SACC calls for transparency and unity ahead of National Dialogue
In a statement following an emergency meeting of its national church leaders on August 11, the SACC said the gathering was held to reflect on the 'diverse views of the Christian leaders in the SACC and establish a united response to the country's temperature as relates to the National Dialogue.'
The intervention from the SACC comes as momentum around the National Dialogue is threatened by a growing number of withdrawals and concerns around the process.
Several prominent legacy foundations, including the Steve Biko Foundation, Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, WDB Foundation, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, and the Strategic Dialogue Group, announced their withdrawal last Friday.
ActionSA, AfriForum, the Solidarity union, and the Freedom Front Plus have also pulled out of the National Dialogue, raising further questions about the inclusivity and legitimacy of the process.
The church leaders believe that postponing the National Convention 'would have been a wise route to consider,' to allow space for reflection and alignment around the core needs of the South African people.
Such a delay, they said, could help to 'maximise unity through an inclusive journey from the start.'
The SACC said in a media statement dated 2 July 2024: 'It is our experience that for such an effort to be successful, it does need to be protected from narrow political interests; and must be seen and experienced as being in the control of the people rather than a few who speak on behalf of others. It must be inclusive of all sectors of society to ensure its legitimacy in the eyes of the people.'
They warned that 'the concerns raised about the readiness to host the National Convention in their totality must be addressed to build confidence in society.'
They said this can only happen through 'transparency, accountability, and adherence to all procurement laws.'
The SACC said the dialogue must be guided by societal ownership and leadership, and that any misdirection of resources 'needs to be clearly spelt out' with 'appropriate steps' taken.
Calling on the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) to lead with integrity, the SACC said: 'At this juncture, the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) should provide moral leadership that will unite us all.'
They added that the group was formed 'to make sure that in everything related to the National Dialogue, it becomes the face of its leadership, and the voice of reason to speak truth to all actors at all times.'
The SACC acknowledged the latest public commitment from EPG co-chairs, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke and Mr Roelf Meyer, who said: 'The EPG will be reaching out to the foundations and the Presidency to seek solutions to the issues they have raised.
''The EPG will also be reaching out to the political players who have opted out of the process. Such is the nature of an authentic National Dialogue that the door must remain open for everyone to join the process.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
3 minutes ago
- IOL News
The implications of General Maphwanya's Iran visit on South Africa's foreign policy
An international relations expert warns that the SA National Defence Force chief General Rudzani Maphwanya's recent visit to Iran could deepen tensions between South Africa and the US. Image: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief General Rudzani Maphwanya's recent visit to Iran, where he reportedly pledged military and political support for the country, could deepen tensions between South Africa and the US. This according to international relations expert, Dr Noluthando Phungula, who said South Africa's ties with Iran have been a bone of contention with the US. Maphwanya, who travelled to Iran on Tuesday, held meetings with several high-ranking military officials, including Major General Aziz Nasizadeh, Iran's defence minister, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and General Amir Hatami, the Iranian commander. The trip was aimed at strengthening military cooperation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ According to Iranian newspaper Tehran Times, Maphwanya said that the two countries had common goals, and always stood alongside the oppressed and defenceless people of the world. He also took aim at Israel over the continued war in Gaza as he reiterated support for the Palestinian people and told officials his visit "carries a political message" from Ramaphosa's administration. The meeting in Iran came amid tensions between South Africa and the US after months of worsening diplomatic relations between the two countries. This situation is further complicated by the US having implemented a 30% tariff on South African goods, citing concerns about unfair trade practices. In June, tensions escalated between the US and Iran after the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites at Israel's request. Both ministries of International Relations and Cooperation and of Defence have since dissociated the government from Maphwanya's remarks. 'The South African government has distanced itself from the General's comments citing no knowledge of the visit yet he would have required ministerial approval. While the visit may have been mainly on military relations, it however extends to foreign policy. "This speaks to loopholes in SA's international relations and protocol particularly from senior personnel such as the General,'' said Phungula, adding that the timing of this visit and the utterances made set back efforts to mend relations with the US, particularly since there is much misinformation on the side of the US. The sentiments were echoed by Solidarity, which called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss Maphwanya, warning that the visit places South Africa's relationship with the US at serious risk and threatens the country's broader international credibility and trade interests. 'It is unacceptable that South Africa, at a time when our economy urgently needs access to international markets, chooses to strengthen ties with countries such as Iran, which is internationally isolated due to its policies and actions,' said Jaco Kleynhans, head of international liaison. The DA demanded the immediate court-martial of Maphwanya for misconduct and breach of the defence force Code of Conduct, said this 'forms part of a wider pattern of foreign policy adventurism that is economically destructive, diplomatically reckless, and dangerously misaligned with South Africa's national interest'. Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said he was not aware of Maphwanya's visit to Iran, adding that he would meet him soon to discuss the trip and the consequences for the General. However, the South African Communist Party (SACP) have slammed those opposing Maphwanya's visit, saying it was part of South Africa's long-standing bilateral relations with Iran. 'The SACP rejects the impending acts of isolation and scapegoating of General Maphwanya to appease Western imperialist forces and their domestic agents, compromising South Africa's sovereign right to formulate and implement its own foreign policy, including on defence co-operation. "Any actions by the government towards General Maphwanya as Military Chief must be based on strengthening our military institutions and their capabilities, improving our defence co-operation agreements with other states to which we have full sovereign rights. 'The SACP rejects any attempt at dictating which nations South Africa may have bilateral relations with, including defence, trade and investment,' the party said in a statement.
The South African
3 minutes ago
- The South African
Sizwe Dlomo trolls Dricus after UFC title loss
Sizwe Dhlomo had surprising words for both Gayton McKenzie and Dricus du Plessis, who was dethroned of his UFC Middleweight World Champion belt by Khamzat Chimaev. The Kaya FM host has been vocal about his disdain for the Minister of Sports, Art, and Culture, whose K-word social media scandal went viral this week. On his X account, Sizwe Dhlomo reacted to Gayton McKenzie consoling Dricus du Plessis after his UFC title loss. The minister posted: 'Dricus du Plessis, you made us proud as one of the great champions, and we know you will be back. You faced a tough wrestler today, but you will come back stronger. 'It was hard to watch, but you never gave up, almost had him & you'll always be a legend. Chin up, #noDNAjustRSA 🇿🇦 Responding to the tweet, Sizwe posted: 'Hey f*kof, wena!' Sizwe Dhlomo wasn't the only South African who had something to say about Dricus du Plessis's loss. Comedian Yaaseen Barnes referred to the MMA fighter's previous controversial comments and endorsement of US President Donald Trump. He posted: 'Dricus' loss actually made me more Pro-South African. He stood for the white genocide (which has been debunked), he's also pro-Trump (who should be debunked) 'This is a loss for the good of the country.' EFF's Sinawo Thambo posted of Dricus: 'There is no patriotism with peddlers of fake genocide in SA and racists.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 minutes ago
- IOL News
Thabo Mbeki Foundation denies claims of opposing National Dialogue
Former president Thabo Mbeki declined an invitation to attend the first convention of the National Dialogue that was held in Pretoria at the weekend. Image: Boxer Ngwenya / Independent Newspapers The Thabo Mbeki Foundations has denied claims that they were planning to create a parallel structure to oppose the National Dialogue, a two-day event that concluded on Saturday at the University of South Africa (Unisa). The foundation, along with other prominent legacy foundations, withdrew from the National Dialogue process a week before it started, citing concerns over its implementation and rushed timelines. Several organizations, including the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), Freedom Front Plus, ActionSA, FW De Klerk Foundation, Solidarity, and Afrikaner Leierskapsnetwerk (Afrikaner Leadership Network, ALN), also withdrew from the National Dialogue, questioning its legitimacy, transparency and effectiveness. The MK Party specifically raised concerns about the financing of the event, while others accused the ANC of using the dialogue to polish its image ahead of the 2026 local government elections. However on Sunday the Mbeki Foundation said there was no plan to start a parallel structure saying the foundations were in constant talks and it was not anything new. Former President Thabo Mbeki just before the event kicked off declined an invitation to attend the national dialogue's first convention and in a letter dated August 12 from Mbeki Foundation chairperson Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi to Nedlac executive director Makhukhu Mampuru, fueled allegations of a parallel structure. Fraser-Moleketi also disputed the characterisation of the upcoming Unisa convention as the "first," stating that the preparatory task team (PTT), operational for 13 months, convenes all public meetings and national conventions of the dialogue. The national dialogue is a result of an agreement among the parties forming the Government of National Unity. While considered Mbeki's brainchild, the process has exposed strained relations between him and President Cyril Ramaphosa. The National Dialogue aimed to engage all South Africans in a countrywide discussion on challenges facing the country and forge a new vision. However, the event revealed a clear disconnect between government officials and ordinary citizens with delegates expressing frustration at being left out of the process, saying they only learned about the convention through the media. Discussions during the proceedings were frequently intense, centered on immediate concerns such as crime, corruption, educational disparities, and the perceived inadequacies of the justice system. In a breakout session on "Crime and Corruption," delegates shared personal stories and emphasised the need for tougher law enforcement, community policing, and quicker legal action. Qophumlando Dlangamandla, a teacher from North West, reportedly said, "I dream of a South Africa where education matters, where rural children are given the same tools as those in Gauteng." Bonginkosi Zwane reportedly spoke emotionally about his young grandson, a victim of rape, and called for the return of the Scorpions, saying, "All that I dream of is the return of Scorpions. Back then, we saw real and swift action against criminals." Tensions came to a head in the main plenary, where President Cyril Ramaphosa was present. Activist Sihle Lubisi addressed the hall directly, criticising the ANC and the organisation of the National Dialogue. "We are the foot soldiers. We know what's happening on the ground. All of you here have bodyguards and we don't. You say it's a National Dialogue, but you shut us down! "You are here because the 2026 elections are coming. You're trying to buy our silence," Lubisi said. The National Dialogue concluded with a call for diverse methods of dialogue, crafted in communities using local knowledge and expertise. Delegates emphasised the importance of inclusivity and citizen-led discussions. Lindiwe Mazibuko, Co-Deputy Chairperson of the Eminent Persons Group closed the event. "We have come together from all walks of life, engaged in respectful dialogue, and dared to envision a more inclusive, citizen-led future for South Africa." The process to establish a representative Steering Committee was extended by two weeks to accommodate more diversity and ensure nobody is left behind.
