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Reclaiming the South Africa of our dreams
Every conversation is a step to a better future
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Reclaiming the South Africa of our dreams
Every conversation is a step to a better future
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Reclaiming the South Africa of our dreams
Every conversation is a step to a better future
-
Reclaiming the South Africa of our dreams
Every conversation is a step to a better future
Welcome to the NFDI
Every Nation must stop and take pause, especially one with deep divisions both racial and economic as in South Africa, in order to constantly refine its capacity for reflection, dialogue and action. It is against this background that the National Foundations Dialogue Initiative (NFDI) was born.
The central aim of NFDI is earnest dialogue and consensus building. The social and political diversity of the Founding Member foundations is a mirror of our country. NFDI is convinced that this provides a sufficiently broad basis for South Africans from different backgrounds and persuasions to reflect on the Nation’s experience of the past 21 years, to confront our problems, challenges, fears and perceptions about one another and the country in search of a contract within which we can share a common citizenship as defined in the Constitution.
Our Vision
To strengthen and deepen our constitutional democracy through dialogue.
Mission
Three focused national dialogue themes are to be pursued in terms of the vision:
Theme 1
Social cohesion and a non-violent society
- NFDI reference group members to engage in dialogue with outside parties.
- Research on complex and sensitive aspects to be commissioned.
Theme 2
Growth of the economy
- Engage in dialogue with leading figures in private and public sectors who play an important role in the economy.
- Facilitate dialogue, in particular, on the fourth industrial revolution.
- Research on complex and sensitive subjects to be commissioned.
Theme 3
A more responsive and accountable state
- Conduct grass roots dialogue in order to ascertain needs within society.
- Engage in dialogue with leading figures who can influence state institutions.

Upcoming Events
In the coming months, NFDI will facilitate dialogue across the country, co-ordinate, document, research and record these conversations and dialogues about the State of our Nation. It will then endeavor to chart a way forward that will hopefully unite the country and strengthen its democratic values. NFDI will also endeavor to ensure that the outcomes of these dialogues are included in the programmes of both Government and the Private Sector.
Latest News

MoU Signing Ceremony: NFDI and SACC
Read more...
Limpopo Public Dialogue “Access to Water and Sanitation”
On the 19th November 2020, the National Foundations Dialogue Initiative (NFDI) and the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) held their first hybrid virtual-In person dialogue in the Vhembe and Sekhukhune districts of Limpopo. The topic of the dialogue: “Let’s talk about access to water and sanitation”
The In-person dialogue took place at the Evangelical Lutheran Church (Southern Africa) in Jane Furse under the leadership of Reverand Molokele and the Evangelical Lutheran Church (Southern Africa) in Shayandima under the leadership of Dr Alunamutwe Rannditsheni. There were approximately 150 people in attendance for both venues. Students from University of Venda assisted at the Shayandima church creating voice notes for the community in their respective mother tongues to ensure the attendees understood what the dialogue was all about and could fully participate. The students also assisted the church with the community registration process and ensured that COVID-19 regulations were strictly adhered too. The programme included a breakaway session where delegates were allocated to respective breakaway rooms of their choice and the topics of discussions were as follows:
Breakout Room 1: Why your taps run dry – and what you can do about it?
Prof Mike Muller (Professional Civil Engineer, Adjunct Prof, Wits School of Governance and Director: Technical
Committee, WISA (Water Institute of Southern Africa) presented on the topic;
Breakout Room 2: Social audits of access to water
Ms Thando Mhlanga (International Budget Partnership / Coordinator, Social Audit Network);
Breakout Room 3: Water Research Commission pilot project in Limpopo
Mr Shafick Adams (Water Research Commission);
Breakout Room 4: Community-based projects in Limpopo
Prof John Odiyo (Dean: School of Environmental Science) University of Venda;
Breakout Room 5: Business contribution to access to water.
Mr Ben Mphahlele (Chairperson, Sesele Investment Group).
The dialogue was a huge success attended by the MEC of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Mr Basikopo Makamu, experts, community members, ward councillors and many more.
The keynote speaker was Ms Hameda Deedat from NALEDI who is a water activist. Click here to listen to her presentation.
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The latest NFDI media statements available here.
For comment or further information, please contact info@nfdi.org.za.
Support Us
National Foundations Dialogue Initiative is a registered NPC (2015/332300/08) with Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) status
By supporting our Foundation, you may qualify for a Section 18A Tax Exemption Certificate and also be part of the citizens of our country who encourage a step to a better future.