Pretoria – Member of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), Lindiwe Mazibuko, has assured South Africans that the National Dialogue is citizen-driven despite concerns that the process has been “hijacked” by the ANC and government.
Speaking at the closing of the first national convention in Pretoria on Saturday, Mazibuko emphasised that the dialogue belongs to the people and aims to shape South Africa’s next 30 years by addressing jobs, safety, education, corruption, social cohesion, and violence against women.
“From the outset, we established that citizens will drive this dialogue grounded in our President’s commitment to unity. This dialogue is owned by the people,” she said.
[WATCH] Co-Deputy Chairperson of the Eminent Persons Group, Lindiwe Mazibuko delivers the closing remarks during the first convention of the National Dialogue. #NationalDialogueZA #NationalDialogue pic.twitter.com/MLyo0rejtV
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) August 16, 2025
She acknowledged that the process will face challenges and setbacks but stressed the EPG’s commitment to guiding the dialogue to success.
Some political parties and legacy foundations, however, have distanced themselves over transparency and timing issues.
The convention also did not form a steering committee and faces scrutiny over proper use of public funds.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
