National Dialogue: Everything you need to know

IOL News

2 days ago

It is believed to be a phased, participatory process involving local consultations, sectoral discussions, and provincial gatherings. There is expected to be a second convention in early 2026 where a national programme of action will be adopted.
The National Dialogue is a government initiative designed to unite South Africans in addressing the country's most pressing issues. This includes social, economic, and political challenges. Its purpose is to spark discussions at a grassroots level, identify common ground, build a collective vision for progress, and strengthen democratic processes.
The National Dialogue is set to kick off despite several withdrawals and controversy. We take a look at the reason for the dialogue, the withdrawals and the controversy:
The National Convention is expected to bring together 200 organisations from 33 different sectors. Only 557 people from 28 sectors had confirmed attendance.
The first National Convention is scheduled to take place from August 15 to 16, 2025, at UNISA's main campus in Pretoria.
Concerns and controversies
Budgetary scrutiny: The estimated R700 million price tag has sparked public criticism, especially since the country grapples with service delivery failures and inequality. National Convention spokesperson Rev Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu clarified that the R700 million is a draft figure prepared by the preparatory task team, not a final government allocation.
The conceptual funding framework projects 60% of costs from the government (fiscus) and 40% from donors (cash and in-kind contributions from businesses, private sector, civil society, churches, and municipalities).
The Presidency confirmed that costs for the first convention are funded from existing NEDLAC and Presidency budgets, with UNISA providing venues and services free of charge. Ramaphosa also stated efforts are underway to reduce the overall cost.
Parliament's Standing Committee on Appropriations has raised questions about funding sources and governance, insisting public money must be accounted for and allocated through an act of Parliament.
Legitimacy and duplication: The Labour Party of South Africa filed a legal bid to halt the dialogue, saying it's a costly and dangerous duplication of the national legislature. It questioned the President's power to establish it if it aims to create policy and binding decisions. The Gauteng High Court dismissed this bid, ruling that the President is mandated to promote national unity and the dialogue has a rational link to this goal.
"Elite capture" and exclusions: Civil society groups, like Free SA, argue the dialogue is "neither national nor a dialogue" because it excludes key political parties and entire sectors of society, making it appear more like a PR exercise. According to political analyst, Sandile Swana, it's a concern of "elite capture," where a document produced by ruling elites may not reflect the needs of ordinary South Africans.
Talk shop vs. action: Critics view the dialogue as another "talk shop" disconnected from real challenges. They argue that South Africa needs delivery and practical solutions to issues like unemployment, poverty, crime, and failing public services, instead of more speeches or reports.
Accountability for corruption: Critics, including #NotInMyName, argue that the government lacks the moral imperative to convene the dialogue while widespread reports of corruption and mismanagement of state resources remain unaddressed. There are warnings that unless the dialogue directly addresses issues like the Phala Phala affair, it will lack credibility.
President Ramaphosa's Stance
President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the decision to proceed, stating that the National Convention is essential for South Africa's people to take ownership and control of the National Dialogue. He expressed regret over some withdrawals but was encouraged by their stated intention to still play a role.
Ramaphosa has also urged women to lead discussions and participate actively in the dialogue, especially as the first convention takes place during Women's Month.
He stressed that women, who are significantly affected by national issues, must be equally represented across all structures, including young and old, rural and urban, and those from diverse ethnic, linguistic, and LGBTQI+ communities.
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