R770 million National Dialogue bill sparks uproar: final say lies with finance minister
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
As questions swirl around the projected R770 million price tag for the forthcoming National Dialogue, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has confirmed that the ultimate decision on funding will rest with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
Last week, the National Dialogue preparatory committee announced that the process could cost as much as R770 million. This announcement has triggered public outcry and political scrutiny regarding government spending, with South Africa's largest trade union, Cosatu, and several political parties criticising the estimated figures.
"COSATU like other sober-minded South Africans was amazed that anyone could even suggest the Dialogue should be allocated R700 million.This rash thumb-suck budget figure should be dismissed as a verbal gaffe and a reckless typo better left deleted and forgotten," Matthew Parks COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator said.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile confirms that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will hold the final say on funding amid widespread criticism from trade unions and political parties
Image: GCIS
The National Dialogue was initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa and aims to promote inclusive discussions on the country's most pressing social, economic, and political challenges.
"The dialogue will be a people-led, society-wide process to reflect on the state of our country in order for us to reimagine our future," Ramaphosa said.
Speaking to journalists outside the North West University's Rag Farm Stadium on Monday, Mashatile said the minister of finance will have the last say on the budget.
"Trade unions, the churches so it's going to be everybody what we are trying to come together as South Africans talk about our challenges but also solutions to our challenges. We want to come out of that dialogue and say this is the South Africa we want to build together," Mashatile said.
"The issue of the costs, obviously, will be looked upon by the minister of Finance, and normally when there are activities like this, officials will start planning and projecting the costs. The minister will decide whether funds are available in that regard or we need to cut down".
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