Category: MIL-OSI

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President Boakai Hails France On National Day Observance

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a congratulatory message to the Government and people of the Republic of France on the occasion France’s National Day, (the Bastille Day) on July 14, 2025.

 According to a Foreign Ministry release, in the message to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, President Boakai, on behalf of the Republic of Liberia, extended warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Government and people of France as they commemorate this historic landmark.    

President Boakai noted that as the people of France celebrates this important moment in their national history, Liberia joins in honoring the enduring values of liberty, equality, and fraternity that have long inspired nations around the world. 

The Liberian leader added that his government salute the resilience, cultural riches and global contributions of the French people. He emphasized that France and Liberia share a longstanding relationship which is marked by mutual respect, cooperation and shared ideals.

President Boakai stressed that he appreciate France’s support which have extended over the years in areas such as development, education, health, and multilateral diplomacy. 

“We remain committed to deepening our partnership and working closely together to address global challenges and promote peace, stability, and prosperity for all”, the Liberian President stated.   

He then wished President Macron sincere congratulations and best wishes for continued peace, progress and the well-being for the people of France. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

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President Boakai Consoles the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a condolence message to the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following the death of His Excellency Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025 in London at the age of Eighty-Two (82).

According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Boakai, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Liberia and in his own name, expressed profound and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family for the irreparable loss sustained.  

In his condolence message to the Nigerian President His Excellency Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Boakai stressed that former President Buhari will be remembered for the formidable role he played in consolidating the embodied Africa’s struggle for a sustained multi-party democracy. 

The Liberian leader also stated that the former President will also be credited for being twice elected Nigeria’s President. He served as a military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985. 

He then hoped that the resilience and strength that the people of Nigeria have always demonstrated during challenging circumstances will be brought to bear during this difficult period of national mourning. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

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International Relations (IR) Committee Launches People-Centred Oversight Mechanism in Western Cape

Source: APO


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The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation yesterday successfully launched the People-Centred Oversight Mechanism in the Western Cape where there were traditional leaders, academics, students and representatives from different non-governmental organisations.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, said the People-Centred Oversight Mechanism is an initiative of the committee to ensure that ordinary citizens in villages, townships and small towns have a say in foreign policy and international trade relations that impact on their lives.

The committee heard from the Western Cape legislature that no one must be left behind when it comes to international and trade relations and these policies have an impact on job creation and the economy of the country.

There was a call to link trade agreements negotiated by the DIRCO and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition with local governments that are affected by those agreements. That will ensure that municipalities will have a say in these agreements and implementation is at local level.

Student representatives from the universities of the Western Cape, Cape Town and Stellenbosch appealed for opportunities for students to be able to participate in international trade delegations and in the drafting of policies on international relations. They called for inclusion in decision making as the future leaders of the country.

The women’s wing of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa welcomed the opportunity to engage with the committee. The role of the DIRCO is significant and the management of the influx of refugees is a challenge that requires engagement with all stakeholders. There is little engagement with traditional leaders in this regard. With the incorporation of the traditional leadership, social cohesion will be enhanced.

With reference to the United States (USA), the opposition parties in the Western Cape Legislature reiterated the need for the province to send a positive message to the international community that South Africa is a united country especially when there are utterances that impact on the economic policy of South Africa.

Labour unions positively viewed the engagement and called for more such dialogues so that workers on the ground can understand what foreign policy is and informed the committee that there is a need for structured platforms so that information reaches the workers. A call was made to the DIRCO to use social media platforms to disseminate information to inform workers and ordinary people on the ground about what is happening internationally.

COSATU representatives called for all international agreements to translate into job creation in the country. The representative called for migrant workers to be protected and there should be a labour impact assessment in countries that export goods to South Africa. The impact of imported goods from the European Union and China have an impact on local jobs.

Africa’s Growth and Opportunity Act was passed as part of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 in the USA. It provides duty- free access to the USA market for almost all products from more than 40 eligible sub-Saharan African countries including South Africa. The impact of the 30% increase on tariffs on exports needs to be engaged on.

The committee heard the sentiment among the people about the importance of the oversight mechanism and their hope for its effectiveness. Representatives also called for monitoring and evaluation of the oversight mechanism, transparency and accessibility. The committee will upon the end of the launch proramme at all the nine provinces, develop monitoring and evaluation mechanism for the programme.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Supra Mahumapelo said that going forward the DIRCO will provide reports on Trade Agreements and their impact on a quarterly basis. The reports will include the volume of minerals/products produced and released in SA for export. He said: “ Together with the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour we must be able to engage with our counterparts on the trumpeting tariffs of the US.”

Mr Mahumapelo said workers in South Africa must be able to understand how the utterances of the US affect the economic growth of South Africa. The People-Centred Oversight Mechanism has been launched in Mpumalanga, North West and Gauteng provinces. The committee strives to complete to launch the programme in the remaining five provinces by early next year 2026.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Speech by Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, on the occasion of The Presidency Budget Vote 2025/2026, National Assembly

Source: President of South Africa –

Madame Speaker,
His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa,
Deputy President of the Republic, The Honourable Paul Mashatile, (In absentia)
Members of the Executive,
Honourable Chief Whip,
Honourable Members of the House,
Distinguished guests.
Mr President,  

Madame Speaker, after the 2024 May Election results, the political parties committed to see South Africa move forward, anchored on strengthening our constitutional democracy came together guided the Statement of Intent, to form Government of National Unity. Our constitution, founded on amongst others, the Freedom Charter, adopted 70 years ago. The constitution, in the preamble enjoins us to improve the quality of life of every citizen and free the potential of each person.

We accept that the challenges confronting our country are stark. We are contending with the stubborn legacy of colonialism and apartheid that continues to manifest itself through inequality, youth unemployment and slow economic growth. But we remain resolute.

Through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), and cross-cutting coordination with social partners, we are shifting the dial and scaling solutions that are showing real impact.

One of the most promising interventions we are leading is Jobs Boost, a groundbreaking outcomes-based employment model. Jobs Boost is a R300 million pay-for-performance initiative currently being piloted. 

This programme which is currently in its pilot phase, seeks to connect 4,500 of the most marginalised young people in our country to sustainable, quality jobs. It is among the largest outcomes funds globally dedicated to youth employment. 

Mr President, What makes Jobs Boost particularly powerful is its laser focus on inclusion and results. The programme targets young people who have matriculated from quintile 1 to 3 schools or received child support grants, and who have no formal post-school qualifications. These are the youth most at risk of long-term exclusion. 

Jobs Boost ensures they are placed in high-quality jobs that are employer-paid, and monitors whether they remain in these jobs. 

To date, twelve implementing partners have begun rolling out the programme. Since September 2024, we have seen:
• 4,136 young people placed in sustainable jobs,
• 1,543 of them have retained these jobs for at least three months,
• 825 have remained employed for six months or longer.

These are not just numbers; they represent young lives being changed. They represent families who now have a steady income. 

The pilot will conclude in December 2025, and early indicators suggest that Jobs Boost will not only meet its targets but also set a new benchmark for how we tackle youth unemployment. We look forward to scaling this model in 2026, in partnership with the private sector and donors.

Linked to this success is the growing impact of SAYouth.mobi, the digital platform that is the heartbeat of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention. Since its launch in 2020, SA Youth has grown to over 4.7 million registered users. 

Through the platform, young people have accessed more than 1.67 million earning opportunities. These include jobs supported by the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the Youth Employment Service, and the National Youth Service.

This platform is not only large in scale but also deeply equitable. Over 70% of the opportunities accessed have gone to young black African women. More than 73% of users come from quintile 1 to 3 schools, and 65% live in households where at least one member receives a social grant. 

These statistics show that SA Youth is reaching the very people who need it most.

Speaker, this is what inclusive development looks like. When we design systems intentionally to serve the poor and unemployed, we bend the trajectory of this country towards justice and shared prosperity.

These achievements are not accidental. They are the result of strong coordination led by the Presidency, and the tireless work of departments and delivery partners across the state. 

As we move forward, we invite all sectors of society to be part of the solution. The Jobs Boost model demonstrates the power of partnership. Equally so, the SA Youth platform thrives because of cooperation between government, business, and civil society. 

Honourable Members, we are laying the foundation for a new economy. One that works for all, especially the youth. One that sees potential in our people, not just risk. One that rewards innovation, not exclusion.

Madame speaker, I also wish to highlight the responsibilities of Deputy President Paul Mashatile who is on official assignment abroad, whose work continues to strengthen the Presidency’s leadership across critical social and economic programmes.

The Office of the Deputy President leads our national response to HIV, TB and STIs through his stewardship of the South African National AIDS Council. Under his leadership, the country is intensifying efforts to reach the 95-95-95 targets, while also strengthening partnerships with civil society and the private sector to reduce vulnerability and address the social drivers of disease. 

This includes prioritising gender-based violence and femicide, and aligning our work with global efforts to end AIDS in children by 2030. At the World TB Day commemoration in Mpumalanga earlier this year, the Deputy President reminded us that ending TB is not just a health imperative but a matter of dignity and justice. He reaffirmed our commitment to invest in early diagnosis, community-led monitoring and strengthening the health systems that support vulnerable people. His call to action is clear. We must ensure that no one is left behind in our fight to end preventable illness and suffering. 

Madame Speaker, The Presidency is also leading the Human Resource Development Council, advancing the implementation of South Africa’s Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030. The Council has committed to deepening coordination across sectors to solve the structural skills mismatch in our economy.

The National Skills Advisory Forum was launched, which will serve as a strategic platform for all stakeholders to jointly diagnose, prioritise and respond to South Africa’s skills challenges. 

This initiative reflects a shift toward a more agile, data-driven and responsive human development ecosystem that aligns with our growth sectors and transformation objectives. This forum is about more than training people for jobs, it is about building the competencies and capabilities of an empowered nation.

The Presidency emphasises on building capacity for the Just Energy Transition is especially critical. Through the Just Energy Skills Forum, we are ensuring that South Africa’s energy future is not just clean but also inclusive. 

Workers and communities affected by the transition will not be left behind. Instead, they will be equipped to lead it. The HRDC’s work is laying the foundation for industrialisation pathways that are both green and just. 

The upcoming Fifth HRDC Summit, which will assess progress and chart the next phase, is a moment to galvanise action across the skills landscape. The HRDC is not an observer it is an enabler of change. This work is essential for preparing our workforce for the demands of a 21st century economy, and is being done in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and partners across labour, business, academia and communities.

Lastly fellow Members, I would like to remind some amongst us in the GNU, that what binds us, is the statement of intent, whose foundation is the respect of our constitution and constitutional democracy. I would like to warn the DA, that being in the GNU does not give a license to alter the constitution or pick and choose constitutional provisions that we like and throw others of the window because we don’t like them. 
 

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Premier Mokgosi to visit elderly in Mazista

Source: Government of South Africa

Premier Mokgosi to visit elderly in Mazista

Elderly people in Mazista village in Swartruggens will on Friday be paid a visit by the North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi.

As part of commemorating International Nelson Mandela Day, the Premier will carry out renovations at a centre for elderly people as well as donate equipment for their vegetable garden and groceries.

Mokgosi will be accompanied by Members of the Executive Council and Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality Mayor Thabo Jacobs as well as senior government officials.

“The initiative, which is a collaborative effort between government and various social partners, gives impetus to this year’s celebrations held under the theme: ‘Uniting to combat poverty and inequity’,” said the Premier’s office in a statement.

The late former President Nelson Mandela, in addressing the scourge of poverty, suffering and deprivation, said: “It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.”

These profound words by the global icon and father of the nation are at the heart of the actions this Nelson Mandela Day in tackling poverty, fighting inequality and building a society based on justice. 

The day is an opportunity for citizens to recognise their individual power to change the world for the better. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine

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Mandela Day: New change room facilities at Westbury Open Grounds

Source: Government of South Africa

Mandela Day: New change room facilities at Westbury Open Grounds

The Chairperson of Committees of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Bishop Dulton Adams, will lead a Mandela Day activation in Westbury on Friday.

This as South Africans join the global community in commemorating the late former President Nelson Mandela’s legacy on 18 July 2025 for Nelson Mandela International Day, which is also known as Mandela Day.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature will highlight the construction of change room facilities at the Westbury Open Grounds.

This responds directly to the needs of the community by ensuring young players, especially girls, have access to safe, private spaces to change before and after matches.

The event, aimed at promoting youth development, dignity, and social upliftment through sport, demonstrates the Legislature’s commitment to building a better, more inclusive society.

“This initiative forms part of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s public participation mandate, reaffirming its role as a caring, activist and people-centred Legislature. The Legislature continues to champion cooperative governance and promote meaningful engagement with communities, especially those most in need,” it said in a statement.

The activation will start at 10am at the Mabaleng Stadium. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine

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States announce several measures to halt the Gaza genocide at Bogotá conference

Source: Government of South Africa

States announce several measures to halt the Gaza genocide at Bogotá conference

In a significant multilateral initiative, a coalition of countries from various regions has agreed on six coordinated diplomatic, legal and economic measures aimed at restraining Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories and upholding international law.

The Emergency Conference of The Hague Group, jointly organised by the governments of Colombia and South Africa as co-chairs, brought together 30 nations from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. 

“In the deliberations at the Bogotá conference, all 30 participating States unanimously agreed that the era of impunity must end – and that international law must be enforced without fear or favour through immediate domestic policies and legislation – along with a unified call for an immediate ceasefire,” a joint statement issued at the end of the conference read. 

To initiate this process, 12 countries from around the world – Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and South Africa – convened in Bogotá, Colombia, for two days. 

READ | Israel’s disregard for ICJ rulings undermines global governance, says Dangor

The countries committed to immediately implement six measures through their domestic legal and administrative systems. 

The leaders have scheduled a meeting for 20 September, coinciding with the 80th United Nations General Assembly, to invite more countries to join this initiative. Consultations with governments worldwide are currently underway.

The countries have since announced several measures to be adopted based on the States’ domestic legal and legislative frameworks. This includes a ban on arms shipments to Israel, a prohibition on ships transporting such arms, and a review of public contracts to identify any links to companies benefiting from the Israeli occupation. 

In addition, the group supports “universal jurisdiction mandates”, which would enable States or international bodies to prosecute serious international crimes, regardless of where they occurred.

“These 12 States have taken a momentous step forward,” said UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, Francesca Albanese. 

“The clock is now ticking for States – from Europe to the Arab world and beyond – to join them.”

The conference agreed to set a deadline for States’ final decisions by September 2025, in line with the 12-month timeframe mandated by United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/ES-10/24, adopted on 18 September 2024.

That resolution called on all States to take effective action on Israel’s violations of international law, including accountability, sanctions, and cessation of support — within one year of adoption.

“We came to Bogotá to make history – and we did,” said Colombian President Gustavo Petro. 

“Together, we have begun the work of ending the era of impunity. These measures show that we will no longer allow international law to be treated as optional, or Palestinian life as disposable.” 

South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, said what they have achieved is a collective affirmation that no State is above the law. 

“The Hague Group was born to advance international law in an era of impunity. The measures adopted in Bogotá show that we are serious and that coordinated State action is possible,” said Lamola. 

The Executive Secretary of The Hague Group, Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, said the conference marks a turning point – not just for Palestine, but for the future of the international system.  

“For decades, States, particularly in the Global South, have borne the cost of a broken international system. In Bogotá, they came together to reclaim it, not with words, but with actions.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Moçambique Assume Presidência da AP-CPLP

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Moçambique assumiu durante a cerimónia de encerramento da 14ª sessão ordinária da AP-CPLP a presidência rotativa da AP-CPLP para o biénio 2025–2027. A presidente da Assembleia da República de Moçambique (AR), Margarida Talapa, apontou, como desafios a promoção da paz, democracia e boa governação como condição indispensável para o funcionamento das instituições democráticas.

De acordo com a Presidente da Assembleia da República, a paz um bem precioso que sem a qual nenhuma democracia pode florescer. “A paz deve ser cultivada com diá. permanente, respeito mútuo e um compromisso firme com a reconciliação e coesão social”.

Margarida Talapa, recordou o percurso de Moçambique, destacando os avanços registados no processo de reconciliação nacional, com enfoque no papel do Parlamento na aprovação de reformas políticas, na descentralização e no incentivo ao diá. inclusivo.

Em relação à democracia, reforçou que esta deve ser uma realidade vivida no quotidiano dos cidadãos, assente na liberdade de expressão, em eleições regulares e na inclusão social. Referiu também os progressos nacionais, com destaque para o aumento da participação de mulheres e jovens no Parlamento. “A participação do cidadão fortalece as instituições democráticas e constrói sociedades mais justas e equitativas”.

Talapa defendeu ainda que a boa governação deve traduzir-se em transparência, integridade e eficiência na gestão pública, com impactos concretos na vida dos cidadãos. “A confiança do cidadão é a base da legitimidade do Estado”.

A Presidente da AR defendeu ainda o reforço os laços históricos e culturais entre os Estados-membros, a promoção de trocas económicas e valorização da identidade colectiva da comunidade lusófona.  Outro tema de destaque foi a importância da livre circulação de pessoas e bens no espaço intracomunitário da CPLP.

Ainda na sessão de encerramento da 14ª sessão ordinária da AP-CPLP, foi aprovado o Plano de Actividades da presidência moçambicana para os próximos dois anos, com enfoque na visibilidade, vitalidade e relevância da Assembleia Parlamentar, e na promoção dos valores e princípios partilhados pelos Estados-membros.

Talapa aproveitou a ocasião para agradecer a Guiné Equatorial, presidência cessante, pelo trabalho realizado, e expressou reconhecimento ao Secretariado Permanente pela dedicação à consolidação de uma Assembleia coesa, solidária e interventiva.

A XIV Sessão Plenária da AP-CPLP, realizada em Maputo, contou com a participação de delegações parlamentares dos Estados-membros, e teve como objectivos reforçar os mecanismos de integração, cooperação legislativa e partilha de boas práticas entre os Parlamentos da comunidade lusófona.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Portal do Governo de Moçambique.

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Moçambique e união europeia reforçam parceria estratégica para aceleração da transformação digital

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministério das Comunicações e Transformação Digital recebeu, no dia 16 de Julho de 2025, em Maputo, uma delegação de alto nível da União Europeia, no âmbito do reforço da cooperação bilateral para a transformação digital em Moçambique. O encontro, dirigido pelo ministro Américo Muchanga, contou com a presença de Paula Vazquez Horyaans, Chefe da Delegação da União Europeia em Moçambique, acompanhada por Hugo Van Tilborg, responsável da Unidade África Austral e Oceano Índico.

Integraram igualmente a missão europeia Almudena Méndez Morante (oficial de cooperação para ajuda internacional), Miguel Exposito (adjunto da unidade de transformação digital) e Sander Van Kooten (responsável sénior de investimentos do Banco Europeu de Investimento). A visita inscreve-se na implementação da Global Gateway, estratégia europeia que visa mobilizar até 300 mil milhões de euros até 2027, com foco em conectividade digital, infra-estruturas inteligentes e serviços públicos resilientes.

Durante o encontro, Américo Muchanga apresentou a arquitectura institucional do Ministério das Comunicações e Transformação Digital, sublinhando que a sua criação reflecte a prioridade estratégica que o Governo de Moçambique atribui à digitalização como vector de inclusão social, modernização do Estado e dinamização económica. O ministério lidera a formulação e implementação de políticas públicas nos domínios das comunicações, tecnologias de informação, ciência, inovação e meteorologia, actuando como catalisador da transformação digital do país.

O ministro destacou os instrumentos normativos em curso, como a Estratégia Nacional de Inteligência Artificial, a Lei de Protecção de Dados, a Lei de Cibersegurança e o Plano Estratégico da Sociedade da Informação. Ressaltou também iniciativas estruturantes para o quinquénio 2025–2029, como a operacionalização da Identidade Digital, do Portal do Cidadão, da Certificação Digital, da infra-estrutura estatal de pagamentos electrónicos e da expansão da conectividade em escolas, centros comunitários e serviços públicos.

Muchanga destacou o apoio técnico e financeiro da União Europeia, com destaque para o reforço institucional do INTIC, o desenvolvimento do quadro legal digital, e a formação em cibersegurança.

O governante mencionou ainda o programa VaMOZ Digital, que prevê a criação de polos tecnológicos em Nampula e Zambézia, e o estudo financiado pela UE sobre infra-estruturas de média e última milha, apresentado na recente Conferência Internacional de Digitalização.

O ministro propôs à delegação europeia o estabelecimento de um mecanismo coordenado de articulação e partilha de prioridades entre as partes, alinhado ao Plano Quinquenal do Governo 2025–2029 e à Estratégia Nacional de Desenvolvimento Digital. Sublinhou que a Global Gateway representa uma oportunidade estruturante para o desenvolvimento de iniciativas conjuntas em áreas como interoperabilidade governamental, conectividade rural, capacitação digital, inovação tecnológica e fiscalização da inteligência artificial.

Paula Vazquez Horyaans reiterou o compromisso da União Europeia em apoiar a agenda digital de Moçambique e destacou a relevância de consolidar mecanismos de cooperação integrados que permitam acelerar a transição digital de forma segura, inclusiva e sustentável.

O encontro terminou com o reconhecimento mútuo da importância estratégica da transformação digital para o desenvolvimento nacional e para a integração de Moçambique na economia digital global, reforçando os laços entre o Governo e a União Europeia num sector considerado prioritário para os próximos anos. (MCTD).

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Portal do Governo de Moçambique.

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Many South Africans ‘eagerly awaiting’ National Dialogue

Source: Government of South Africa

As many as 737 organisations have registered their wish to participate in various elements of the National Dialogue, which will take place next month. 

This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was speaking during the debate on the Presidency Budget Vote on Wednesday.

She said this showed that many South Africans were eagerly awaiting this process.

The national dialogue is a historic process to bring South Africans together and chart a common path forward.

“As the President has indicated, the national dialogue is one of the most important pillars of any thriving democracy. It is a bridge that connects government to citizens, leaders to communities, and one generation to the next. 

“In moments of uncertainty, it provides clarity. And in seasons of transformation, it offers us direction and shared purpose. From South Africa’s own journey out of apartheid, where dialogue laid the foundation for reconciliation and democracy, the lesson is clear: when people talk— honestly, openly, and respectfully—nations change,” said the Minister.

She said the National Dialogue was not an event but a process that would commence on 15 August and take place for a period of no less than 12 months. 

“The national dialogue must be a culture. A culture where disagreement is not a threat, but a sign of a healthy democracy. A culture where every voice matters —whether from the hills of the rural provinces or the corridors of our cities. 

“A culture where the youth are not just heard but involved, and where the marginalized are not only included but empowered.”

She said to achieve these goals, the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team and IMC have proposed an inclusive process that will be immersed in deep citizen engagements that prioritise the voice of those who feel marginalised. 

They have identified 30 sectors around which to mobilise, with an emphasis on the diversity and inclusion of the often-marginalised sections of society. 

In its entirety the National Dialogue will involve the following layers of conversation: 

1. The first National Convention on 15 August 2025 with 1000 delegates. This is an agenda setting convention which will prepare the nation for the community engagements. 

2. Community dialogues with 13400 ward-based community dialogues. 

3. The online platform aims to reach no less than 2.5 million citizens. 

4. There will be smaller citizen-hosted events in churches and community groups that shall have access to the toolkit being designed so that the outcomes feed into the process. 

5. Sectoral dialogues – self organised in specific social or economic sectors which shall also have access to the toolkit so that their outcomes feed into the process.

6. The 2nd National Convention will be the concluding event that converts the engagements into a National Compact and 30 Year Plan of Action. It is estimated that this will be about another 1000 delegates. 

7. A detailed implementation plan. 

8. A national roadshow to socialise the outcomes of the National Dialogue and engage with implementation partners.

9. Independent, citizen-led monitoring and evaluation. 

The national dialogue will promote government social cohesion efforts and strengthen social compacting as led by the Deputy President. The Deputy President-led social cohesion efforts have prioritised a focus on gender-based violence and femicide, teenage pregnancy, racism, sexism and patriarchy, as well as the role of families in building communities.

The majority of the work of conceptualising and planning for the National Dialogue process has been undertaken by ordinary citizens from various walks of life who have volunteered their time, skills and resources to this national effort over the past 12 months, said the Minister.

To register go to : https://nationaldialogue.org.za/. – SAnews.gov.za