Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
6h ago

South Africa Launches National Dialogue as Major Partners Withdraw

Organizers pledge national consultations will proceed in all provinces despite the absence of major parties; respected foundations have withdrawn support.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has launched a months-long nationwide public consultation to address the country's problems

Overview

  • The opening convention convened at the UNISA Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria without participation from the DA and MK Party, while several prominent foundations pulled out over rushed timelines and government oversight.
  • President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointed Eminent Persons Group launched phase‐one discussions to craft a 30-year vision targeting poverty, unemployment, inequality and crime.
  • Organizers report engagement with all nine provinces and more than 85,000 citizens ahead of a months-long series of public consultations nationwide.
  • The projected cost near 700 million rand has drawn scrutiny over budget transparency as the presidency disputes the highest estimates.
  • Analysts and civil society figures question whether the dialogue will yield binding reforms, pointing to a history of inquiries that did not translate into policy action.