President Ramaphosa on National Dialogue & Calls with Trump, Putin, Zelensky

National Dialogue Preparations

• 💡 President Ramaphosa held a long meeting with the Planning Task Team (PTT) and presidency officials regarding the National Dialogue.
• ⚠️ Concerns were raised about the level of preparedness for the first convention scheduled for August 15th.
• ✅ Despite concerns, 750 organizations were invited, with many already confirming their participation.

Foundations' Role and Commitment

• 🤝 Foundations, including the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, initially expressed dissatisfaction with preparedness but ultimately committed to remaining part of the dialogue.
• 📌 They will participate but leave the planning for the first convention to civil society organizations and presidency officials.
• 💬 Ramaphosa clarified that their concerns were about logistical preparedness, not substantive issues, and their withdrawal is "not a train smash."

Dialogue's Objectives and Progress

• 🚀 Ramaphosa instructed everyone to "pull out all stops" to ensure a successful first convention.
• 🎯 The initial convention will focus on establishing the process and a steering committee, rather than substantive policy matters.
• 📈 The ultimate goal is to chart a clear path for South Africa's future over the next 30 years, with the dialogue proceeding despite minor "hiccups."

Key International Engagements

• 📞 President Ramaphosa confirmed recent phone calls with President Trump and President Putin, with an upcoming call with President Zelensky.
• 🇺🇸 The call with President Trump focused on discussions regarding tariffs, with officials working towards a trade deal.
• 🇷🇺 President Putin briefed Ramaphosa on peace process efforts, acknowledging South Africa's role in the African peace mission to Ukraine and Russia.

South Africa's Diplomatic Recognition

• 🌍 The upcoming call with President Zelensky will also concern the peace process, highlighting South Africa's recognized diplomatic efforts.
• 👏 Ramaphosa noted that South Africa's involvement in fostering global peace processes is appreciated internationally, despite earlier domestic criticism.
• 🌱 He urged South Africans to recognize and value the country's contributions to peace worldwide.