While the announcement of a national unity government is awaited in South Africa after the re-election of Cyril Ramaphosa as president, the organization of a national dialogue is taking shape. The call was launched by former president Thabo Mbeki and is now being taken up by several foundations. The last elections have drawn a very fragmented political landscape and they fear disunity.
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With our correspondent in Johannesburg, Roman Song
Record abstention, voters tempted by identity voting, rise of xenophobia… This context deserves a national dialogue in South Africaaccording to Lindiwe Gadd for the Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation. This is a very important initiative at a very critical time in our history. We have a tradition of dialogue in this country, particularly when we are in a period of transition. »
” Mobilizing people to ensure that they feel involved in shaping a common future »
The political transition is underway. The national unity government has still not been announced, a week later the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa, a sign of tensions behind the scenes. Discussions which escape an electorate which already feels left out, warns Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi for the Thabo Mbeki foundation. “ We need to mobilize people to ensure that they feel involved in shaping a common future for our country. Our main objective is also to create national cohesion. »
This initiative received the support of the Head of State,Cyril RamaphosaBut it has also been criticised by figures who question the legitimacy of the organisers or the merits of national introspection, on the grounds that the party in power for 30 years has lost its majority.
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