More from the ‘theatre of promise’? Or can South Africa’s National Dialogue forge a real social compact?

Abstract

In the aftermath of the August National Dialogue, South Africans are sceptical, asking if this will once again descend into more ‘political theatre,’ but at the same time hopeful that this may prove to be the ‘real thing’ at last? Following an IFAA Forum titled ‘South Africa’s Social Compact: Can it be Achieved?’ BRUCE KADALIE reflects on the elusive search for a binding national consensus in South Africa.