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IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
R700m National Dialogue under fire over funding, exclusions, and ‘elite capture'
Concerns mount over South Africa's National Dialogue funding and inclusivity Image: Supplied The National Dialogue, projected to unfold across communities in the coming months, arrives amid a volley of concerns from independent analysts, the withdrawal of several foundational organisations, and questions about how the process will be funded and what it can realistically achieve. Public attention has fixated on the plan's price tag with more than an estimated R700 million. Critics argue that such a large outlay is out of step with a fiscus already pressed by competing demands, especially when many parties have withdrawn. This has triggered concerns about the dialogue's potential if broad civil society participation is constrained. Dr Metjie Makgoba, an independent political analyst and senior lecturer at the University of Limpopo, warned that rushing the dialogue may replicate past missteps. In his view, the desperation to proceed discounts the need to address deeper structural issues. 'South Africa has historical problems,' and unless those are tackled - especially the persistent race- and class-based inequalities, the dialogue could be more symbolic than substantive. 'It's impossible to practice democracy in a society that remains divided along race, class, and gender lines,' he said, stressing that any genuine dialogue would require structural remedies before consensus-building can even begin. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Makgoba's broader point is that a process driven by a diversified, multi-stakeholder agenda is inherently challenging to converge on a familiar path forward. He suggested that the state's current trajectory, seen by some as pursuing a liberal, market-led project, complicates efforts to frame a dialogue all sectors can buy into. 'The key factor is that the government is pushing a capitalist, liberal project, and the dialogue becomes a symbolic gesture that signals care without delivering on the underlying inequalities.' Parliament's eye on money raised further questions about accountability. Mmusi Maimane, chair of Parliament's Standing Committee on Appropriations, has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to clarify funding sources and governance for the National Dialogue. 'Where is the money coming from?' he asked during an interview on SABC on Tuesday, insisting that public money must be accountable and allocated only through an act of Parliament. He pressed for details on a quoted R700 million budget line, asking why the item was not specified in the budget and where those funds would be redirected. 'Any money used for the public must be accounted for,' Maimane said, highlighting the need for parliamentary oversight of the process. Political analyst Sandile Swana sharply criticised the National Dialogue's inclusivity and legitimacy. He argued that several organisations have been excluded because their participation could challenge the current economic status quo. Swana framed this as a broader 'elite capture' concern, suggesting that a document produced by the ruling elites might fail to reflect the needs of ordinary South Africans. 'If the National Dialogue were to expose a 'grave train' of entrenched interests and incompetence, those affected could feel compelled to seek drastic remedies, including questions about the vitality and direction of governance itself,' said Swana. Despite concerns, organisers have pressed ahead, highlighting the need for broad participation and the long-term aim of national coherence. Boichoko Ditlhake, chairperson of the National Convention organising committee, told reporters on Monday that the dialogue will proceed while acknowledging the controversy. In addition to the convening, public dialogues will be rolled out across communities and sectors in the months ahead, intended to invite input from diverse stakeholders. The controversy surrounding the withdrawals from several high-profile foundations, including the Steve Biko Foundation, Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, FW de Klerk Foundation, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, and the Strategic Dialogue Group, has cast a pall over what many had hoped would be a more inclusive process.
Eyewitness News
7 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Steenhuisen: Withdrawal of legacy foundations from National Dialogue proves DA assertion initiative poorly planned
JOHANNESBURG - Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen said the withdrawal of legacy foundations from the National Dialogue proved its assertion that the initiative was poorly planned. The DA is one of several organisations that have declined to participate in the National Dialogue, describing it as little more than an African National Congress (ANC) talk shop. ALSO READ: - National Dialogue: Legacy foundations say it wasn't a knee-jerk reaction to withdraw - National Dialogue: Archbishop Makgoba calls of legacy foundations to reconsider withdrawal - Blame game erupts between govt, legacy foundations over National Dialogue Most recently, the Steve Biko and Thabo Mbeki foundations also pulled out of the dialogue's organising committee, citing various concerns, including an insufficient budget. Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Steenhuisen said President Cyril Ramaphosa should consider scrapping the dialogue altogether. "Our citizens are sick to their back teeth with plans and talk shops that endlessly diagnosing the problems in South Africa and pushing us further into the quagmire of analysis paralysis." He said the dialogue would merely reiterate what has already been publicly ventilated. "We know what the problems are in South Africa. The problems are an economy that's not growing, unemployment, inequality, and the problem is too much talk and not enough action."
eNCA
09-08-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Makgoba urges foundations to reconsider withdrawal from National Dialogue
CAPE TOWN - Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba urges South Africans to support the national dialogue, even after several legacy foundations withdrew from the initiative. Makgoba is calling on these foundations to reconsider their decision and engage in urgent consultations to ensure the success of the dialogue. The Steve Biko, Thabo Mbeki, Albert Luthuli, Desmond and Leah Tutu, FW de Klerk, and Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundations are some of the foundations that have withdrawn from the National Dialogue Preparatory Task team. The foundations say they withdrew because the initiative's core principles have been violated in the rush to host the gathering on 15 August. The FW de Klerk Foundation is calling for the National Dialogue to be delayed, saying communities are in the dark and the process is being rushed President Cyril Ramaphosa says it's all systems go for the National Dialogue.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
The departure of Afrikaner refugees: A reflection of fear and privilege in post-apartheid South Africa
Afrikaner refugees spark debate in South Africa over racial identity and privilege. Image: Leon Muller Independent Newspapers The departure of 49 Afrikaner refugees to the US has sparked vigorous debate within South Africa, with political analysts suggesting that the move reflects deep-seated fears rooted in racial identity and a perceived loss of privilege since the end of apartheid. Yesterday, a group of 49 Afrikaner refugees departed South Africa for the United States amidst rising political tensions and controversial statements from former US President Donald Trump, who recently accused the South African government of committing genocide against white minorities. However, this claim has been widely unsubstantiated and met with skepticism by experts and local leaders. Experts Cite Fears of Retaliation and 'White Victimhood' Independent political analyst and senior lecturer at the University of Limpopo, Dr Metji Makgoba, commented on the issue, suggesting that many of the Afrikaners leaving South Africa are suffering from a sense of 'white victimhood.' 'Many parts of the world are democratic, and if people feel unhappy with their circumstances, they are free to move elsewhere,' Makgoba said. Since 1994, the South African government has pursued a path of reconciliation. There has been no targeted genocide against white people, nor have there been policies aimed at eradicating or oppressing them based on race.' He added that these fears are often rooted in anxiety and perceived threats rather than reality. 'What we are dealing with here is a culture of white supremacy and fear of retribution,' Makgoba explained. 'Some Afrikaners feel that one day they might face retribution, even though no evidence supports this. They are acting out of fear, not fact.' The Broader Context: Crime and Economic Challenges Makgoba also emphasised that the narrative of victimisation overlooks the broader social and economic context. South Africa faces significant challenges related to crime, inequality, and economic disparity—issues that affect all citizens, regardless of race. 'The crime rate is high, and everyone is impacted—black, white, and others,' he stated. 'Many have improved their security, such as installing gates or hiring private security. But these issues are not exclusive to white communities, nor do they justify fleeing the country.' Historical and Social Dynamics Since the end of apartheid, South Africa has undergone a complex transformation, while progress has been made, economic inequality and racial tensions persist. Some white South Africans, feeling marginalised or fearful of losing their privileges, have chosen to seek safety elsewhere, often citing security concerns as their primary motivation. Makgoba emphasised that the political landscape has shifted toward greater inclusion. 'The government's reconciliation efforts have been genuine, and most South Africans seek peace and stability,' he said. 'The departure of these Afrikaners reflects more individual fears and perceptions than systemic persecution.' Skepticism Over the Refugee Claim 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 ✕ Political analyst Sandile Swana expressed skepticism about the refugees' claims, asserting that there is no evidence of genocide or targeted threats against white Afrikaners in South Africa. Swana pointed out that for someone to qualify as a refugee or asylum seeker, that they cannot remain in their country of origin. 'In regions like Eritrea, the DRC, and Sudan, refugees flee well-documented dangers and persecution, however, in South Africa, there are no documented threats targeting white Afrikaners or individuals based on their political or religious beliefs." South Africa's Response The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has also responded to the US's stance on granting asylum to these individuals, criticising the use of the term 'refugee' as politically motivated and an attempt to undermine South Africa's sovereignty. Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri stated, 'Even if there are allegations of discrimination, these do not meet the threshold of persecution required under domestic and international refugee law.' IOL Politics
IOL News
24-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's VAT decision: Genuine relief or a mere illusion?
Understanding the impact of South Africa's Value Added Tax decision on the poor Image: IOL/Independent Newspapers Experts have warned that while the decision to scrap the planned 0.5% VAT hike appears compassionate on the surface, experts warn that it could merely mask the deeper systemic issues afflicting the nation's economy and political landscape. In a move that has sparked mixed reactions across the nation on Thursday, the South African government recently announced that it will not increase the Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate in the upcoming fiscal period. According to the National Treasury, this decision is aimed at providing temporary relief to the country's struggling poor communities, who are often hardest hit by rising living costs. The National Treasury's decision to hold off on increasing VAT comes amid a challenging economic environment marked by sluggish growth, high unemployment, and persistent inequality. Traditionally, VAT increases are viewed as a straightforward way for governments to boost revenue without directly taxing income or profits, which often face resistance from voters and business groups. Yet, in South Africa's case, raising VAT has often been criticised for disproportionately affecting people experiencing poverty, who spend a larger share of their income on consumption. Dr Metji Makgoba, a senior lecturer at the University of Limpopo and an independent political analyst, said that by choosing not to hike VAT, the government has ostensibly aimed to shield the most vulnerable from further financial strain. 'This is a temporary relief for the poor, but it's not a political victory when you look at the broader picture. The underlying issues of economic inequality and racial capitalism remain unaddressed.' Racial Capitalism and Structural Inequality Makgoba emphasised that South Africa's economic relations are primarily governed by what he describes as 'racial capitalism'—a system that perpetuates racial inequalities through economic exclusion and systemic bias. He argued that the decision not to increase VAT is superficial. 'It doesn't challenge the structural inequalities that keep the majority of Black South Africans in poverty. Instead, it maintains a system that benefits a small elite while the majority suffers.' Another independent political analyst, Joe Mhlanga, echoes this perspective, believing that the core issues lie in the broader economic policies that favour the wealthy and powerful. 'The power that drives policymaking in South Africa is anti-poor. The ruling elite's focus on market stability often comes at the expense of the marginalised, who become the punching bags of these policies," said Makgoba.
