Latest news with #NationalConventionfortheNationalDialogue
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Ramaphosa to Mbeki and legacy foundations: ‘National Dialogue will proceed with or without you'
Simon Majadibodu | Published 1 day ago President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the withdrawal of several legacy foundations from the upcoming National Dialogue, saying 'the show goes on' and that dialogue will continue with or without legacy foundations, including former President Thabo Mbeki. Ramaphosa said that through his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, during a media briefing at the Union Buildings on Thursday afternoon. This comes amid mounting criticism of the dialogue process from political parties, civil society groups, and prominent legacy foundations. The National Convention for the National Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Pretoria on 15 and 16 August. Magwenya emphasised that the convention is not the dialogue itself, but rather a platform to set the agenda and map out a roadmap for the broader National Dialogue. 'The National Convention is not the actual dialogue,' said Magwenya. 'It is a platform where the agenda for the National Dialogue will be set and agreed upon. The roadmap for the rollout of the actual dialogue will also be affirmed.' He said that the inclusivity of the process should not be questioned at this stage, as the convention is just the beginning of a nine-month, nationwide engagement. 'It's always been understood that this is the kick-off of the dialogue process. Out of the National Convention, we will get a clear roadmap for dialogues in communities, wards, districts and sectoral groups. At the end of this nine-month process, all South Africans will have had an opportunity to participate.' Magwenya dismissed concerns about the legitimacy of the process, arguing that the withdrawal of seven foundations does not undermine its credibility. 'With respect to the National Convention and the withdrawal of seven foundations - with all due respect, these foundations do not represent the majority of South Africans.' Last week on Friday, IOL News reported that several prominent legacy foundations announced their withdrawal from the process, 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. In a joint statement, the organisations expressed 'deep regret,' saying their decision was necessary to protect the credibility and integrity of the process. They accused organisers of deviating from the original citizen-led vision and shifting towards government control. 'What began as a citizen-led initiative has unfortunately, in practice, shifted towards government control,' the statement read. Magwenya dismissed the notion that the foundations represent defined constituencies, arguing that their absence would not diminish the legitimacy or inclusiveness of the convention. 'These foundations were never set up to be constituency groups, as far as we understand, unless that has changed. We now have close to 1,000 confirmed delegates. The Convention will be representative of all sectors of society through the different formations and groups that have accepted invitations to attend.' He added that the dialogue must eventually reach communities, industries, households and other sectors. 'It can't be held over two days at a university campus - that would be illogical. The credibility of the dialogue is not a once off exercise . It will depend on the level of participation across communities and the outcomes of that process.' Magwenya rejected the idea that the credibility of the dialogue could be determined by one person or a handful of organisations. 'South Africa is much bigger than any one individual or any single foundation. It would've been great to have former (President Mbeki) there – but if he's not there, he's not there.' 'The reality is that the show will go on, and South Africans will continue with the dialogue process. Hopefully, at some point, not only the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and others will eventually decide to participate in the process and realise that there's no benefit out the boycotting the people of South Africa.' 'Boycotting the process is not boycotting the government – it's boycotting the people of South Africa.' He added that the dialogue process does not belong to Ramaphosa or the government 'It belongs to all South Africans. Those who choose not to participate are not disadvantaged by the president or the government – they are choosing not to be part of the broader national conversation.' Several political parties have also withdrawn from the National Dialogue. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), both members of the Government of National Unity (GNU), have pulled out, accusing the ANC of using the process to boost its image ahead of the 2026 local government elections. ActionSA announced on Wednesday that it would not formally participate, citing unresolved concerns about the process and the legality of its funding. However, the party will send two senior MPs. Dr Kgosi Letlape and Lerato Ngobeni, to attend in an observer capacity. Controversial lobby groups, AfriForum and Solidary also pulled out from the dialogue. [email protected] IOL Politics
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
National Dialogue: The role of NPA, Hawks, and SIU in combating corruption
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, CEO of Gift of the Givers and member of the Eminent Persons Group for the National Dialogue, says the country's pressing issues need to be addressed first for the dialogue to serve its purpose. Image: Simon Makadibodu/IOL Fighting corruption and giving the NPA, the Hawks and the SIU free rein to investigate corruption cases are some of the things Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, CEO of Gift of the Givers and member of the Eminent Persons Group for the National Dialogue, says must be addressed first for the dialogue to serve its purpose. Sooliman made the remarks on the sidelines of the National Convention for the National Dialogue at UNISA in Pretoria. President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the dialogue at UNISA's ZK Matthews Hall on Friday. Speaking to IOL News, Sooliman defended the dialogue against its critics. 'For me, this dialogue is very, very important. It's not run by the government. It's not run by politicians. It's run by civilians and civilians are now calling upon civilians to come and present their problems. But to be fair, most of us know the problems already,' he said. The dialogue has been mired in controversy, with several key figures and organisations withdrawing from the process, including former president Thabo Mbeki, multiple legacy foundations, civil society groups, and members of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Prominent organisations such as the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation cited concerns over the dialogue's implementation, a rushed timeline, and uncertainty. 'Why are we getting to the civilians? We are saying, cover the problems, but also let's find solutions within ourselves,' Sooliman said. He emphasised that the country belongs to all its people, not the government. 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 ✕ 'We all need to be patriots. We need to fix what we can on our own. Not that we're absorbing the government from their responsibility,' he said. 'But to be fair to the government, there's only 7.4 million taxpayers in this country. The taxes of 7.4 million people cannot look after 65 million people. It's impossible.' Sooliman said communities can take responsibility in certain areas. 'Simple things. They can assist with reducing gender-based violence. They can support and guide children with ethics, with values,' he said. 'The churches, the schools, the parents, the teachers can get involved. Guiding children to the right path like they did in the old days.' He added that such efforts would help reduce substance abuse, rampant crime and violence. 'Those things don't cost anything. It just requires an effort from the community to do that.' Addressing scepticism about the dialogue, he said the Eminent Persons Group had to ensure it serves its purpose. 'Because we are civilians and we have to write the narrative. Not the government telling us what to do. Us telling them what should be done.' Sooliman said accountability should be the starting point. 'Why is money spent in a certain way? Why is it that money is returned to the fiscus from different departments, from municipalities, from different ministries? Why is it not returned when it's supposed to be spent in the interest of the people? Why don't we have enough trained, skilled people to make a decision?' He said skilled professionals were needed to run the country like a corporate entity. 'People have been battling for too long. Pre-1994 and post-1994, it's 30 years. It's a very, very long time,' he said. He stressed the need to act quickly. 'And as our job, as an eminent persons group, is to see that that happens. We have to fight crime and corruption. Give the NPA, the Hawks, the SIU free rein. Don't make a phone call and say, hey, don't investigate this one. Please take those dockets away.' The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Hawks and Special Investigating Unit (SIU) have faced allegations of political interference in investigations. 'That has to stop. People have to be free. Make sure there's a conviction,' Sooliman said.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Ramaphosa insists National Dialogue will prevail after foundation withdrawals
Despite the withdrawal of several prominent Legacy Foundations from the structures of the Preparatory Task Team (PTT) and the upcoming First National Convention of the National Dialogue scheduled for August 15, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the Dialogue will proceed as planned. Image: Jairus Mmutle / GCIS President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the withdrawal of several legacy foundations from the upcoming National Dialogue, saying 'the show goes on' and that dialogue will continue with or without legacy foundations, including former President Thabo Mbeki. Ramaphosa said this through his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, during a media briefing at the Union Buildings on Thursday. This comes amid mounting criticism of the dialogue process from political parties, civil society groups, and prominent legacy foundations. The National Convention for the National Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Pretoria on August 15 and 16. Magwenya emphasised that the convention is not the dialogue itself, but rather a platform to set the agenda and map out a roadmap for the broader National Dialogue. 'The National Convention is not the actual dialogue,' said Magwenya. 'It is a platform where the agenda for the National Dialogue will be set and agreed upon. The roadmap for the rollout of the actual dialogue will also be affirmed.' He said that the inclusivity of the process should not be questioned at this stage, as the convention is just the beginning of a nine-month, nationwide engagement. 'It's always been understood that this is the kick-off of the dialogue process. Out of the National Convention, we will get a clear roadmap for dialogues in communities, wards, districts and sectoral groups. At the end of this nine-month process, all South Africans will have had an opportunity to participate.' Magwenya dismissed concerns about the legitimacy of the process, arguing that the withdrawal of seven foundations does not undermine its credibility. 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 ✕ 'With respect to the National Convention and the withdrawal of seven foundations - with all due respect, these foundations do not represent the majority of South Africans.' Several prominent legacy foundations announced their withdrawal from the process, 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. In a joint statement, the organisations expressed 'deep regret,' saying their decision was necessary to protect the credibility and integrity of the process. They accused organisers of deviating from the original citizen-led vision and shifting towards government control. 'What began as a citizen-led initiative has unfortunately, in practice, shifted towards government control,' the statement read. Magwenya dismissed the notion that the foundations represent defined constituencies, arguing that their absence would not diminish the legitimacy or inclusiveness of the convention. 'These foundations were never set up to be constituency groups, as far as we understand, unless that has changed. We now have close to 1000 confirmed delegates. The Convention will be representative of all sectors of society through the different formations and groups that have accepted invitations to attend.' He added that the dialogue must eventually reach communities, industries, households and other sectors. 'The credibility of the dialogue is not a once off exercise. It will depend on the level of participation across communities and the outcomes of that process.' 'South Africa is much bigger than any one individual or any single foundation. It would've been great to have former (President Mbeki) there – but if he's not there, he's not there.' 'The reality is that the show will go on, and South Africans will continue with the dialogue process. Hopefully, at some point, not only the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and others will eventually decide to participate in the process and realise that there's no benefit out the boycotting the people of South Africa.' He added that the dialogue process does not belong to Ramaphosa or the government 'It belongs to all South Africans. Those who choose not to participate are not disadvantaged by the president or the government – they are choosing not to be part of the broader national conversation.' Several political parties have also withdrawn from the National Dialogue.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Ramaphosa to Mbeki and legacy foundations: ‘National Dialogue will proceed with or without you'
President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the withdrawal of several legacy foundations from the upcoming National Dialogue, saying 'the show goes on.' Image: ANC/X President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the withdrawal of several legacy foundations from the upcoming National Dialogue, saying 'the show goes on' and that dialogue will continue with or without legacy foundations, including former President Thabo Mbeki. Ramaphosa said that through his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, during a media briefing at the Union Buildings on Thursday afternoon. This comes amid mounting criticism of the dialogue process from political parties, civil society groups, and prominent legacy foundations. The National Convention for the National Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Pretoria on 15 and 16 August. Magwenya emphasised that the convention is not the dialogue itself, but rather a platform to set the agenda and map out a roadmap for the broader National Dialogue. 'The National Convention is not the actual dialogue,' said Magwenya. 'It is a platform where the agenda for the National Dialogue will be set and agreed upon. The roadmap for the rollout of the actual dialogue will also be affirmed.' He said that the inclusivity of the process should not be questioned at this stage, as the convention is just the beginning of a nine-month, nationwide engagement. 'It's always been understood that this is the kick-off of the dialogue process. Out of the National Convention, we will get a clear roadmap for dialogues in communities, wards, districts and sectoral groups. At the end of this nine-month process, all South Africans will have had an opportunity to participate.' Magwenya dismissed concerns about the legitimacy of the process, arguing that the withdrawal of seven foundations does not undermine its credibility. 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 'With respect to the National Convention and the withdrawal of seven foundations - with all due respect, these foundations do not represent the majority of South Africans.' Last week on Friday, IOL News reported that several prominent legacy foundations announced their withdrawal from the process, 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. In a joint statement, the organisations expressed 'deep regret,' saying their decision was necessary to protect the credibility and integrity of the process. They accused organisers of deviating from the original citizen-led vision and shifting towards government control. 'What began as a citizen-led initiative has unfortunately, in practice, shifted towards government control,' the statement read. Magwenya dismissed the notion that the foundations represent defined constituencies, arguing that their absence would not diminish the legitimacy or inclusiveness of the convention. 'These foundations were never set up to be constituency groups, as far as we understand, unless that has changed. We now have close to 1,000 confirmed delegates. The Convention will be representative of all sectors of society through the different formations and groups that have accepted invitations to attend.' He added that the dialogue must eventually reach communities, industries, households and other sectors. 'It can't be held over two days at a university campus - that would be illogical. The credibility of the dialogue is not a once off exercise . It will depend on the level of participation across communities and the outcomes of that process.' Magwenya rejected the idea that the credibility of the dialogue could be determined by one person or a handful of organisations. 'South Africa is much bigger than any one individual or any single foundation. It would've been great to have former (President Mbeki) there – but if he's not there, he's not there.' 'The reality is that the show will go on, and South Africans will continue with the dialogue process. Hopefully, at some point, not only the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and others will eventually decide to participate in the process and realise that there's no benefit out the boycotting the people of South Africa.' 'Boycotting the process is not boycotting the government – it's boycotting the people of South Africa.' He added that the dialogue process does not belong to Ramaphosa or the government 'It belongs to all South Africans. Those who choose not to participate are not disadvantaged by the president or the government – they are choosing not to be part of the broader national conversation.' Several political parties have also withdrawn from the National Dialogue.
