You must know when to let go, says Mantashe as Mbeki boycotts National Dialogue
Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe said that an important aspect of leadership is knowing when to let go, especially when new leadership takes over.
''One of the things that is important when you are in leadership is to let go when there is a new leader. If you don't do that, there is always going to be confusion,'' he said.
This follows former President Thabo Mbeki raising concerns and indicating his intention to boycott the national dialogue taking place from Friday, August 15 to 17 at UNISA in Pretoria.
Several 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, withdrew from the dialogue last Friday over concerns regarding its implementation and rushed timelines.
Their withdrawal raised serious questions about the integrity and preparation involved in what is meant to be an inclusive and citizen-driven dialogue.
Central to Mbeki's decision was the uncertainty surrounding the R700 million budget allocated for the dialogue.
"We feel the organisation of the matter was not entirely honest as to where the funds will be directed," Mbeki said.
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IOL News
2 hours 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.
Daily Maverick
2 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Echo chamber: National Convention is big on talk, but no action
Despite the withdrawal of some political parties and 'eminent persons' from the National Convention, a packed Unisa nevertheless allowed strong airing of the cacophony of legitimate grievances felt by the nation. Whether there will be anything done about them, or whether this was an expert exercise in placation, remains to be seen. Unisa's main campus, which overlooks Pretoria, shaped like an odd spaceship of education, was the setting for the two-day National Convention on 15 and 16 August. The university has probably not seen such a security presence in ages, with guards stationed every few metres, including around the large neon sign on the side of the 'University of the Hill' proclaiming 'National Dialogue 2025'. Despite all of the parties that pulled out of the event, attendance was strong, as the plethora of VIP vehicles and overrun parking showed. Unisa's ZK Matthews Great Hall was packed during the opening proceedings. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads Not yet five minutes into the introductory speech by the programme director – as she uttered 'the daily rehearsal of democracy that once bound our communities together…' – proceedings were interrupted by the collapse of an attendee, who required medical intervention. 'Rehearsal is not repetition, it is preparation for transformation, and today, as part of that ongoing rehearsal…' she trailed off. Such a portent – if one believes in such – was reinforced during the delay as paramedics evacuated the medically distressed delegate. Many others broke into song: Alisoze Laphel'amandla ('we won't tire') Yet, one can't help but wonder when the daily rehearsal of democracy will end, and the final act – the real, the tangible – will land. Because, as Daily Maverick observed in many plenaries, people are in fact very, very tired. An experiment in consensus The National Convention, or National Dialogue (the official name is still under discussion) is described as an attempt to set citizen-led themes, structure and a path towards another such meeting in 2026. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads Ostensibly a platform for the public to air their grievances, the run-up was marked by fits and starts, including the not unexpected pullout of the DA, which said there was 'no further point in wasting our breath in endless talk shops with the ANC'. Ironic, given that it is part of the Government of National Unity but also many foundations, such as the Thabo Mbeki and Desmond Tutu foundations, which jointly said that 'we cannot lend our names to a gathering that does not allow for genuine dialogue', citing the rushed timeline and logistics and limited interaction. Even more concerns were raised about cost transparency, with a widely cited estimate of R740-million for the dialogue debunked, while the actual cost to the cash-strapped fiscus remains unclear. While the Presidency said the spend will follow the Public Finance Management Act and Unisa will provide its facilities free of charge, there is no clarity on the price tag. What to expect when you're expecting President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived an hour late for the keynote address, which, depending on where you stand, might indicate strong commitment or apathy. Greeted by spirited song and cheering, Ramaphosa began his address by thanking all attendees before emphasising a broad church of involvement. 'This is not a partisan platform… here, no voice is too small, no perspective is too inconvenient to be heard… to chart a common path forward for our country,' the President said, citing the multitude of challenges the country faces – inequality and crime to South Africa's unstable geopolitical situation – as showing the need for such a dialogue. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads 'There is one thing that we have in common. We are South Africans' – but whether that 'common past and common destiny' will mean results remains uncertain. The lion(s) in the room The crux of the convention was a series of nine themed plenary sessions with titles that read like a litany of South Africa's challenges, including 'Crime and Corruption', 'Fixing the State and making the Constitution Work' and 'Poverty and Inequality'. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads Daily Maverick attended all sessions, though none in full since they were all taking place at once. Each followed a similar format – chaired by a relevant person, policy experts providing analysis, with each attendee – from the public, civil society, the state and other bodies – given an opportunity to lend their voice to the room. The challenges raised wouldn't surprise any South African, from any background or demographic: the lack of jobs and economic growth, the very real fear for our lives due to rampant crime, and the challenges state institutions fear, and whether these can be turned around. What was somewhat striking, however, was one recurring theme across all plenaries: the failure of the state to deal with crime and corruption in our institutions. As one attendee from the 'Land, Spatial Equality and Environmental Justice' session succinctly put it, 'my dream is a peaceful, prosperous country, free of poverty, violence, crime… we are getting to a mafia state, it must be stopped.' While the National Dialogue emphasises citizen-led processes, the state seemed to miss a key point: South Africa is already largely citizen-led, with civil society repairing roads, agricultural collectives supporting each other, and community policing forums taking personal risks. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads These range from civil society organisations stepping in to repair infrastructure for roads, to agricultural collectives providing financial and advisory support to one another – or as one attendee, a woman activist working closely with community policing forums in the Western Cape, said, 'people in the community [are] having to put their lives on the line when there is no other solution and the police aren't doing anything'. The South African populace already bears the cost and responsibility of the state's failures – and having an opportunity to raise these concerns does not mean there will be any improvement. Indeed, the one key absence was clarity on next steps, beyond another dialogue next year. 'Trying to buy our silence' A few key incidents occurred where listening – or the illusion of listening – was frayed. In one, a male delegate erupted with anger after not being recognised to speak ahead of a young woman, and proceeded to level expletives and insults. There was more conflict when, before Ramaphosa's speech, an argument broke out between delegates on stage, resulting in security escorting attendees on stage. Most illustrative was when Sihle Sibisi, a civil society activist, stood and spoke with the frustration of a nation, listing what is on all of our minds: 'Before we talk, talk, talk… What are we saying about the elephant in the room.' advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads Before listing the litany of challenges South Africa faces, he said: 'We are the ones on the ground… it's sad that you are here because 2026 elections are coming, so you are trying to buy our silence.' 'Thank you so much, let's give that lady a hand,' the chair responded placatingly. It turns out, listening, like democracy, is loud and up close and occasionally confrontational. What comes next On paper, the roadmap is straightforward: six to eight months of ward and sector dialogues, a steering committee to standardise processes and publish summaries, and a second convention in early 2026 to consolidate outcomes. The promise is that the venues will be modest – school halls, churches, community centres – and the process citizen- rather than podium-led. The measure will be in what is counted and made public, not what is proclaimed from the lectern. In the end, the university spaceship on the hill dimmed its neon sign, the songs faded and convoys of blue lights skulked back into Pretoria's night. What remains isn't the choreography of listening but the ledger of doing. South Africa has rehearsed its democratic voice hoarse; the chorus is tight, the crowd can harmonise on command, and the stage directions remain laminated. The question that remains is almost insulting in its simplicity: who is going to move a chair, fix the lights and open the doors to let in a better life for all. If this National Convention is to mean anything beyond its lanyards, the proof will be painfully prosaic – names and CVs for a genuinely independent steering committee; a public, line-by-line-item cost; lab summaries posted within a week; funded pilot projects with owners, start dates and money attached. Without results, this daily rehearsal of democracy remains just that – yet another dress run where we never get an opening night, with the patience of an anticipatory audience wearing thinner by the day. DM
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Julius Malema explains the EFF's opposition to the National Dialogue: 'Our people need services'
The EFF President and Commander in Chief Julius Malema addressing ground forces at the #EFFSiyabongaRally in Ward 13, Seshego. Image: X/@EFFSouthAfrica Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema speaking during the Siyabonga rally held at Seshego in Polokwane, Limpopo on Saturday, criticised the National Dialogue. Malema lambasted the dialogue using money, which the government does not have, yet people do not have services needed. 'While it was disorganised, it was just government elite that was all over the place. It really did not serve any purpose. If anything, it was saving the egos of certain people, and therefore it was a waste of money. 'NGOs and people who participated in that preparations suggested that it must be postponed, because they are not ready only to go and embarrass themselves the way they did. 'We don't support this convention. We don't support the national dialogue. We know the demands of our people. We cannot spend R700 million of the money that we don't have. Our people need services, they don't want the talks, they are tired of talking,' said Malema. The National Dialogue kicked off on Friday at UNISA in Pretoria, despite the withdrawal of former President Thabo Mbeki, several legacy foundations, Government of National Unity (GNU) partners, and civil society organisations. They pulled out of the process, citing concerns over its implementation and rushed timelines. 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 ✕ ♦️Must Watch♦️ President @Julius_S_Malema engaging with members of the media at the #EFFSiyabongaRally in Seshego, Ward 13. We don't support the National Dialogue, we know the demands of our people, we cannot spend R700 million of the money that we don't have, our people need… — Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) August 16, 2025 The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) also withdrew, accusing the ruling African National Congress (ANC) of using the dialogue to polish its image ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Drama unfolded on day one after panellists were invited to the stage for the first engagement session before the president's address. While panellists from the Citizen-Led National Dialogue Roadmap were called to the stage, individuals not on the list attempted to intervene, demanding to speak in front of Ramaphosa and other high-profile delegates. IOL
