The inaugural National Dialogue Conference in South Africa concluded with a powerful call for citizens to take the lead in shaping the country’s future.
In her closing remarks on Saturday, Lindiwe Mazibuko, co-deputy chair of the Eminent Persons Group, said the past two days had revealed an extraordinary spirit among South Africans—from bold young leaders to communities asserting their role in driving change.
"Over the past two days, we have witnessed a vibrant spirit within these halls: those who stepped forward to lead, the young voices reminding us of the need for courage, and the communities demanding their rightful role in shaping the future," she said.
Mazibuko emphasized that the conference was not intended to provide all the answers, but to serve as a foundational step toward a long-term, citizen-led process.
"This founding conference was never meant to deliver final solutions but to lay out an agenda for a long road ahead. It is a powerful example of inclusivity and the beginning of a process that truly belongs to the people in every community," she said.
Held over two days at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria, the National Dialogue brought together representatives from government, civil society, religious leadership, youth, and local communities to discuss the pressing issues facing the country.
Mazibuko linked the dialogue to South Africa’s historical legacy of consensus-building, citing the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), the adoption of the Constitution, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She said these milestones are reminders that dialogue has always been at the core of the country`s democracy.
"These historical lessons remind us of our shared identity and collective responsibility. South Africans do not shy away from challenges—they face them together," she said.
She affirmed that citizens are demanding tangible action on jobs and livelihoods, safety and security, corruption, education, gender-based violence, and healing from historical traumas.
"These are not abstract ideas—they reflect the lived realities of South Africans. The road ahead will not be easy. The challenges are deep and complex, and we will face setbacks and disagreements. There may be moments when despair feels more tempting than hope," she added.
One of the conference’s objectives was to agree on the approach and mechanisms for organizing public dialogues at the sectoral and community levels, identify key topics for national conversation, and establish a steering committee.
However, due to disagreements over the exclusion of certain sectors, it was agreed that delegates would submit names of individuals they wish to include in the 30-member steering committee.