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Mail & Guardian
Klaus Kotze

Creator

Klaus Kotze

Dr Klaus Kotzé is a researcher attached to the Inclusive Society Institute.

The National Dialogue is intended to be a public process, driven and realised by the people. Graphic: John McCann/M&G

National Dialogue is not about politicians talking, it’s about people doing

Far from a talkshop for the elite, the dialogue is a people-led, civil society-driven process to address socio-economic injustice and shape the nation’s future

Birth of a democracy: ANC president Nelson Mandela speaking at a press conference with president FW de Klerk in 1990, the year negotiations for a new democratic constitution began. (Gallo)

A national dialogue must be people-centred for SA to thrive

We all have the obligation to participate publicly because it is our collective responsibility to advance South Africa Inc.

It is important that a national dialogue be structured to allow for a protracted and open space for talking and listening.

Building a people-powered plan for South Africa through national dialogue

A national dialogue offers the opportunity to unite South Africans around a common vision, thereby giving rise to a people of national unity

South Africans have formed a common state nationalism quite fast despite socio-economic differences and cleavages. (Photo by Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images via Getty Images)

A people of national unity must rise to recalibrate the future of the country

Ramaphosa is calling for a national dialogue to chart a path to transformation and a common vision

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

UN must reform to represent interests of Global South

Reform to effect greater representation offers the best chance ensuring the UN executes its core mandate This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your…

(John McCann/M&G)

Citizens, it’s time for a new patriotic front

The country’s crises can’t be solved by negative actions. We must all co-create renewal together

Most South Africans agree that the country is in a mess and that the ANC must go if there is to be any chance of a second building of a new South Africa.

A people-driven state is required for national renewal

The ANC must revisit the Freedom Charter and loosen its grip on centralised control that puts the party first

Studies in informal settlements show transparent communication is key to trusting the government and adhering to restrictions
(Marco Longari/AFP)

Covid-19 arrived and statism took hold

In following an international, scientific approach the state assumed extraordinary power over people

President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Quo vadis, South Africa?

The government has responded swiftly to the Covid-19 pandemic by declaring a state of disaster and imposing a lockdown, but now it needs to start thinking of an evolving exit…

(John McCann/M&G)

Cyril’s style is to inspire the nation

His visionary pragmatism and his aim – together with SA’s citizens — is to build a capable state

As we attempt to recover from the economic and public-health effects of Covid-19, we must also address one of the great challenges facing South Africa, namely, the future of Eskom. (Rodger Bosch/AFP)

Use Brics to help build a better country

South Africa should capitalise on the bloc’s resources, including advanced technology and innovation

In 1992, under President FW de Klerk, white South Africans voted yes in the referendum to negotiate the end of apartheid. (Gallo Images/City Press/ Rapport Archives)

It’s white people’s turn to be generous

Without a renewed social compact and the sacrifice of economic power, our country will never experience its ‘new dawn’

President Cyril Ramaphosa. (Oupa Nkosi/M&G)

Towards a battle cry for tomorrow

The Constitution is fertile ground for a new local slogan beyond the global 4IR and the New Dawn

Brics could pave the way to a new world order

Despite its flaws, this network of independent states steers towards global co-operation