South Africa: Why I Support the 'National Dialogue'

analysis

During the last week a number of foundations, named after heroic figures in the liberation struggle have come together with former presidents Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe and FW de Klerk to initiate a national dialogue, to address the crisis that engulfs South Africa. The aim is to initiate a range of discussions and have ordinary citizens voice their concerns and aspirations. The initiative is controversial, partly because of the presence of De Klerk. It may nevertheless be an important vehicle for building a consensus over the shape of a post-Zuma era. By RAYMOND SUTTNER.

Many people recognise that South Africa has experienced a multi-faceted crisis for some years. One of the reasons for the nationwide protests calling for President Jacob Zuma to step down is a feeling that many people have that not only Zuma but also most institutions of state have failed them. They sense that no remedy can be expected from most of these institutions. The trust bestowed on their representatives has been betrayed in countless ways -over Marikana, Nkandla, the social grants crisis and the repeated misuse of public monies through state officials and state owned entities.

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