ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has framed the ongoing National Dialogue as a historic opportunity for ordinary South Africans to shape the nation’s future, declaring it a “citizen-led platform to collectively carve a better future.”
In a rousing address, Mbalula positioned the dialogue as more than just another political meeting, but as the embodiment of democratic participation. “This isn’t government talking to itself – it’s the voices of millions who demand progress,” he told attendees, emphasizing that policies must reflect grassroots realities.
The rallying cry “The People Shall Govern!” punctuated his speech, recalling the spirit of South Africa’s liberation struggle while addressing contemporary challenges. Mbalula insisted the dialogue’s value lies in actionable outcomes, urging participants to move beyond discussion to concrete solutions for unemployment, service delivery and inequality.
The National Dialogue is a citizen-led platform to collectively carve a better future. Our presence represents the aspirations of millions of South Africans.
The People Shall Govern!
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) August 15, 2025
His remarks come amid skepticism about the initiative’s effectiveness, with critics questioning whether the ANC can truly implement public feedback after years of governance failures. Yet Mbalula struck a defiant tone:Â “Our presence here represents the aspirations of South Africans who still believe change is possible through unity.”
The Secretary General particularly emphasized inclusion of marginalized voices, from township residents to rural communities. “Democracy doesn’t live in government buildings – it lives when a street vendor’s concerns carry the same weight as a CEO’s,” he asserted.
As the dialogue continues, analysts suggest Mbalula’s populist rhetoric tests the ANC’s ability to convert public participation into policy shifts ahead of crucial elections. For citizens weary of empty promises, the real measure will be whether this platform produces tangible improvements to their daily lives.
The event marks one of the ANC’s most ambitious attempts to regain public trust through participatory democracy, but as Mbalula himself acknowledged:Â “The people will judge us not by our words today, but by the changes they see tomorrow.”
