The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has unleashed a fierce attack on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s National Dialogue, dismissing it as a public relations stunt designed to deflect from the African National Congress (ANC)’s deepening political woes.
Set to launch on August 25, 2025, the National Dialogue is billed by the Presidency as a platform for inclusive national discussion on South Africa’s most pressing challenges. High-profile participants include rugby legend Siya Kolisi and renowned actor John Kani, but the EFF says the process is flawed at its core.
EFF: “Not a Dialogue—A Diversion”
In a sharply worded statement, the EFF called the initiative a “campaign tool to rescue the ANC’s crumbling credibility,” especially after its historic electoral setback in 2024, where its national vote share plunged to 40.2%—the lowest since 1994.
“This is not a forum for the people—it’s a carefully choreographed show to mask 30 years of ANC failure,” the EFF said. The party also criticized the dialogue panel for lacking grassroots voices, arguing that involving celebrities doesn’t equate to community representation or genuine reform.
Hard Numbers, Harsh Truths
Backing its critique with official data, the EFF pointed to a staggering 32.1% unemployment rate and a Gini coefficient of 0.63, among the highest in the world. These figures, the party argues, underscore entrenched inequality and state dysfunction—issues it claims the National Dialogue will merely gloss over.
Political Optics vs. Real Solutions?
Critics beyond the EFF have also raised questions about the timing and scope of the dialogue, warning that it could become an elite echo chamber instead of a driver of meaningful change. Civil society groups have called for open, bottom-up engagement, not what they describe as “panel-managed symbolism.”
Ramaphosa’s Challenge Ahead
For President Ramaphosa, the National Dialogue represents an opportunity to regain public trust and frame the ANC as a party of renewal ahead of future elections. But with opposition mounting and public skepticism rising, the pressure is on to prove that this isn’t just another “talk shop”—but a turning point.
As August 25 approaches, the country watches with a mix of hope, doubt, and political tension. Will the National Dialogue address South Africa’s real pain points—or simply serve as a well-lit stage for political survival?
