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Daily Maverick
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Transformative or talkshop: Ramaphosa's National Dialogue welcomed, but will it lead to real change?
The Presidency says the people of South Africa will determine whether the National Dialogue is successful or not. President Cyril Ramaphosa has delivered on his promise of launching a National Dialogue to address a wide range of the country's pressing issues, including unemployment, poor governance, slow land reform, poverty and hunger, gender-based violence and social fragmentation. However, doubts remain about whether the dialogue will lead to tangible outcomes or end up as yet another talkshop with no real change. On Tuesday night, Ramaphosa announced the appointment of an 'eminent persons group' made up of 31 prominent South Africans who will lead the National Dialogue, set to take place on 15 August 2025. The group includes business leaders, former MPs, academics, athletes, actors, as well as traditional and spiritual leaders. Some of the names include Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, Miss South Africa 2024 Mia le Roux, Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, the leader of the Zion Christian Church, and award-winning actor John Kani. The dialogue will take place in two phases. First there will be the event in August, which will see the representatives engage citizens from all walks of life. Then a National Convention is planned to be held in the beginning of 2026. It is only after the National Convention that a programme of action for the country will be adopted, a move which has been criticised by some as political posturing before the 2026 local government elections. When asked whether there were any indications of tangible outcomes expected from the National Dialogue, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya responded: 'Well, let's give it a chance. This is a platform for all South Africans to participate. It is the people of South Africa who will determine whether it is successful or not. The government is simply facilitating a dialogue for South Africans to decide the shape and direction of the next chapter of our democratic journey.' While there are already fears that the dialogue may just be a talkshop, Ramaphosa said it was a tried and tested method in South Africa, a reference to overcoming the apartheid regime. 'At every important moment in the history of our country, we have come together as a nation to confront our challenges and forge a path into the future in dialogue with one another. 'Through dialogue, we were able to deal with the challenges that the apartheid system caused in our country and achieved peace and overcame violence. We established a democracy and ended apartheid,' Ramaphosa said. Historic opportunity The National Foundations, supported by more than 50 civil society organisations — including the Thabo Mbeki and Steve Biko foundations — have welcomed the announcement of the National Dialogue. They say it is a historic opportunity for South Africans to reclaim their voice and help shape the future of the country they aspire to build. 'It is rare in the history of any nation for citizens, rather than just their representatives, to be given an opportunity to embark on a historical reflection about the state and condition of their nation, and their prospects for the future. This is an opportunity for us to fashion a brave new vision and programme for our beloved country, derived from this seismic reflection,' said chairperson Nkosinathi Biko. Meanwhile, Neeshan Bolton from the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation welcomed the move and praised the diverse group of people appointed. However, he also raised concerns about who would be chosen as the secretariat and whether there would be enough funding to support the process. 'Depending on who the secretariat is, we will support them and what their overall mandate is and the latitude they have to do their work. They should be able to pull it off. 'Fundamental, too, is going to be resources, and I hope that they don't have to raise (funds) themselves, and that the state will play a significant role in providing the resources that are required. I am fairly pleased with the list of names that are there,' Bolton said. While some have dismissed the dialogue, he said it was ultimately meant to produce a clear and concrete document. 'But a document is only as good as those who are then mandated to implement it,' he added. Advocate Brenda Madumise-Pajibo, a gender-based violence activist, had a different view. She said the dialogue would be a waste of time and slammed the appointment of the eminent persons group. 'The concern is that it's driven largely by the government, and there lies its failure. Secondly, what is the purpose of this dialogue when we know what the challenges faced by this country are — the economy, gendered violence, infrastructure decay, lack of accountability from elected officials, citizens, business and government employees. 'What we are refusing to acknowledge is whether individuals appointed to lead the state have the capacity and the wherewithal to execute government policies,' Madumise-Pajibo said. Mixed reactions Ramaphosa first introduced the idea of a National Dialogue during his inauguration address in June 2024 in response to calls from civil society groups. At the time of the initial announcement, the DA offered conditional support for the idea, stressing that it must be a genuinely national dialogue, not framed solely in the language and perspectives of the ANC. The DA's national spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, has since welcomed the dialogue, which he hoped would lead to tangible outcomes. He said the party would use it as an opportunity to showcase 'constructive commitment' to the process of finding solutions for the country's problems. 'I think it's high time that we as a nation get together and discuss collectively what we see as a road forward for this country. The DA will certainly embrace this opportunity. We hope and believe that what will be discussed there will lead to a better South Africa for everybody. 'We are hopeful that it will not just remain at talking, but that there will be action that will be implemented based on the outcomes of these talks. To just talk will not help; we must implement what we are talking about,' Aucamp said. Meanwhile, in a strongly worded statement, the EFF rejected the initiative, describing it as a politically motivated ploy to reward those with links to the ANC. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo said South Africans were desperate for solutions to unemployment, poverty, landlessness, crime, gender-based violence and corruption — problems that had persisted under the leadership of the ANC since 1994. 'It is therefore manipulative to attempt to construct these challenges as similar to apartheid, and that they can be defeated through social cohesion, when these challenges that plague our society are due to those who have been in power since we as a nation defeated apartheid. 'Ramaphosa is attempting to make South Africans take collective responsibility for the failures of the party he leads, and seeks to mask this scapegoating with the sentimentality of a National Dialogue,' Tambo said. Ramaphosa's spokesperson said the process should be inclusive. 'Our call is to all South Africans in every community and household to participate fully in the process. The National Dialogue stands to be a powerful platform that will shape South Africa's trajectory for many decades to come. No individual or family must be left behind in this process,' Magwenya said. Following the announcement, Ramaphosa said an Inter-Ministerial Committee had been established under the chairpersonship of the deputy president to coordinate the government's contribution to the National Dialogue. 'We will be establishing a steering committee, comprised of representatives of various sectors of society, to set strategic priorities and coordinate implementation of the National Dialogue process,' Ramaphosa said. DM
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
What to expect from the National Dialogue in August
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the National Dialogue will be held in August. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially announced the launch of a nationwide and inclusive National Dialogue. The initiative is aimed at reshaping South Africa's future in the face of deep social and economic challenges and comes amid rising inequality, unemployment, crime, and systemic corruption. Ramaphosa revealed that a National Convention will be convened on August 15, bringing together leaders from across political, civil, religious, traditional, and business sectors. This convention will mark the formal start of a people-led, society-wide process to reflect on the state of the nation and forge a new shared vision for South Africa. 'At every turning point in our history—from ending apartheid to building democracy—it has been dialogue that led us forward,' Ramaphosa stated, adding that dialogue is in South African DNA. Ramaphosa emphasised that these 'persistent wounds' demand urgent, collective action, and a renewed national compact. The National Dialogue will not be a single event, but a phased, participatory process unfolding through local consultations, sectoral discussions, and provincial gatherings. It will culminate in a second convention in early 2026, where a national programme of action will be adopted, according to the president. To oversee the process, Ramaphosa has appointed an Eminent Persons Group—a diverse body of respected South Africans tasked with guiding and championing the dialogue. 'This is a call to every South African—young and old, rural and urban, from all communities—to help define our common future,' said the President. 'Together, we must shape the next chapter of our democracy.' Among others, the group includes Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, leader of the Zion Christian Church, Grace Bishop Engenas Lekganyane, leader of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church, Bheki Ntshalintshali, unionist and former COSATU General Secretary and Siya Kolisi, Springbok captain and world champion. The Dialogue is expected to align with South Africa's Vision 2030 and reinvigorate the National Development Plan with fresh consensus and commitment. [email protected] IOL Politics
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Nine ZCC members laid to rest after tragic crash
The coffins of the nine people who died in a car crash last week during their mass funeral in Mtubatuba on Sunday. Image: Supplied A MASS funeral service was held on Sunday in Mtubatuba, northern KwaZulu-Natal, for the nine victims of a devastating road crash that occurred in Empangeni last week. The deceased, Makhosi Magwaza (57), Celiwe Zikhali (55), Dudu Mthembu (52), Winnie Mkhwanazi (52), Cabangile Mavundla (52), Qhamukile Khumalo (40), Sihle Ndamase (24), Mphikiseni Sithole (57), and Bongani Ndlovu (46). The Mkhwanazi family opted to bury their one loved Winnie Mkhwanazi in Nongoma, also in the north of the province. They were all members of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), and lost their lives when a tow truck crashed into the back of the minibus taxi they were travelling in. Grieving families and congregants, dressed in their church uniforms, gathered under a marquee at Silethukukhanya High School in Ward 3 to pay their last respects. 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 ✕ Speaking at the funeral, the Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa said: 'The law enforcement operations of the country will ensure a fully-fledged prosecutorial process into this matter, regarding the driver of the breakdown vehicle (tow truck) and to the driver of the Hyundai vehicle.' He called for the investigators to thoroughly probe the alleged claims on what led led to the death of the nine people. Hlengwa said the department will continue to raise awareness for motorists to abide by the rules of the road to avoid fatalities. MEC for Transport in KwaZulu-Natal Siboniso Duma, who also attended the funeral, had assigned a team of senior managers from the department to be with the grieving families from the time the incident happened. 'The Mkhwanazi family is a child-headed household following the death of Mama Winnie Nobuhle Mkhwanazi on Mother's Day. The children are now orphans with no source of income. To complicate matters, children are living in abject poverty and in a dilapidated mud house. Tomorrow (Monday), we will announce interventions by the Department of Human Settlements,' said Duma. 'We will interact with traffic officers who witnessed the accident that resulted in the decapitation of the victims. We are fast-tracking professional counselling to enable officers to manage mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and intense emotional distress,' he added. According to Duma, studies have revealed that traffic officers who were exposed to gruesome collision scenes were likely to be involved in substance abuse, femicide, and gender-based violence. This was allegedly due to stress. 'As a department, we value our officers. It is for this reason that we want to take care of their well-being and their families.' The crash came as the province registered a significant drop in road fatalities during the Easter Weekend after 27 people died on the roads, compared to 47 in 2024. WhatsApp your views on this story at 071 485 7995 DAILY NEWS
Eyewitness News
18-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
9 churchgoers who died in crash on Mother's Day to be laid to rest on Sunday
JOHANNESBURG - The nine churchgoers who lost their lives on Mother's Day in a car crash in KwaZulu-Natal will be laid to rest on Sunday. It is understood that most of the victims who died in the minibus accident on the N2 after Mthuzini Toll Plaza were women. READ: Sixteen injured in Mother's Day crash that killed 8 congregants, receiving treatment in KZN hospitals The mass funeral of the Zion Christian Church congregants is taking place in Silethukukhayanya High School in Mtubatuba Municipality. The provincial transport department said that Sunday marked the final stage of mourning. Department's spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said: "We wish to draw the attention of the media to the following activities: Mkhwanazi family: this is a child-headed household following the death of Mama Winnie Nobuhle Mkhwanazi (52) on Mother's Day. The children are now orphans, with no source of income. To complicate matters, children are living in abject poverty and in a dilapidated mud house. Tomorrow, we will announce interventions by the Department of Human Settlements."
The South African
12-05-2025
- The South African
Eight dead and 16 injured in KZN mother's day car crash
A car crash claimed the lives of at least eight people and left sixteen others injured on Sunday morning, 11 May 2025, in KwaZulu-Natal. A tow truck allegedly hit a Hyundai H100 LDV from behind on the N2 near Empangeni while it was transporting 24 Zion Christian Church (ZCC) members from their place of worship to the Dukuduku/Mtubatuba area in KZN RTMC officials and police are investigating the cause of the accident, and Newzroom Afrika reported that they arrested the tow truck driver. According to the Citizen, KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, offered his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the Zion Christian Church. He assembled a team to liaise with the church and the families during this difficult time. Duma also instructed the Road Traffic Inspectorate to stay in contact with the Road Traffic Management Corporation and ensure they conduct a full investigation into the accident. He committed to keeping the people of KZN updated as the situation develops. Over the past three weeks, Gqeberha has been rocked by a wave of kidnappings, with at least five cases reported, according to The South African . The abductions have left residents worried and raised concerns about safety in the city. In the latest incident on Friday, 9 May 2025, five suspects allegedly kidnapped a 44-year-old businessman at around 10:00. The attackers allegedly pulled the man from his BMW outside his business premises on Darling Street in North End. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
