‘TALK IS CHEAP!’ — EFF rips into Ramaphosa’s National Convention Plan

Ramaphosa

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a national convention on 15 August 2025 to kickstart a national dialogue aimed at advancing South Africa’s Vision 2030 and renewing the country’s social compact.

He said this dialogue will include voices from across society, and will culminate in a second convention in early 2026.

“This initiative has been gathering great support and enthusiasm since it was proposed last year. It has been endorsed by a wide range of formations across society.

“Over the last few months, we have been engaged in discussions with various entities on the purpose and the form of the National Dialogue.

“In the wake of these consultations, there is broad agreement that given the challenges our country is facing at the moment, we should convene the National Dialogue,” Ramaphosa said.

He added: “We expect that the National Convention will finalise a compact that outlines the roles and responsibilities of all South Africans,” Ramaphosa said.

Reactions have been mixed:

  • The EFF strongly criticised the initiative, calling it a “publicity stunt” by a “limping president” and dismissed the appointed Eminent Persons Group as lacking credibility. The party claims a national dialogue already took place during the May 2024 elections, when voters diminished the ANC’s dominance.

  • The Good Party welcomed the dialogue as overdue but warned against it becoming elitist and disconnected from grassroots communities.

  • The ANC fully supports the initiative, calling it a tool to rebuild unity, trust, and national commitment to transformation.

The idea of the dialogue was first proposed by former President Thabo Mbeki earlier in 2024.

Ramaphosa emphasised that the process will be inclusive, drawing participants from all sectors of society.

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