Mr President, delay National Dialogue
One has to think President Cyril Ramaphosa was born into the wrong epoch.
Clearly, he would have been better off in Roman times when, with his air of quiet boredom, he could have given Emperor Nero a run for his money in playing a nice tune while flames engulfed all around him.
Of course, legend has it that Nero was fiddling… and while Ramaphosa has not been caught doing that, many of his comrades in the ANC have for years been fiddling while playing the rest of us for suckers.
That's part of the reason the country is being engulfed by crime and collapse.
True to the Nero inspiration, Ramaphosa has been pursuing the idea of a National Dialogue which, when it was first proposed by civil society groups some time ago, seemed like a good idea.
The DA said it wouldn't back it because it would simply turn into an ANC electioneering platform.
ALSO READ: National Dialogue will go ahead despite withdrawal of foundations, Ramaphosa says
Now, though, some of the major backers of the dialogue – including the Thabo Mbeki and FW de Klerk Foundations – are pulling out because they believe the president is trying to steamroller the process, not allowing them enough time to prepare for Friday's grand get-together.
One does have to wonder about the seemingly indecent haste to get this project off the ground, especially given Ramaphosa's track record of lethargy in decision-making, never mind that the ANC is never in a hurry for anything except the drinks table at a government reception…
Ramaphosa says he is determined that the dialogue will go ahead, Thabo Mbeki be damned. We don't think this is the right attitude, especially considering Mbeki has the elder statesman's gravitas which could hold the whole circus together.
This country does need to talk, but it doesn't need a half-baked process.
Please, Mr President, delay this for just a little while.
NOW READ: When voters choose chaos over change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Maverick
43 minutes ago
- Daily Maverick
Caught in a bad romance? South Africa's GNU gets the Politically Aweh treatment
South Africa's cheekiest news show, Politically Aweh, returns with a sizzling new season – and it's already putting the 'national' back into 'national drama'. Hosted by the ever-witty KG Mokgadi and dynamic new co-host Zoë Human, the first episode dives head-first into that rare and endangered political creature: the GNU. Like a wildlife documentary in Parliament, the team studies and dissects the polygamous political marriage born out of the 2024 elections, where the ANC, having been klapped at the polls, found itself with less than 50% of the vote – and a big, empty bed in Tuynhuys. What followed was less House of Cards and more Boer Soek 'n Vrou: Parliamentary Edition. Would the DA get the rose?Would the IFP bring snacks?Would Gayton McKenzie bring a surprise twist or just another hat? Spoiler alert: the ANC courted the DA, and after a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers arc, they said 'I do' (to working together). Along with eight smaller parties, they formed the GNU – that's nine makotis in one house, and yes, the DA is still undlunkulu. But in true South African fashion, nobody knows how long this bad romance will last. Will it be lasting love or a bitter divorce before year-end? Meanwhile, in the opposition corner, the MK party, born from Zuma's political ashes and packing 14.5% of the vote, was supposed to be the bold new watchdog. But instead of barking they've been napping through crucial parliamentary votes. So much for being the government-in-waiting – at this rate they're barely the WhatsApp group admin. And just when you thought it couldn't get spicier, Tony Leon and Mmusi Maimane make a guest appearance. Leon makes a surprising observation about MK: 'They're an interesting example of not performing particularly well as a parliamentary opposition but who on the ground seem to be making significant progress.' Maimane makes the case for being driven by 'the strength of your ideas, not the sheer number [of MPs in a parliamentary party]'. So, how do we hold any of these political lovebirds accountable? According to KG and Zoë:By paying making by remembering that babysitters can't sleep while the house is on fire. This isn't just a show. It's a public service – wrapped in satire, served with a wink and backed by facts. Let's keep the GNU keep the vibe Aweh. DM
eNCA
3 hours ago
- eNCA
Maimane seeks clarity on funding for National Dialogue
South African flag JOHANNESBURG - Mmusi Maimane, chairperson of parliament's Standing Committee on Appropriations, is seeking clarity on funding for the National Dialogue. He warns there is no clear budget allocation, and stresses funding must be sustainable and accountable. Maimane also raised concerns about how the dialogue can be truly inclusive if key organisations keep withdrawing. The Thabo Mbeki Foundation has withdrawn, citing the quoted R700-million price tag and unclear spending. The Democratic Alliance has also pulled out.
eNCA
3 hours ago
- eNCA
Legacy Foundations withdraw from national dialogue
PRETORIA - The new committee, the National Convention is preparing for Friday's National Convention. READ: National Dialogue | Foundations withdraw after questioning processes It will be held at UNISA in Pretoria and is designed to be the first major event to kick start the National Dialogue. The spokesperson for the Legacy Foundations who earlier withdrew from the Preparatory Task Team for various reasons, Bongani Kupe spoke with eNCA.
