Johannesburg, 27 August, 2024 – Around 100 diverse South African women, including gender non-conforming individuals from various sectors such as civil society, private sector, academia, and faith-based organizations, representing all nine provinces, gathered at Birchwood from the 25^th to the 27^th of August, to engage in a Pre-Dialogue to the National Dialogue on the Government of National Unity proposed by government.

The dialogue was organised by the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation, under its Executive Director, Prof Cheryl Hendricks, South African Women in Dialogue, represented by its founder, Mrs Zanele Mbeki, and its Board Chair, Ms Thoko Mpumlwana, and the South African Chapter of the African Women Leaders Network, represented by its Secretary General, Ms Mmabatho Ramagoshi, with the support of the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa.

This dialogue preceded the broader National Dialogue, a platform initiated by the Government of National Unity (GNU) in response to civil society’s call for renewed social contracts and cohesive national strategies, and sought to ensure that women’s voices, which have been instrumental in shaping South Africa’s democratic journey, continue to be at the forefront of national decision-making processes.

The dialogue prioritised inclusivity, ensuring representation from youth, rural communities, urban centres, and women living with disabilities. This dialogue also represented a logical next step after the recent Women’s Elections Mechanism for Peace, which hosted five peace rooms during the elections, and gathered women’s inputs after the elections and sent these consultations to all political parties as well as to all 400 members of Parliament.

In the wake of the 7^th National and Provincial elections in South Africa, where the African National Congress (ANC) did not secure a majority vote, the formation of a Government of National Unity reflected a pivotal shift in South Africa’s political landscape. Women, as agents of transformation, have historically led the charge against oppressive systems and have consistently advocated for a society rooted in equality, justice, and peace.

Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, in conversation with Prof Cheryl Hendricks, discussed “Women’s Leadership, the National Dialogue, and the Transformation of Our Society.” Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka highlighted that South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies globally, with ongoing insecurity and gender-based violence. She emphasised that the upcoming dialogue must provide women the space to actively shape the nation’s future.

“This Women’s Pre-National dialogue is not an event, it is feeding into the national dialogue process, with a focus on both micro and macro issues,” reiterated Ms Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Chair of the Board, Thabo Mbeki Foundation.

Ms Thoko Mpumlwana, Board Chair of the South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID), emphasised that healing and reconciliation are top priorities. She stressed that, “Dialogue is not a one-time event as the injustices of the past cannot be addressed in just one generation.”

Speakers at this pre-dialogue included Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, first female vice-President of South Africa, and Founder and Chairperson of the Umlambo Foundation, and Dr Geraldine Fraser Moleketi, Chair of the Board of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, and subject experts included Dr Sithembile Mbete, Senior Lecturer in Political Sciences, Ms Mpho Raboeana, Executive Director, Ndufuna Ukwazi, Ms Phelisa Nkomo, Research Fellow, Dr Mary Metcalfe, previous Director General, Department of Higher Education and Training, and Dr Dikeledi Moekena, Lecturer in Anthrology and Development Studies at the University of Johannesburg.

Messages of support were received from the following delegates:

• Mr Nelson Muffuh, United Nations Resident Coordinator, South Africa reaffirmed his support for upholding women’s human rights and highlighted the importance of the pre-national dialogue in empowering women to participate effectively in the upcoming national dialogue.
• Ms Hazel Gooding, UN Women Deputy Representative for the South Africa Multi-Country Office, stressed that participation alone is insufficient—women must not only be present at the table but also be heard. She also underscored the importance of involving men and boys as agents of change and sharing the commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls, not just in South Africa, but globally.
• Ms Mmabatho Ramagoshi, Secretary General of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), discussed AWLN’s role in enhancing women’s participation in decision-making. Through peer learning, mentoring, solidarity, advocacy, and capacity-building, AWLN seeks to empower African women leaders.
• Ambassador Austin Gormley from the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa pointed out that if you are not tapping into women’s talent, you are leaving out the talent of 50% of your population. He also acknowledged that achieving gender equality is a challenging goal that demands broad collaboration.
• Ms Lindiwe Gadd, representing the Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, spoke on behalf of the foundations that initially called for a national dialogue. She emphasized the need to create a collective vision aimed at realising South Africa’s deferred dream over the next 30 years, reiterating that women must be at the forefront of this national dialogue.

The focus was on the interconnectedness of personal transformation, collective action, and national progress. Participants also engaged in thematic discussions on topics such as political culture, ethical leadership, women’s peace and security, the economy, land and housing, education, and social cohesion, culminating in actionable proposals to be presented at the National Dialogue.

The South African Women’s Pre-National Dialogue tackled critical issues shaping the country’s future. They are:

Political Culture and Ethical Leadership – discussions emphasized the need to rewrite the political handbook, ensure meaningful representation of women at all levels, and apply a gendered lens to government programs. Participants advocated for ethical leadership training, gender quotas, a universal law governing political parties, and actions to ensure a woman president by 2029.

On Women Peace and Security, Community, Country, Continent – the dialogue envisioned a South Africa free from crime, corruption, and violence, with women leading solutions. It called for equality from community to national levels, early behavioural training in schools, and a shift toward preventative strategies. Advocacy, awareness, and increased women’s representation in Parliament were emphasised, alongside secure food, land, and community environments to prevent abuse.

Regarding Land, Housing, and Homelessness – spatial inclusion, secure housing, integrated green spaces, and protection of women’s land rights were prioritised. Cooperative housing systems regulated by communities and safe villages for women and children were also advocated.

In the Economy: Unemployment, Self-Employment, Unpaid Labour discussions, the impact of economic migration and the informal sector’s role post-COVID were highlighted. Calls were made for increased SMME support, progressive financial models for women, investment in local production, and reducing data costs. Streamlining the Home Affairs system and supporting self-employed women were also emphasised.

These outcomes will guide the forthcoming National Dialogue, ensuring women’s voices shape South Africa’s future across all sectors. The Women’s Pre-National Dialogue is a significant step in ensuring that the forthcoming National Dialogue reflects the diverse perspectives and priorities of South African women. By fostering a participatory approach, the dialogue reinforces women’s commitment to shaping a future South Africa where democracy, peace, and security are realised for all.