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LIVE: Drama unfolds at the National Dialogue launch as attendees demand to speak
Drama unfolded shortly after panellists were invited to the stage for the first engagement session before the president's address.
Image: IOL
Tensions rose on the first day of the National Dialogue when individuals not listed as panellists nearly disrupted the event, demanding the opportunity to speak in front of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
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.
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.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the keynote address at ZK Matthews Hall.
The event began with a welcoming address by UNISA Vice-Chancellor Prof Puleng LenkaBula, followed by a musical performance to entertain the crowd.
Drama unfolded shortly 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.
"That is why we have a panel of citizen-led panellists to represent the citizens," said the programme director.
"Those who are here and not on the list of panellists, please let us not come here and disturb the panel."
Two men in suits were subsequently escorted off the stage after attempting to disrupt proceedings.
Earlier, before the official programme began, another incident occurred when an attendee fainted and required medical attention.
Emergency medical services responded promptly, and the individual was taken away for further care, while delegates sang struggle songs in a show of solidarity.
Despite the disruptions, the ANC confirmed its participation, stating that it supports the initiative as a means of building consensus and addressing the country's worsening socio-economic and political challenges.
"Our participation will be anchored in the values of the ANC, the resolutions of our national conferences, and the current lived experiences of our people," said ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bengu-Motsiri.
The ANC delegation includes secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, treasurer-general Gwen Ramokgopa, head of political education subcommittee David Mathura, and Angie Motshekga.
IOL News
