JOHANNESBURG – Former African National Congress (ANC) president and state president Thabo Mbeki says the first ever national dialogue in the country is close to becoming a reality.

The dialogue is expected to bring together all sections of society, from businesses to traditional healers, NGOs and others, to discuss the state of the country.

ALSO READ: Mbeki says South Africa is in crisis mode

Mbeki was speaking at the 5th Special National Congress of the South African Communist Party (SACP) in Boksburg on Saturday.

Mbeki said he had consulted with ANC leaders and the president’s office on setting up this dialogue.

“This is the very first time that all of our people will come together at all levels to talk about the future of South Africa, and President (Cyril) Ramaphosa has argued that what will come out of this – because it This is the people speaking – it must be binding on the government. This is the importance of the outcome of this process.

Mbeki said Ramaphosa would soon announce the creation of a preparatory committee that will manage the logistics of the dialogue.