Dear Unisan,
On the 10th of June 2025, the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, formally announced that South Africa will hold an inclusive National Dialogue starting from 15 August 2025. The National Dialogue is aimed at fostering unity and finding solutions to South Africa's challenges.
A lot of ground has already been covered regarding preparations towards the dialogue, including the appointment of an Eminent Persons Group (EPG). The EPG will lead and give direction to the conversations by us, the citizens. Also, cross-functional teams have been set up to facilitate the dialogue logistics.
The President also announced that the National Dialogue will kick start with a National Convention, whose main aim will be to set the agenda for the subsequent citizens’ conversations to be held in every corner of South Africa for the next twelve months thereafter.
It is with immense pride and pleasure to inform you that the University of South Africa (Unisa) has been chosen as the host venue for the first National Convention of the National Dialogue. It will take place at our Muckleneuk Campus from 15-17 August 2025.
In terms of national legislation, our universities have community engagement (engaged scholarship) as part of their mandate alongside teaching, learning and research. As the oldest university in South Africa with a history/herstory spanning over 150 years, it is truly humbling that we can host such an historic/herstoric event after 31 years since the birth of the new South Africa. It is also one of the many ways in which we continue to realise our vision of being the African university shaping futures in service of humanity.
In terms of readiness, it is all systems go! UNISA is ready to host this premier event to be attended by 1 500 delegates from all walks life in South Africa. The best of our facilities and logistics are being prepared to welcome the delegates who will be stepping into the UNISA Muckleneuk Campus to shape South Africa’s futures for the benefit of current and future generations.
I also call upon all the members of Unisa’s epistemic communities to look out for the various opportunities and pathways through which you all can participate in the National Dialogue, including in the build-up activities that will follow right up to the final National Convention in 2026.
We look forward to hosting South Africa and facilitating the National Dialogue that will shape the country we want. UNISA is ready!
Best wishes,
Prof Puleng LenkaBula
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
Publish date: 2025-08-04 00:00:00.0