National Convention 2025 | Gasa & Nevhutalu on Uniting Voices in South Africa

National Convention | Prof. Nomboniso Gasa and Rev. Zwo Nevhutalu Share Insights on the National Dialogue

The first National Convention, marking the launch of South Africa’s National Dialogue process, is set to take place on Friday and Saturday at UNISA’s main campus in Pretoria. Initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa as part of the Government of National Unity, the dialogue aims to reflect on 30 years of democracy, identify persistent challenges, and shape a shared vision for the country’s future.

Despite concerns over the R700 million price tag and the withdrawal of several key participants, the Convention Coordinating Committee has assured the public of a successful event. The process will focus on inclusive participation, even for communities unable to physically attend.

Speaking to Morning Live anchor Leanne Manas, Professor Nomboniso Gasa, a researcher, rural activist, and member of the Eminent Persons Group, acknowledged the complex and often contested nature of such a process. Drawing parallels with South Africa’s negotiations in the early 1990s, she noted that dialogue processes are rarely smooth, but their success lies in ensuring all voices — especially those from marginalised communities — are heard.

Gasa stressed the importance of addressing the “trust deficit” many South Africans feel towards government processes, citing rural residents’ frustrations with policies that fail to account for their unique realities. She gave the example of the R350 Social Relief of Distress grant, pointing out that rural recipients often spend up to R100 on transport just to collect it, leaving them with significantly less than intended.

Reverend Zwo Nevhutalu, National Convention Spokesperson, outlined how the dialogue will unfold beyond the initial gathering at UNISA. The convention will establish the methodology, themes, and a steering committee to guide a nationwide rollout starting in September. The plan includes ward-based dialogues, village meetings, and citizen-led initiatives, where communities can register their own discussions and feed their outcomes into the national framework.

“Our goal is to unite voices and shape our country,” Nevhutalu explained, emphasising the need to move beyond sectoral and self-interest perspectives to build a shared national vision. “We must listen to others, not only to our own echo chambers.”

While the ambition is high, both speakers acknowledged that the true test will be in translating dialogue into action. As Manas noted, South Africans know the problems — from crime and unemployment to inequality — but the lingering question remains: will the solutions agreed upon be implemented?

President Ramaphosa is expected to open the convention at 11:00 on Friday, with invited delegates filling the UNISA hall. For many, this marks a critical opportunity to determine whether the National Dialogue can bridge divides and set the country on a more united and prosperous path.