What is the point and what are we expecting from the National Dialogue?
At its heart, it is positive in the sense that any conversation that allows better understanding between people is a good thing. Conversations also require listening. In the world today, there is not a huge appetite for listening and more often than not, the listening happens to prepare for the response. In general, the response is to convince the other person that you are right.
So my questions are: 1) Why do we need these appointed people to have a discussion on our behalf. 2) How will they contribute to my understanding of the issues. 3) Are they listening or just going to document a prepared response. 4) Is this an attempt to guide our thinking in a certain direction, which will doom it to failure. 5) Are they topics relevant and is the focus going to be on the past or the present.
It is sad that it is initiated by politicians. At the moment, politicians have far too much to say on things. They are in a fight for relevance, power and control.
I would love to have meaningful conversations with real people on tough issues. Maybe Daily Maverick Connect has come along at the right time?
