Pretoria:Growing participation in the National Dialogue indicates that South Africans are prepared to openly confront the country's challenges and contribute to practical solutions, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Deputy President highlighted the eagerness of South Africans to shape the nation's future through pilot dialogues. He emphasized the importance of ensuring these voices are heard, maintaining a credible and inclusive process, and translating outcomes into meaningful actions that improve lives.
Mashatile's comments followed a meeting with the Steering Committee, which is working to ensure the National Dialogue is inclusive and responsive to the aspirations of South Africans. Provincial governments and local stakeholders have been supporting the dialogue through security coordination and other logistical efforts, reflecting a whole-of-society approach.
The vision of a citizen-led National Dialogue is gaining momentum, with various sectors hosting meetings and dialogues on pressing issues. Notably, the youth sector has established a coordination framework and begun preparations for youth-led dialogues. The sector for people with disabilities has also convened consultations, offering recommendations on accessibility and inclusion.
Civil society, faith-based organizations, and other sectors have shown a strong commitment to mobilizing communities for participation in the National Dialogue. Mashatile welcomed the progress reported by the Steering Committee and reiterated that the Dialogue belongs to the people of South Africa.
The Deputy President stressed that the Steering Committee should prioritize resolving governance and participation issues after the upcoming Local Government Elections. This would strengthen unity and confidence in the process, with each sector expected to finalize its implementation plans and dialogue strategies.