In a significant step toward addressing South Africa’s systemic challenges, President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially confirmed the nominations for the National Dialogue Steering Committee. The announcement, made on December 18, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to forge a new social compact.
The formation of this committee follows the mandate established during the First National Convention held in August 2025. Acting under Section 83 of the Constitution, which tasks the President with promoting national unity, Ramaphosa has framed this dialogue as a “citizen-led and society-wide” initiative.
A Representative Structure
The Steering Committee is designed to be a microcosm of South African society, ensuring that the dialogue is not merely a government exercise but a truly inclusive process. The composition of the committee includes:
- Sectoral Representatives: Nominees from 33 identified social sectors and 6 sub-sectors.
- Presidential Appointees: Two representatives nominated directly by President Ramaphosa.
- Organizing Bodies: Three representatives from the former Preparatory Task Team and Convention Organising Committee.
- Expertise Co-option: The committee has the authority to co-opt up to five additional members with specific expertise to ensure no critical voices or technical skills are missing.
The Eminent Persons Group—a body of prominent South Africans serving as the “guarantors of integrity”—was responsible for compiling these nominations before presenting them to the President for final confirmation.
Core Objectives of the National Dialogue
The Steering Committee is tasked with setting the strategic priorities for a process aimed at shaping the “destiny of the country.” The primary goals include:
- Defining a Shared Vision: Agreeing on a long-term roadmap for the country over the next several decades.
- Socioeconomic Transformation: Forging a social compact to drive development and address deep-seated inequality.
- National Unity: Creating a platform where multiple sectors can agree on priority actions to solve current national crises.
Next Steps: January 2026
The work is set to begin immediately in the new year. The Steering Committee will convene in early January 2026 for its inaugural meeting and formal induction.
One of the committee’s first tasks will be assisting sectors that have not yet finalized their nomination processes, ensuring that the “inclusive” nature of the dialogue remains intact as the implementation phase begins.
