South Africa's government has launched a National Dialogue initiative aimed at uniting various sectors to address the country's pressing challenges. The first National Convention of the dialogue commenced on August 15, 2025, at the University of South Africa (UNISA), with President Cyril Ramaphosa attending and expressing optimism about the event. The dialogue includes participation from diverse groups such as the Khoi and San communities. However, the process has faced criticism for being rushed, with some key political foundations, including former President Thabo Mbeki and his foundation, withdrawing due to concerns over the event's multi-million-rand budget and other issues. President Ramaphosa responded to boycotts by cautioning those who opted out that they might regret their decision. The dialogue is viewed as a platform for raising issues, finding solutions, and holding the government accountable amid challenges such as 72% youth unemployment and societal divisions exacerbated by misinformation. The African National Congress (ANC) has denied any tensions between Ramaphosa and Mbeki related to the dialogue. The cost of the National Dialogue is expected to be much lower than the initially projected R740 million. Protests occurred outside UNISA during the convention's opening day. Observers note that the credibility of the process depends on its independence from the ANC elite, which has been blamed for much of the country's difficulties. The government has also deployed over 1,900 newly trained constables to combat crime, while calls for accountability continue more than a decade after the Marikana Massacre.