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The National Dialogue is set to kick-off in a few days and is receiving much criticism from opposition parties, including the partner in the Government of National Unity (GNU) the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Opposition parties, civil society groups and stakeholders alike have criticised the manner in which the National Dialogue and the first Convention to take place on 15 August 2025, is organised and rushed. A number of civil society organisations including the Thabo Mbeki Foundation have withdrawn from the National Dialogue.
The Thabo Mbeki Foundation has cited a compromise in principles hence their withdrawal from the National Dialogue. The Foundation says it represents the legacies of Steve Biko, Chief Albert Luthuli, Thabo Mbeki, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo, FW de Klerk, and Archbishop Desmond and Leah Tutu.
The Thabo Mbeki says the National Dialogue must be citizen-led, inclusive, exemplary of meaningful engagement and must be transparent and accountable.
“It is with deep regret, but with unwavering conviction, that we have resolved to withdraw our participation from the structures of the Preparatory Task Team and the First National Convention of the National Dialogue scheduled for 15 August 2025. This is due to our belief that core principles meant to underpin the whole National Dialogue have been violated in the rush to host a gathering on 15 August,” said the Foundation.
Amongst others, the funding for the dialogue has been a bone of contention; to this, the Presidency has responded to assure citizens, political parties, and civil society organisations that the budget is above board.
The Spokesperson to the President Vincent Magwenya, affirmed in a statement that all budgetary processes regarding the National Convention are consistent with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Magwenya explained that the Inter-Ministerial Committee, which is chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and comprises all relevant government departments to coordinate government’s contribution towards the National Dialogue, has been working to mobilise resources for the convention and manage costs.
“As a response to the call for collaboration with other stakeholders to reduce the costs of the National Dialogue, UNISA has offered to host the first National Convention and provide associated goods and services free of charge.
As it stands, venues have been secured for the plenary; two overflow venues with live-streaming, 10 breakaway venues, dining area and work areas. In addition, UNISA is providing facilities for an Operations Centre, which has been running over the past week, catering, ushers, AV services, printing of discussion documents, signage, conference bags, notepads, pens and WiFi,” he explained.
“The costs of the first convention are being funded from the existing budgets of NEDLAC and the Presidency for secretariat support, communications and logistics. The provisions in the Appropriation Act and the PFMA will be used to reimburse the Department of Employment and Labour and NEDLAC in the Adjustments Budget later this year.
All procurement and management of public funds will adhere to the PFMA and applicable Treasury Regulations. All funds will be accounted for through the normal public finance mechanisms.
Donations have been received for the National Dialogue digital platform. Some goods and services, such as the venue, screens for public viewing, and rail and road transport, are being provided at no cost,” he continued.
Magwenya further explained that the reduced costs associated with the hosting of the National Dialogue and the funding plans are done with the intention to reduce the cost to the fiscus.
“The Presidency is committed to supporting the first National Convention to kick-start the citizen-led and inclusive National Dialogue.
The total budget for the National Dialogue will be developed as the structure and form of the community dialogues are finalised by the Convention, and will depend on in-kind contributions, donations and other resources that can be mobilised,” he concluded.
