In his remarks at the University of South Africa (UNISA), Ramaphosa emphasized that the forum is non-partisan and opens doors to all voices, regardless of their size or origin.

“We come together as South Africans, sons and daughters of the same land, sharing a past of division and inequality, but also the firm commitment to work together for a more just and inclusive future,” he said.

The President emphasized that the South African crisis goes beyond figures of poverty or unemployment and encompasses the loss of institutional trust, the persistence of racial, gender and social inequalities, and the lack of opportunities for large segments of the population.

Therefore, he invited to face without fear uncomfortable questions about discrimination, pay equity, access to basic services and citizen security, stressing the need to address both causes and solutions from the very base of society.

The National Dialogue that will take place over the next eight months in schools, community centers, places of worship, media and digital platforms seeks to foster “one million direct, honest and plural conversations” on major national challenges, recalled the President.

The objective, stressed Ramaphosa, is to move towards a great social pact capable of defining the role and responsibility of each sector in the country’s development.

The South African leader also highlighted the active role of civil society and expressed his appreciation for the work of outstanding national personalities from the judicial, academic, sports and business spheres, who were appointed as guarantors and ethical referents of the process.

The initiative, supported by experienced social activists and foundations dedicated to democratic transformation, aims to generate a roadmap for political stability, economic renewal, social cohesion and building an efficient and ethical state.

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