South Africa’s National Dialogue in Pretoria became a lightning rod for public frustration as citizens confronted President Cyril Ramaphosa and officials over unfulfilled promises. Intended to foster unity, the event instead highlighted stark divisions, with delegates accusing the government of sidelining grassroots voices and using the dialogue for electioneering. Emotional testimonies about crime, education inequality, and corruption dominated discussions, while protesters outside decried their exclusion. Tensions peaked when activists interrupted proceedings, claiming their concerns were being sanitized in official summaries. Despite the raw exchanges, organizers framed the heated dialogue as necessary—though whether it will translate into tangible action remains one of South Africa’s pressing questions.
Daily Maverick
