PROFESSOR Bridgemohan (Brij) Maharaj has spent many years advocating for open conversation, responsibility and fairness in South Africa’s educational institutions, corporate environments and religious gatherings. As the nation faces significant problems, serious inequality, political suspicion, and economic difficulties, Maharaj is ready to guide a national effort aimed at creating a fresh way forward.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has selected the 69-year-old to be on the Steering Committee of the National Dialogue. This country-wide project aims to bring South Africans together to tackle the most pressing problems and develop a shared plan for the future.

What is the National Dialogue?

The National Dialogue is a nationwide process involving numerous stakeholders designed to bring South Africans together to think about the state of the country and create a shared long-term vision.

“It was initiated under President Cyril Ramaphosa as a way to rebuild trust, strengthen democracy, and shape a shared long‑term vision for the country. It involves government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, youth, traditional leaders, and communities, all participating in structured discussions, consultations, and conventions,” said Maharaj.

The process has several steps. It starts with talks at the local level and in specific industries before moving to national meetings. “These conventions are intended to produce a People’s Compact, a shared social compact outlining responsibilities and a practical plan for South Africa’s next developmental trajectory,” he said.

Maharaj was considered a candidate after being nominated by religious groups. Those who wanted to be considered had to provide their resumes, which were examined by a group before being sent to Ramaphosa for approval.

A culmination of years of work

For Maharaj, a respected scholar at UKZN, the appointment is a recognition of his decades of public service and a serious responsibility in what he calls a crucial moment in the nation’s story.

“It is an honour to serve our country, and I am deeply humbled by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint me. The appointment comes with a profound responsibility. South Africa is at a crossroads, and being entrusted with a role in shaping the national dialogue means actively contributing to the renewal of our democracy. It reaffirms my lifelong commitment to social justice, ethical leadership and building a country that works for all its people,” he said.

Maharaj is recognised by the National Research Foundation (NRF) as a leading researcher in the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences at UKZN. His respected work on urban politics and the study of major events makes him well suited for the strategic guidance needed by the committee.

Serving on the Steering Committee

As a Steering Committee member, he will assist in guiding and checking the entire process.

“The Steering Committee guides and oversees the entire National Dialogue process. Its main role is to ensure the Dialogue remains organised, inclusive, and focused. It drives the programme of action, ensures that all the different sectors and partners work together, and keeps the process on track from local discussions all the way to the national conventions,” said Maharaj.

What to expect?

In his new position, Maharaj will speak for the faith sector, something he believe is important and urgent.

“The faith sector has always been the moral compass of South Africa, during apartheid, during the transition and now, as we rebuild trust in our institutions. The faith sector is often the first to see the pain in our communities, the conflict, the inequality and the exclusion,” he said.

Maharaj added that this gives him the special duty to push for peace, encourage understanding and demand ethical leadership.

As the National Dialogue goes on, Maharaj hopes it will bring back a feeling of shared responsibility and build confidence in the country’s democratic future.

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