Former president Thabo Mbeki has disclosed key reasons for his foundation’s withdrawal from the National Dialogue, a government-led initiative to unite South Africans in addressing national challenges.
He said uncertainty over the R700 million budget allocated for the dialogue was a central factor in the decision.
The Thabo Mbeki Foundation, along with the Steve Biko Foundation, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, and the FW de Klerk Foundation, have withdrawn from the National Dialogue Convention set to begin on Friday, 15 August.
Their withdrawal casts doubt on whether the organisers of the intended inclusive, citizen-driven dialogue are acting with integrity and are properly prepared.
Concerns Over Funding and Planning in foundation Withdrawal
Mbeki accused the organisers of not being transparent about how they would use the funds.
“We feel the organisers were not entirely honest about where they will direct the funds.”
“They have violated the core principles meant to underpin the National Dialogue in their rush to host a gathering on August 15,” he said.
In a joint statement, the foundations cited a rushed timeline. Arguing that it had reduced the convention to a symbolic milestone rather than a meaningful start to a national process.
They also highlighted the absence of an approved budget allocation, which they said had hindered proper preparation.
Internal disagreements within the Preparatory Task Team over governance and the direction of the dialogue further complicated matters.
Call to Delay and Other Tensions
To ensure that the process retains substance, the foundations have proposed rescheduling the convention to after 15 October 2025, allowing ample time for proper coordination and engagement.
“Deadlines cannot override substance,” they emphasised. “Dialogue cannot be built on haste.”
Despite the legacy foundations stepping back, President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the first national convention will proceed as scheduled.
Do you think the National Dialogue should go ahead despite the withdrawal of key legacy foundations?
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