Multi-party group asks for civil society inputs to guide forthcoming national convention

10 August 2023

The political parties exploring a multi-party agreement (DA, IFP, FF Plus, ActionSA, UIM and SNP) have begun a process to reach out to leaders across a wide range of civil society to seek their guidance ahead of the National Convention to be held on 16 and 17 August 2023.

The leaders of these political parties have recognised the pivotal role that civil society has played in South Africa in the face of the prolific failures of government. It is equally recognised that significant political change in our country has never arisen from political parties alone, but only through a broader cross-section of society working together to deliver change.

Letters have been sent to the broadest number of civil society organisations, inviting their written inputs into this process and confirming an intention to host an engagement with civil society in the period following a successful National Convention. Written submissions received will form part of the engagements of the beginning of the National Convention in such a manner that the engagements that follow will be guided by the wisdom of civil society.

While the details will require further engagement at the National Convention, it is the view of these political parties that political change that South Africa needs will require a partnership with NGOs, think tanks, organised labour, business, faith-based organisations and many others.

While this invitation to civil society has been extended as broadly as possible, all organisations who wish to make contributions to this crucial Convention are invited to do so. Contributions can be made by written submissions to [email protected] by Monday 14 August 2023.

Issued by DA, IFP, FF Plus, ActionSA, UIM, SNP, 10 August, 2023