South African National Dialogue

IEC-RUN ELECTIONS PRODUCE NEW LEADERSHIP AS NATIONAL DIALOGUE ENTERS FIRST PHASE

JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s National Dialogue process has entered its first phase following the successful election of the National Dialogue Steering Committee leadership through a process administered by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

The elections brought forward leaders from across South African society and mark the formal transition from the preparatory phase of the Dialogue to the commencement of the first wave of national engagements.

The newly elected leadership was confirmed during a strategic planning workshop of the Steering Committee held from Friday, 6 March to Sunday, 8 March 2026. The workshop brought together representatives from civil society, labour, business, faith-based organisations and grassroots community structures who have been working to establish the foundations of the Dialogue.

The gathering provided an opportunity to consolidate leadership, clarify governance arrangements and align the key institutions responsible for guiding the national process. 

These include the Steering Committee, the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) and the National Dialogue Secretariat, which will collectively support the implementation of the Dialogue Convention.

The leadership of the EPG (Mr Roelf Meyer, Ms Lindiwe Mazibuko, and Mr Siya Xuza) attended the event and provided unwavering message of support and partnership to the members of the Steering Committee and the National Dialogue process.

Speaking following the strategic planning workshop, NEDLAC Executive Director Makhukhu Mampuru said the moment marks an important step in building a credible and inclusive national process.

“The election of the Steering Committee leadership and the consolidation of the governance structures gives the National Dialogue a firm foundation from which to begin the next phase of engagement across the country. The Dialogue must create space for South Africans from all walks of life to participate meaningfully in shaping the country’s future.”

Over the course of the retreat, Steering Committee members reflected on progress made in preparing the Dialogue, assessed the breadth of engagement across sectors and considered the challenges that may shape the process ahead. Participants emphasised the importance of safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the Dialogue while ensuring that it remains inclusive and responsive to the realities facing communities across the country.

The retreat represented the most widely attended gathering in the life of the Steering Committee to date. Leaders from across sectors reaffirmed their commitment to building a process rooted in collaboration, mutual recognition and shared responsibility.

With the leadership now in place, the Steering Committee will in the coming days convene a series of engagements to initiate the first wave of dialogues envisioned in the National Dialogue Convention. These dialogues are expected to create platforms for South Africans across sectors and communities to contribute to discussions aimed at forging a renewed and inclusive social compact.

Management Committee Members

*Co-Chairperson: Mr Romeo Qetsemani

*Co-Chairperson: Ms Tania Van Meelis

o Secretary: Mr Mabalane Mfundisi

*1st Deputy Secretary: Ms Monica Woodhouse

*2nd Deputy Secretary: Dr Tolika Sibiya

*Resource Mobilisation : Mr Riaan Van Der Bergh

*Spokesperson: Ms Qhamisa Tengile

Chairpersons of Sub Committees

*Content and Social Compact: Mr Looks Matoti

*Fundraising: Mr David Morema

*Monitoring and Evaluation: Dr Valencia Andrews

*Mobilisation: HRH Queen Rebecca Como

*Communications: Ms Mpho Kunene

The Steering Committee will continue engaging stakeholders across the country as the National Dialogue moves into this next phase of national participation.

ENDS

Media Enquiries:

Makhukhu Mampuru-066 250 9384