Thabo Mbeki gives reasons why his foundation withdrew from the National Dialogue
Image: Picture: Armand Hough/Independent
Former President Thabo Mbeki has revealed critical reasons behind his foundation's withdrawal from the National Dialogue, a government-led initiative aimed at uniting South Africans to tackle pressing national issues. Central to Mbeki's decision is the uncertainty surrounding the R700 million budget allocated for the dialogue.
Mbeki's foundation, along with other notable legacy foundations, including the Steve Biko Foundation, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, and the FW de Klerk Foundation, officially withdrew from the National Dialogue Convention scheduled to commence this Friday.
Their withdrawal raises serious questions about the integrity and preparation involved in what is meant to be an inclusive and citizen-driven dialogue.
"We feel the organisation of the matter was not entirely honest as to where the funds will be directed," Mbeki stated.
"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 August 15."
The foundations released a joint statement outlining several issues that contributed to their decision, including a rushed timeline that has turned the convention into a mere performative milestone rather than a meaningful launch of a comprehensive national process.
They expressed deep concern over the lack of a confirmed, approved budget allocation, which has hindered any sound preparation. Significant disagreements within the Preparatory Task Team further complicated the situation, particularly regarding governance and the overall direction of the dialogue.
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
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.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
To ensure that the process retains substance, the foundations have proposed rescheduling the convention to after October 15, 2025, allowing ample time for proper coordination and engagement. "Deadlines cannot override substance," they emphasised. "Dialogue cannot be built on haste."
The withdrawal also reflects underlying tensions, particularly concerning the inclusion of controversial Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke.
His leadership has been embroiled in controversy, notably regarding accusations of misappropriating the concept of a promised campus for Sekhukhune youth, which has left many young people without access to higher education opportunities.
Despite the legacy foundations stepping back from the initiative, President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the first national convention will proceed as scheduled.
The Presidency has distanced itself from the contentious R700 million budget, asserting that all budgetary processes align with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
It also highlighted that the Inter-Ministerial Committee is actively working to mobilise resources for the dialogue while managing costs.
"UNISA has offered to host the first National Convention and provide associated goods and services free of charge," the Presidency stated. "Venues and logistical support are being secured without the R700 million burden."
The costs associated with this inaugural convention are reportedly being funded through existing budgets allocated to NEDLAC and the Presidency, which are set to be reimbursed in the Adjustments Budget later this year.
IOL
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Refuting the US State Department's misrepresentation of SA's human rights
The US State Department's recent report on South Africa misrepresents the country's commitment to human rights and undermines its constitutional democracy, says the writer. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers I am a human rights lawyer born in an era when the worst amongst a racist ruling minority ruined the humanity of the majority in South Africa. The recent US State Department Human Rights Report on SA presents a deeply flawed and inaccurate account of the state of human rights in our country. The majority of thinking and patriotic people of South Africa firmly reject its findings as an a-contextual and politically motivated document that fails to recognise the reality of our robust constitutional democracy. I managed to access the report. Its selective use of information and reliance on unverified anecdotes is not only a disservice to the truth but also undermines the very principles of independent human rights reporting. The US report fails to acknowledge the foundation of our democracy: the South African Constitution. This is a document universally recognised for its progressive and comprehensive protection of human rights. Our commitment to these rights is not merely a matter of policy but a constitutional mandate. When human rights violations are alleged—whether by state actors or private citizens—South Africa has transparent and independent mechanisms to address them. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ These include the following: an independent judiciary, where our courts operate without political interference. When allegations of police misconduct or other abuses are made, the judiciary is the final arbiter, and those found guilty are held accountable. The report often cites incidents that are actively under investigation or adjudication by our courts, presenting them as settled facts of abuse rather than as cases within a functioning legal system. The report conveniently sidesteps the role of our Chapter 9 institutions, which are created to safeguard democracy and human rights. Bodies like the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) are constitutionally mandated to investigate human rights abuses and police brutality. Their public reports and findings are freely available, and they play a critical role in holding the government and its agencies accountable. The US report's most egregious claims often rely on a distorted narrative. Allegations of "extrajudicial killings" and police misconduct are cited, with the report claiming "credible reports" of arbitrary killings by the government. This broad and unsubstantiated claim ignores the fact that any death caused by police action is immediately referred to the IPID for independent investigation. The IPID's reports, while sometimes highlighting a rise in police misconduct, also detail the specific cases under investigation and the actions taken against officers. To label these incidents as "extrajudicial killings" without acknowledging the ongoing, transparent legal process is a willful misrepresentation of facts. The report frames the Expropriation Act as a move to seize land from Afrikaner minorities without compensation. This is a gross simplification and politicisation of a complex issue. The purpose of the Act is to address the deeply entrenched, racially imbalanced land ownership patterns that are a direct legacy of apartheid. It is a critical step towards social justice and land reform. In fact, international bodies like the United Nations Human Rights Office in Geneva have praised the Act as a necessary and 'critical step' in rectifying historical injustices, providing a stark contrast to the US State Department's highly political interpretation. The report points to farm attacks as a sign of targeted violence against a racial minority. While farm attacks are a serious crime and a concern for all of South Africa, data from police and independent research show that these crimes affect all racial groups in rural areas. To single out one racial group for political purposes is to ignore the broader issue of rural crime and violence that South Africa is actively working to combat. The US State Department's report is not an objective assessment but rather a political tool that seeks to undermine South Africa's democratic progress.
Eyewitness News
2 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
Cosatu supports National Dialogue, but warns talk must lead to action
The National Dialogue has sparked mixed reactions, with critics questioning whether it can deliver concrete improvements to jobs, services, and the economy. RELATED: National Convention kicks off amid tensions over legitimacy, citizen representation While acknowledging public frustration, Cosatu maintains that a properly structured and monitored process could lay the groundwork for a renewed social contract, only if implementation follows. Phetoe says the labour federation initially raised concerns, but agreed to support the process after engagements with the dialogue team appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. He emphasises that any outcomes must be government-led to ensure implementation.
The Herald
2 hours ago
- The Herald
We are here to start the dialogue, says Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised his standing amid the wrangling over the national dialogue. Taking to the podium to address the national convention meant to kick off the dialogue, the president maintained he is well within his rights to oversee the process as its convener. 'I have called this first national convention in my capacity as your president, as the head of state. I have done so in line with section 83 of our constitution, which requires the president, as the head of state and head of the national executive, to promote the unity of the nation and that which will advance the republic. 'This is what brings me here. This is why I invited all of you here, to be here and be part of this dialogue,' said Ramaphosa. Despite the dramatic 11th-hour withdrawal from the dialogue by legacy foundations, Ramaphosa insisted there was a need to forge ahead as planned. Thanking them for their work preparing for the dialogue, Ramaphosa said any hesitation or postponement could erode trust in the process by civil society organisations and NGOs invited to share their views. 'For more than a year, various formations of civil society have been working to conceptualise and champion the national dialogue. Central to this effort have been a number of legacy foundations established by and named for stalwarts of our liberation struggle. We express our gratitude and appreciation for the work of these foundations in giving life to the national dialogue.' He said this would open up a space where South Africans confront their realities openly, respectfully and constructively. ' This is not a partisan platform. This is a national platform. Here, no voice is too small and no perspective is too inconvenient to be heard. We are gathered to listen to each other, to understand one another and to chart a common path forward for our country. 'We meet at a time of profound challenges: economic hardship, unemployment, inequality, growing poverty and a crisis of confidence in our institutions. We also meet at a time when the world is rapidly changing and our ability to adapt and renew ourselves will define the next generation. But history teaches us that nations are not defined solely by their difficulties; they are defined by how they respond to challenges they face.' Ramaphosa said the South African struggle was one for freedom from the nightmare of apartheid, one that proved there was unity in diversity. 'It is a powerful force for transformation. Gathered in this hall are people from all across our land, people from all walks of life, people of all races, all classes, all languages and cultures.' Despite the diversity of those participating in forums like the dialogue, one thing that held South Africans together was that they were all 'sons and daughters of the same soil'. 'We share a common past. We share the same inheritance of division, of inequality and of injustice. We share the same pride at ending the crime of apartheid and establishing a constitutional democracy. We also share a common future. And that is why we have chosen to gather here today. Because each one of us, regardless of our differences, is committed to work together to build the future of which we all dream. 'We have chosen to be here because we believe in the power of dialogue and united action. We believe that if we share our concerns and fears, we can conquer them. If we understand the challenges we face, we can overcome them. 'If we know what hurts us, we can heal. If we know what divides us, we can unite.' He said across the length and breadth of South Africa, people would, and should, meet to talk about what worried them, what gave them hope and how they thought their lives and the country could be better.
