News24 | Eminent Persons Group seeks to bring National Dialogue’s doubters back into the fold

The National Dialogue’s Eminent Persons Group with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

• The Eminent Persons Group, appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is committed to ensuring the inclusivity and fairness of the National Dialogue.
• Several legacy foundations and political parties have withdrawn due to concerns over government dominance, prompting the creation of a new organising committee.
• The EPG is actively engaging stakeholders to foster participation and unity in the National Dialogue process.

While legacy foundations and political parties are dropping the National Convention, imperilling the larger National Dialogue’s credibility, the 31 eminent persons have expressed their unwavering commitment to the process.

The Eminent Persons Group (EPG) said in a statement that it would endeavour to bring these foundations and parties back into the fold.

The group was introduced in June as a voluntary body of 31 citizens “appointed by the Convenor of the National Dialogue, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa”.

Its co-chairpersons are Professor Tinyiko Maluleke and Roelf Meyer, with Lindiwe Mazibuko and Siyabulela Xuza as their deputies.

“Our work is animated by a love of country and deep concern for the security, safety and prosperity of current and future generations of South African citizens. We are committed to ensuring that National Dialogue – a process that must lead our country towards a new vision for the future – is at all times inclusive, fair and just,” the EPG said.

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“Members of the Eminent Persons Group serve in their individual capacities. We do not represent any constituencies or organisations, and are not remunerated for serving on this body. Our role is to be the public guarantors, champions, and advisors to the National Dialogue, which must, by its design and outcomes, be led by citizens from all communities of our country.

“We are committed to a National Dialogue process that is representative of, and reflective of, the voices and aspirations of the people of South Africa.”

One of the reasons cited by the foundations that have left, was that the process was not representative and that it was dominated by government.

The EPG said it was “regrettable” that disagreements in the Preparatory Task Team (PTT) had led to the withdrawal of some legacy foundations from the planning process.

It added:

“As a result, a new Conference Organising Committee (COC) was established to take forward preparations for the National Convention.”

The EPG said its leadership collective had met with the COC “almost daily” and that this reflected their commitment to an inclusive and effective convention on Friday and Saturday.

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“Over the past week, the EPG Co-Chairs, Deputy Co-Chairs, and Secretary have also met with His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa to provide counsel and raise matters of concern.”

It added:

“We believe this is both possible and necessary to achieve in time. We have also noted statements from some organisations, including political parties, expressing scepticism, indifference, or rejection of the Dialogue.”

The group said it would engage these voices “to enable opportunities for their participation and contributions”.

“The EPG will continue to encourage humility, compassion, and diligence in the leadership and execution of the National Dialogue.”