Difficult Dialogues is a forum to encourage a culture of dialogue about important subjects that South Africans have found it difficult to speak honestly or to draw and implement effective public policy responses.

The current series of dialogues being is being conducted in the context of this question: Does South Africa have the political will to change?

Political will is defined as the focus, drive and courage to implement a policy that will be good for South Africa. Though such policies will normally require both funds and expertise, absence of implementation is not a result of the absence of either. South Africa has sufficient funds, and enough experts, to understand many public needs and how to address them. Whether it is the areas of green energy or internet efficiency, educational improvements, or better support for small business and sound industrial policy, many problems in South Africa can be solved.

What’s needed, and what the current series of dialogues will focus on, is how to build the political will to achieve them. To do this Difficult Dialogues will remain uncommitted to any political party. On the contrary, politicians from all parties on the relevant legislative communities or MPs who regard themselves as committed to specific constituencies, will be invited and encouraged to attend and engage.