The inaugural session of the National Dialogue discussions commenced at North-West University's Potchefstroom campus on July 5, 2025. The event is hosted in partnership with the Strategic Dialogue Group and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation. The dialogue aims to address pressing national issues, with a particular focus on South Africa's high unemployment rate. Max Boqwana, CEO of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, emphasized the importance of securing a brighter future for young South Africans, noting that many older generations feel their futures have already been compromised. Boqwana also clarified that the National Dialogue is a people's convention and should not be confused with the African National Congress's (ANC) conferences held at Nasrec. Details regarding the outcomes of the dialogue were also addressed by Boqwana, although specific plans were not disclosed.