The first National Convention, marking the beginning of South Africa’s National Dialogue, kicked off today at the University of South Africa (UNISA) main campus amid chaos as a delegate collapsed, sparking a scuffle on stage, while protesters gathered outside, voicing dissatisfaction with the process.
Disruptions Inside the Venue
The convention, intended to address pressing national issues such as unemployment, housing, and land reform, was briefly disrupted when a delegate fainted, leading to commotion on stage. The Speaker of the National Assembly was present as officials worked to restore order before President Saposa’s anticipated keynote address.
Protests Outside: Exclusion and Discontent
Outside the venue, scores of demonstrators gathered, expressing frustration over their exclusion from the dialogue. Among them was Peter Monethe, a representative from the Housing Crisis Committee, who claimed that marginalized groups were deliberately left out of the discussions.
“We found out about this national dialogue through the media,” Peter said. “The setup excludes the poor, the unemployed, and the homeless—the very people who should be leading this conversation.”
Protesters criticized the government for allegedly predetermining the dialogue’s outcomes and failing to engage grassroots communities. Peter argued that the process favored political elites, leaving ordinary citizens without a voice.
Khoi and San Community Also Left Out
A Chief of the Khoi and San community echoed these sentiments, stating that South Africa’s first indigenous people were not invited to participate.
“They invited celebrities and academics but excluded the real indigenous people,” Chief Karte said. “Our language is in the coat of arms, yet it’s not officially recognized. This is another betrayal.”
Government’s Response and Next Steps
The National Dialogue is set to continue with sectoral meetings across South Africa’s 4,468 wards before a follow-up convention in early 2026. However, protesters remain skeptical, fearing their concerns will be sidelined.
“We’ll keep fighting,” Peter vowed. “This dialogue was set up wrong from the start, but we won’t stop demanding justice for our people.”
As tensions simmer, the government faces mounting pressure to ensure the National Dialogue truly represents all South Africans—not just the politically connected.