On the 15th of August 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the members of the Eminent Persons to guide and champion the national dialogue in South Africa. This decision comes after the President’s call for a national dialogue to address the pressing issues facing our country and to find solutions to move forward as a united nation.
The Eminent Persons, who were carefully selected by President Ramaphosa, consist of respected and influential individuals from various sectors of society. They include former President Kgalema Motlanthe, former Speaker of Parliament Baleka Mbete, businesswoman and philanthropist Dr. Judy Dlamini, and religious leader Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, among others. These individuals bring with them a wealth of knowledge, experience, and diversity that will contribute greatly to the success of the national dialogue.
The purpose of the national dialogue is to create a platform for South Africans to engage in open and honest discussions about the challenges we face as a nation. It will also provide an opportunity for all voices to be heard and for solutions to be proposed. This is an important step towards building a more inclusive and equal society, where every citizen has a say in shaping the future of our country.
President Ramaphosa emphasized that the national dialogue will not be limited to political parties, but will also include civil society organizations, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and youth representatives. This is a crucial aspect of the dialogue as it ensures that all sectors of society are represented and have a chance to contribute to the discussions.
The Eminent Persons will play a vital role in guiding and facilitating the national dialogue. They will be responsible for ensuring that the discussions are conducted in a peaceful and respectful manner, and that all participants have equal opportunities to express their views. They will also be tasked with compiling a report with recommendations that will be presented to the President.
The President’s decision to establish the national dialogue and appoint the Eminent Persons is a testament to his commitment to addressing the challenges facing our country. It shows his willingness to listen to the concerns of all South Africans and to work towards finding solutions together. This is a refreshing and much-needed approach in our current political landscape.
The national dialogue comes at a critical time for South Africa, where we are facing numerous challenges such as high unemployment, inequality, and gender-based violence. It is essential that we come together as a nation to find ways to overcome these challenges and build a better future for all.
The dialogue will also serve as a platform to promote social cohesion and unity among South Africans. In a country with a history of division and inequality, it is crucial that we engage in dialogue and find common ground to move forward as a united nation.
The announcement of the Eminent Persons has been met with widespread support and positivity from various sectors of society. This shows that South Africans are eager to engage in meaningful discussions and work towards finding solutions for the betterment of our country.
In conclusion, the establishment of the national dialogue and the appointment of the Eminent Persons is a significant step towards building a more inclusive, equal, and united South Africa. It is a demonstration of President Ramaphosa’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing our nation and his belief in the power of dialogue to bring about positive change. Let us all embrace this opportunity to engage in constructive discussions and work towards building a better future for our country.
