Following last week’s inaugural meeting of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group at the Union Buildings, President Cyril Ramaphosa has designated National Planning Commission chairperson Professor Tinyiko Maluleke and former Minister and constitutional negotiator Roelf Meyer as co-chairs.

Last month, Ramaphosa explained that in the wake of government’s engagements with various entities, there was broad agreement to convene a National Dialogue, given the challenges facing the country.

He announced that a National Convention, which will set the agenda for the National Dialogue, will be held on August 15.

Ramaphosa has appointed former Member of Parliament Lindiwe Mazibuko and award-winning rocket scientist Siyabulela Xusa as deputy chairs, while student activist and former Member of Parliament Nompendulo Mkhatshwa has been appointed as the secretary.

He appointed an Eminent Persons Group, comprising leading figures in society, who he says reflect the great diversity of the nation, with a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building.

He noted that the Eminent Persons Group will guide and champion the National Dialogue, explaining that they are expected to critically consider the progress and the conduct of the National Dialogue, and provide advice where correction is required.

The members include former Independent Electoral Commission chairperson Dr Brigalia Bam; former Constitutional Court Judge Edwin Cameron; Banyana Banyana coach and football legend Dr Desiree Ellis; researcher and rural activist Professor Nomboniso Gasa; Springbok captain and double world champion Siya Kolisi; leader of the Zion Christian Church Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane; Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba; unionist and former Cosatu general secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali; Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman and business leaders Dr Gloria Serobe and Bobby Godsell.

“I am grateful to each of them for agreeing to take on this responsibility and to contribute towards the effective functioning of the Eminent Persons Group,” said Ramaphosa.

The Eminent Persons Group is supported by the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team, which is made up of representatives of several foundations, civil society organisations and the Presidency.  

He noted that the Preparatory Task Team was responsible for the practical arrangements of the National Dialogue until a representative Steering Committee had been established.