President Ramaphosa appoints Prof Maluleke as co-chair of National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, has been appointed co-chair of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group (EPG). President Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement on 16 July. The National Dialogue is a citizens-driven, inclusive, crosscutting process aimed at the crafting a vision and a plan for South Africa for the next 30 years.

Newly appointed co-chair of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group (EPG), TUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke. Prof Maluleke will co-chair the EPG with Roelf Meyer – one of the “midwives” of democratic South Africa alongside current President Ramaphosa. Meyer is also a former member of Parliament. 

The role of the EPG is to use their experience, wisdom, stature and influence to champion, guide and support the National Dialogue process. It consists of prominent South African patriots who have a proven track record of advancing social cohesion and nation-building. These individuals of influence were selected and appointed by President Ramaphosa.

They include TUT Chancellor, Dr Gloria Serobe; founder of Gift of the Givers Dr Imtiaz Sooliman (who holds a TUT honorary doctorate, 2007); former Constitutional Court Judge, Edwin Cameron; former Independent Electoral Commission chairperson, Brigalia Bam; storyteller, writer and actor, Gcina Mhlope; Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi; leader of the Zion Christian Church, His Grace Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane; business leader, Bobby Godsell; the most decorated South African actor, Dr John Kani; award-winning rocket scientist, Siyabulela Xuza; veteran diplomat and author, Barbara Masekela; and former student activist, Nompendulo Mkhatswa. 

Prof Maluleke, who is also the Deputy Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, will coordinate the work of the EPG within the National Dialogue process. It will all begin with the National Convention scheduled for 15 August 2025. 

 There is no gainsaying that our country is at the crossroads, 30 years since democracy. The economy is struggling, social cohesion is frail and unemployment is at its highest especially among young people.  

President Ramaphosa has pointed out that the National Dialogue is a chance for South Africans to shape the next chapter of democracy. 

“It is an opportunity to forge a new social compact for the development of our country; a compact that will unite all South Africans with clear responsibilities for different stakeholders, government, business, labour, civil society, men and women, communities and citizens,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa met the EPG on 12 July to outline what is expected of the group.

The National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team briefed the EPG by on the preparations for the first National Convention at the meeting of 12 July 2025. 

The Preparatory Task Team – comprising representatives of foundations, civil society organisations and the Presidency – is responsible for the practical arrangements of the National Dialogue until a representative steering committee is established.