Open Letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Dear Mr. President…

I write to you today as an annoyed and concerned citizen and advocate for the future of our nation. The time has come for us to confront the reality of our political landscape and the dire consequences of the decisions made by our leaders over the past three decades. It is with a heavy heart that I express my belief that you and your administration, along with all politicians since 1994, are unfit to lead a national dialogue aimed at rectifying the mistakes of the past. The betrayal we have endured as a nation at the hands of our leaders is profound, and it is imperative that we acknowledge and address this broken trust.

The Legacy of Secrecy: CODESA Agreements

The agreements made during the CODESA negotiations, which were meant to usher in a new era of hope and prosperity, remain shrouded in secrecy. The lack of transparency surrounding these agreements has left the nation in the dark about their true implications, raising questions about the legitimacy of the promises made to us. These negotiations could have laid the groundwork for an inclusive and equitable society, but instead, they have created an environment of distrust and confusion among citizens who feel they were not privy to the terms that shape their lives. The secrecy surrounding these agreements has fostered a sense of disenfranchisement among the populace, who are left to grapple with the consequences of decisions made without their consent or understanding.

Corruption: A Systemic Failure

Moreover, the rampant corruption that has seeped into the very fabric of our government is a direct result of the decisions made by political leaders who have prioritized personal gain over the welfare of the citizens they were elected to serve. The numerous scandals that have surfaced over the years, from the state capture phenomenon to the misuse of public funds, paint a grim picture of a government that has lost its way. The ongoing allegations against high-ranking officials, including members of your own party, serve as a testament to the failure of leadership and accountability. Each presidency—from Nelson Mandela to Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe, Jacob Zuma, and now yourself—has been marred by scandals that reveal a troubling pattern of corruption and betrayal.

Despite overwhelming evidence presented by various commissions of inquiry, including the Zondo Commission, those implicated have often evaded accountability, protected by a political culture that prioritizes loyalty over integrity. This collusion among political leaders creates a toxic environment where wrongdoing is not only overlooked but actively shielded by those who should be held accountable. The failure to act decisively against corruption has sent a clear message to the nation: that those in power are above the law.

Erosion of Trust

As we stand on the precipice of what is being touted as a national dialogue, it is vital to recognize that the architects of our current predicament cannot be the same individuals tasked with leading us out of this quagmire. The very politicians who have contributed to the erosion of trust between the government and the people must step aside, allowing for a genuine and inclusive process that truly represents the voices of ordinary South Africans. We cannot afford to have those who have been complicit in the perpetuation of social ills and corruption dictate the terms of our national healing.

The betrayal felt by the citizens is compounded by the knowledge that successive administrations have colluded with the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and the Chapter 9 institutions meant to uphold accountability and protect our democracy. Instead of serving as checks on power, these institutions have often been undermined or manipulated to shield wrongdoers, perpetuating a cycle of impunity. This ongoing betrayal has left South Africans disillusioned and questioning the very foundations of our democracy.

A Call for Citizen-Led Dialogue

Instead, I urge you to facilitate a process that empowers the citizens of our nation to take the reins of this dialogue. Let us engage in an open and honest discussion about our collective future, free from the influence of those who have failed us. This is an opportunity for true leadership—one that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of the people above political agendas. By stepping aside and allowing the nation to lead this process, you will demonstrate a commitment to accountability and transparency that has been sorely lacking in our political sphere.

We must reclaim our agency as citizens and engage in a national dialogue that reflects the diverse voices and experiences of all South Africans. This dialogue should not be led by those who have failed us; rather, it should be a grassroots initiative that seeks to identify the root causes of our challenges and develop solutions that are truly representative of our collective will. Only through such an approach can we hope to rebuild trust and foster a sense of unity and purpose among our people.

Conclusion: A Challenge for Change

In closing, I challenge you to take a bold step towards genuine reform. Recognize the need for change and support a national dialogue that is free from the conflicts of interest that have plagued your administration and those before you. The time has come for a new chapter in our nation's history—one that is shaped by the voices of the people, not the interests of politicians who have failed to uphold their promises.

Let us move forward together, not under the shadow of those who have betrayed our trust, but in the light of a new dawn where accountability, transparency, and integrity are the guiding principles of our governance.

Sincerely,

Nixau Kealeboga Gift Mogapi

Convenor of the National Summit