Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has confirmed that South Africa’s much-anticipated National Dialogue will not be a symbolic talk shop, but a sustained, year-long process of reflection, engagement, and transformation. Officially launching on 15 August 2025, the dialogue is set to run for at least 12 months, with the aim of reshaping how the country tackles disagreement, inclusion, and democratic renewal.
“This is not a once-off event,” Ntshavheni said firmly. “It’s a long-term commitment to build a new culture—where disagreement is part of a healthy democracy, and every voice, especially the marginalized, truly matters.”
The initiative will span 30 different sectors, creating space for honest, respectful conversations between citizens, communities, and government. From youth and labor to traditional leaders and civil society, the dialogue aims to reconnect public trust and give shape to the future South Africans want.
In a time of deep uncertainty, social fractures, and political distrust, Ntshavheni is positioning the dialogue as more than consultation—it’s about transformation. “We need to talk with the people, not at them,” she said.
The next 12 months could define South Africa’s path forward—not just through policy, but through voice, connection, and accountability.
