National Dialogue Long Overdue

GOOD Statement by Brett Herron , GOOD Secretary General:

President Ramaphosa’s announcement of a National Convention on 15 August to launch a National Dialogue is a long-overdue step toward renewing South Africa’s social contract. Nearly a year has passed since political parties signed the Statement of Intent of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which explicitly committed to convening a National Dialogue to tackle the country’s deep and urgent challenges. That commitment was made in good faith and in recognition of the need for collective action in the face of crisis. The delay in giving effect to this promise has been frustrating, but the time for talking has finally arrived, and it must now be time for action too.

Our support for the GNU has always been conditional on its commitment to justice – social, spatial, economic, and environmental – and to real dialogue that empowers communities, not just political and economic elites.

South Africa faces a multitude of interlinked crises: deep and enduring inequality, rising unemployment, fractured communities, and a state weakened by corruption and incapacity. These challenges demand not only urgent policy reform but a renewed national compact. A collective commitment to shared values, mutual accountability, and a common vision for justice, prosperity, and peace.

The President’s recognition that South Africans from every sector of society must have a voice in shaping our future is significant. However, we must guard against a process that becomes performative or elite-driven. A truly people-led dialogue must reach beyond the boardrooms and podiums, into townships, rural villages, informal settlements, and inner-city blocks, where the most urgent issues are felt most acutely.

We commend the appointment of the Eminent Persons Group, whose experience and stature can help steward this process with integrity and inclusivity. Yet their role must be to facilitate, not overshadow, the voices of ordinary citizens, activists, and community leaders.

The National Convention on 15 August must set a credible agenda that prioritises action over rhetoric and clarity over consensus for consensus’ sake.

GOOD will continue to advocate for meaningful and measurable outcomes from this dialogue, including the implementation of a Basic Income Grant, the acceleration of spatial transformation, and a renewed focus on building a capable, ethical state that truly serves the people.

GOOD stands ready to contribute constructively to this process. But we will do so with the clear expectation that this Dialogue leads to outcomes, not platitudes.

GOOD Core Values: The party emphasizes social justice, equality, and GOOD governance.

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