JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African is starting a “national dialogue” Friday that is meant to bring all sectors of society together to discuss the country’s most pressing issues and find solutions.

The talks, initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa after calls from civil society, are expected to include most political parties, civic groups and members of the public.

Concerns have been raised over a possible $40 million cost, while there are also questions about whether the dialogue will result in significant changes.

South Africa faces many problems more than 30 years after the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule, including high levels of poverty and inequality, crime, corruption and an unemployment rate of more than 30% — one of the world’s worst.

The country is no strange

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