South Africans came to Pretoria this weekend with hope — and left with anger and unanswered questions. At the National Convention, citizens told the government in no uncertain terms that promises are no longer enough. Teachers, parents, and community activists spoke passionately about crime, inequality, and corruption, demanding that leaders listen and act. President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy Paul Mashatile faced pointed criticism, as delegates accused the government of using the event for political gain while ignoring the very voices it was supposed to elevate. The message was clear: South Africans want a dialogue that reflects reality, not electioneering.