF. Addressing President Cyril Ramaphosa in Parliament two weeks ago, the party's Nontando Nolutshungu said it was not the people of South Africa who had wrecked state-owned enterprises, failed to create jobs and allowed drugs to destroy young people. She pointed to the ANC's performance in the 2024 elections. 'The people have spoken, and you don't need R700-million to repeat the message they gave you at the ballots in 2024,' said Nolutshungu. The uMkhonto Wesizwe party's John Hlophe said the ANC sought to use the National Dialogue as part of its election campaign ahead of the 2026 local government polls. 'Let me tell the people of South Africa what it really is: it is not a dialogue for them, it is an ANC election campaign funded by taxpayers' money. 'Mr Ramaphosa, you lead a broken ANC: a party with the lowest membership in decades, a party that has lost key metros, a party that has become a mere shadow of its once proud self. Branches are non-existent, communities are leaderless, and the people have lost faith,' said Hlophe. Last month, the leader of the DA, John Steenhuisen, announced that his party had withdrawn its support for the National Dialogue, citing Ramaphosa's failure to act against officials accused of corruption, some of whom were members of the Cabinet. 'It is clear that this dialogue will be nothing more than a waste of time and money to distract from the ANC's failures. This explains why President Ramaphosa and the ANC are so obsessed with it,' said Steenhuisen. 'It is an electioneering ploy, at taxpayer expense, to gloss over the serious crises that the ANC has plunged South Africa into. The dialogue also has no constitutional standing whatsoever to take or impose decisions.' Responding to the criticism, Ramaphosa said people must ask themselves: 'Do we want to break or do we want to rebuild?' The National Dialogue will be led by the Eminent Persons Group, made up of 31 prominent South Africans, including business leaders, former MPs, academics, athletes, actors, and traditional and spiritual leaders. Some of those in the group are Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, Miss South Africa 2024 Mia le Roux, the leader of the Zion Christian Church, Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, and the award-winning actor John Kani. Mbeki wants the dialogue to be a 'genuine' one. 'Let the people get together and say this is the South Africa we want,' he said. DM
UPI
3 days ago
- Politics
- UPI
On This Day, July 27: Rep. Lewis lies in state in U.S. Capitol
1 of 5 | On July 27, 2020, Rep. John Lewis became the first Black lawmaker to lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda 10 days after his death from cancer. File Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo July 27 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1794, Maximilien Robespierre, architect of the French Revolution's Reign of Terror, was overthrown and arrested by the National Convention. Robespierre, who encouraged the execution, mostly by guillotine, of more than 17,000 enemies of the revolution, was himself guillotined the following day. In 1909, Orville Wright set a record by staying aloft in a plane for 1 hour, 12 minutes, 40 seconds. In 1921, at the University of Toronto, Canadian scientists Frederick Banting and Charles Best successfully isolated insulin -- a hormone they believed could prevent diabetes -- for the first time. In 1953, a truce officially ended the Korean War, which had begun June 25, 1950. File Photo courtesy of the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum In 1974, the House judiciary committee voted to recommend impeachment of President Richard Nixon in the Watergate scandal. The 37th president resigned less than two weeks later. In 1986, Greg LeMond, 25, of Sacramento, became the first American to win cycling's most famous contest, the Tour de France. In 1989, a Korean Air DC-10 crashed in heavy fog while attempting to land at Tripoli airport in Libya, killing 82 people, four of them on the ground. In 1996, a bomb exploded at Olympic Park in Atlanta during the Summer Games, killing two people and injuring more than 100 other people. In 2012, the Summer Olympics opened in London, with 10,820 athletes representing 204 countries. In 2020, Rep. John Lewis became the first Black lawmaker to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda 10 days after his death from cancer. In 2021, Carissa Moore of the United States and Italo Ferreira of Brazil took home the inaugural gold medals in surfing at the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. In 2024, Team USA won its first gold medal of the Paris Summer Olympics with a first-place finish in the 4x100-meter relay. Swimmers Jack Alexy, Hunter Armstrong, Caeleb Dressel and Chris Guiliano pushed the relay team to victory. File Photo by Richard Ellis/UPI
Miami Herald
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Kappa Kappa Psi Welcomes ‘Drumline' Star as Honorary Member
Drumline actor Jason Weaver just hit a high note-literally and symbolically. The star, known for playing Ernest in the iconic HBCU marching band film, has officially been inducted as an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi (???), the National Honorary Band Fraternity. Weaver's big moment came during the organization's National Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, and he couldn't be more proud. On Instagram, he called it a "perfect full-circle moment," adding that it's been 25 years in the making since he first wore those letters on-screen. "I just want to publicly express that it is TRULY an honor to be a member who will proudly represent this prestigious fraternity," he wrote. In Drumline, Weaver's character, Ernest, was a loyal bandmate and brother who joined Kappa Kappa Psi at the film's end. That moment-etched into the memories of HBCU fans-has now become real life. Founded in 1919, Kappa Kappa Psi promotes leadership, service, and musicianship among college band members. The fraternity holds deep meaning in the HBCU community, where marching bands are more than halftime entertainment-they're tradition, pride, and family. Weaver thanked Dr. Donald Lee of South Carolina State University for helping make the honor a reality and gave his new fraternity brothers a heartfelt shout-out. "I'm so thankful, appreciative and HONORED to call you all my brothers," he wrote. "I'll definitely see all of you at other national conventions in the near future!" More than just a celebrity moment, Weaver's induction reflects the powerful impact Drumline had on elevating the culture of HBCU bands in the mainstream. His portrayal of Ernest wasn't just a role but a celebration of loyalty, rhythm, and Black excellence. Even more special? The honor came on Weaver's birthday, making the moment that much more meaningful. "I'm bringing in my birthday this year on a very high note," he shared. "This moment has been 25 years in the making… but it was well worth the wait." From the screen to real life, Jason Weaver's journey is a salute to brotherhood, legacy, and the heartbeat of HBCU culture. The post Kappa Kappa Psi Welcomes 'Drumline' Star as Honorary Member appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
IOL News
12-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Foundations and civil society rally to make national dialogue work
DESPITE clear challenges facing South Africa like rampant youth unemployment, deepening inequality, crime, and a failing economy, the government still insists on a multimillion rand national dialogue. The writer argues for foundations and civil society organisations' involvment Sthembiso Sithole FOUNDATIONS and civil society remain committed to making South Africa great. While there are mixed voices around the National Dialogue, that shouldn't discourage individuals or organisations from participating and making a meaningful contribution. To strengthen and deepen South Africa's constitutional democracy through inclusive and sustained dialogue, foundations and civil society continue to play a central role in the country and in preparation for the kick-off of the National Convention set to take place on 15 August 2025 ahead of the National Dialogue. On 30 April 2024, former president Thabo Mbeki called for 'a new and truly inclusive national dialogue.' He made this announcement during an event marking '30 Years of Democracy.' On 01 May 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the Cosatu May Day Rally and expressed his support for the call for a national dialogue. On 19 June 2024, Ramaphosa reiterated the call and support for the national dialogue. Since then, foundations, civil society organisations, and ordinary South Africans have come out in full support of the initiative, while others continue to raise concerns about the dialogue. Post-1994, despite the efforts made to improve lives and service delivery, the country is still faced with inequality, unemployment, poverty, violence, crime, and social discord, which affect the lives of millions of South Africans. Let's face it, the country stands at a critical juncture. This moment calls for all of us to critically reflect with honesty on the journey travelled and work together to come up with practical solutions to make South Africa a better place. The National Dialogue is a citizen-led nationwide initiative to respond to the country's democratic challenges supported by government, civil society, and foundations. It is expected to result in a shared national vision with an action plan. The National Dialogue is an opportunity for all South Africans from all demographics to address these challenges and help restore the country to a place of progress and development in the next 30 years. It's for that reason that the role of civil society and foundations should be supported. The dialogue is a perfect platform for South Africans to engage robustly and ensure that all voices are heard in shaping the future of the country. Government, foundations, civil society, and many other representative bodies can't do everything on their own. Citizens must play their part and participate fully and freely in the national dialogue. The criticism and dissenting voices around the national dialogue should be welcomed, as they help bring another perspective with the intention to contribute to the outcomes of the dialogue. Like Deputy President Paul Mashatile said, the national dialogue is not a party-political exercise, but it's for the people and by the people. Just like during the dark days under apartheid, civil society and foundations have organised themselves to play an active role in mobilising South Africans to participate in the national dialogue. This moment needs all of us to unite and work together as we navigate the next 30 years of South Africa. (Sithole is a PhD student, communications and social media specialist. His views don't reflect those of the Sunday Tribune or IOL)
IOL News
11-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Ramaphosa rallies nation behind bold new dialogue for South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa Ramaphosa rallies nation behind bold new dialogue for South Africaz Image: X/Presidency President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to rally behind a bold new initiative to rebuild the country through inclusive national dialogue, warning that the time for honest reckoning and collective action is now. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group at the Union Buildings on Friday, Ramaphosa described the dialogue as a 'historic opportunity' to forge a new social compact amid deepening inequality, poor service delivery, and growing public disillusionment. 'For all our progress over the last three decades, the legacy of apartheid continues to haunt our democracy,' Ramaphosa said. 'Unemployment, poverty, and corruption have corroded trust. Many people feel left out, and many have walked away from the democratic process.' The National Dialogue, set to culminate in a National Convention in August, aims to reverse this trajectory by engaging all sectors of society—citizens, political parties, business, labour, and civil society—in shaping a collective vision for the country's future. Ramaphosa made it clear that the dialogue was not a government-led project but a citizen-driven initiative rooted in South Africa's long-standing tradition of dialogue and consensus-building. 'This process must not be partisan, and it must not privilege one voice over another. It is not about cheerleading—it's about critical engagement and honest reflection,' he said. He underscored the importance of the newly appointed Eminent Persons Group—comprising respected leaders from across South African society—to act as stewards of this process. 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 ✕ 'We ask you to be champions of the dialogue—raising alarm where people are excluded, calling out misinformation, and ensuring this platform remains open, credible and inclusive,' he said. Ramaphosa acknowledged the political tensions and scepticism surrounding the initiative, including recent misinformation about its purpose and cost. However, he stressed that criticism should not be feared, 'Dissenting voices make us stronger. They show that people care—and want the dialogue to succeed.' The idea for a national dialogue gained momentum last year following calls by civil society and former President Thabo Mbeki. It has since been endorsed by the Government of National Unity (GNU) and included in the country's Medium Term Development Plan. 'This is not the end of the journey—it is the beginning of a new chapter,' Ramaphosa concluded. 'Let us listen. Let us lead and let us rebuild.' IOL Politics
