President Cyril Ramaphosa says a national dialogue is necessary to ensure inclusive participation on key issues affecting the country, despite public concern over the cost of the process.
Speaking at a meeting with the Eminent Persons Group at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Ramaphosa says the dialogue aims to respond to growing political disengagement, referencing the low voter turnout in the 2024 national elections.
“We have seen an increasing disengagement by many people from the democratic process, as witnessed by the turnout of people who did not vote in the May 2024 elections,” says Ramaphosa.
He says the national dialogue is intended to mobilise South Africans to confront pressing challenges and help return the country to a path of transformation, development and progress.
The President appointed the Eminent Persons Group as ambassadors for the national dialogue initiative. The dialogue has faced criticism over its cost, but the Presidency maintains it is essential for strengthening democracy and rebuilding trust.
VIDEO | Ramaphosa holds inaugural meeting with Eminent Persons Group:
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