President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday urged South Africans to unite in confronting the country’s deep social and economic crises, launching a months-long “national dialogue” that he said could help fix a “broken” nation.

Speaking at a convention of more than 1,000 delegates, Ramaphosa said the dialogue would map out local consultations over the next six to nine months, aiming to address issues such as mass unemployment, poverty, crime, and land reform.

“We all agree that there are many things that are broken in our country,” Ramaphosa told participants. “By getting together, talking to each other, we should be able to find solutions on how we can put many of the things that are broken in our country together.”

South Africa, marking 30 years since the end of apartheid, still suffers from staggering inequality. Unemployment exceeds 33 percent, while most farmland remains in white minority ownership. Ramaphosa challenged citizens to confront uncomfortable truths: “Why do so many people live in abject poverty, and so few live lives of opulence? Why, after decades of democracy, are the prospects of the white child so much better than those of a black child?”

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has described the dialogue as a chance to “chart a brighter future,” but critics are unconvinced. The Democratic Alliance (DA) branded it a “meaningless” and “obscene waste” of taxpayer money, refusing to participate.

Former president Thabo Mbeki also boycotted the two-day convention, citing concerns over planning and cost.

Despite criticism, Ramaphosa vowed the process would be inclusive and cost-conscious, noting that some venues and transport had been offered for free. Around 30 public figures, including actor John Kani, humanitarian Imtiaz Sooliman, and Miss South Africa 2024 Mia le Roux, were named as ambassadors to promote the initiative.

“We must aim to emerge from this process with a shared national vision: one that is bold enough to inspire, yet practical enough to implement,” Ramaphosa said.