Latest news with #NationalDialogueConvention
The South African
2 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Thabo Mbeki reveals why foundation withdrew from National Dialogue
Former president Thabo Mbeki has disclosed key reasons for his foundation's withdrawal from the National Dialogue, a government-led initiative to unite South Africans in addressing national challenges. He said uncertainty over the R700 million budget allocated for the dialogue was a central factor in the decision. The Thabo Mbeki Foundation, along with the Steve Biko Foundation, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, and the FW de Klerk Foundation, have withdrawn from the National Dialogue Convention set to begin on Friday, 15 August. Their withdrawal casts doubt on whether the organisers of the intended inclusive, citizen-driven dialogue are acting with integrity and are properly prepared. Mbeki accused the organisers of not being transparent about how they would use the funds. 'We feel the organisers were not entirely honest about where they will direct the funds.' 'They have violated the core principles meant to underpin the National Dialogue in their rush to host a gathering on August 15,' he said. In a joint statement, the foundations cited a rushed timeline. Arguing that it had reduced the convention to a symbolic milestone rather than a meaningful start to a national process. They also highlighted the absence of an approved budget allocation, which they said had hindered proper preparation. Internal disagreements within the Preparatory Task Team over governance and the direction of the dialogue further complicated matters. To ensure that the process retains substance, the foundations have proposed rescheduling the convention to after 15 October 2025, allowing ample time for proper coordination and engagement. 'Deadlines cannot override substance,' they emphasised. 'Dialogue cannot be built on haste.' Despite the legacy foundations stepping back, President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the first national convention will proceed as scheduled. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Thabo Mbeki gives reasons why his foundation withdrew from the National Dialogue
The withdrawal of Mbeki's foundation and others underscores significant concerns regarding transparency and preparation for the National Dialogue, raising vital questions about leadership and accountability in South Africa's pursuit of a cohesive national vision. Image: Picture: Armand Hough/Independent Former President Thabo Mbeki has revealed critical reasons behind his foundation's withdrawal from the National Dialogue, a government-led initiative aimed at uniting South Africans to tackle pressing national issues. Central to Mbeki's decision is the uncertainty surrounding the R700 million budget allocated for the dialogue. Mbeki's foundation, along with other notable legacy foundations, including the Steve Biko Foundation, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, and the FW de Klerk Foundation, officially withdrew from the National Dialogue Convention scheduled to commence this Friday. Their withdrawal raises serious questions about the integrity and preparation involved in what is meant to be an inclusive and citizen-driven dialogue. "We feel the organisation of the matter was not entirely honest as to where the funds will be directed," Mbeki stated. "This is due to our belief that core principles meant to underpin the whole National Dialogue have been violated in the rush to host a gathering on August 15." The foundations released a joint statement outlining several issues that contributed to their decision, including a rushed timeline that has turned the convention into a mere performative milestone rather than a meaningful launch of a comprehensive national process. They expressed deep concern over the lack of a confirmed, approved budget allocation, which has hindered any sound preparation. Significant disagreements within the Preparatory Task Team further complicated the situation, particularly regarding governance and the overall direction of the dialogue. 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 ✕ To ensure that the process retains substance, the foundations have proposed rescheduling the convention to after October 15, 2025, allowing ample time for proper coordination and engagement. "Deadlines cannot override substance," they emphasised. "Dialogue cannot be built on haste." The withdrawal also reflects underlying tensions, particularly concerning the inclusion of controversial Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke. His leadership has been embroiled in controversy, notably regarding accusations of misappropriating the concept of a promised campus for Sekhukhune youth, which has left many young people without access to higher education opportunities. Despite the legacy foundations stepping back from the initiative, President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the first national convention will proceed as scheduled. The Presidency has distanced itself from the contentious R700 million budget, asserting that all budgetary processes align with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). It also highlighted that the Inter-Ministerial Committee is actively working to mobilise resources for the dialogue while managing costs. "UNISA has offered to host the first National Convention and provide associated goods and services free of charge," the Presidency stated. "Venues and logistical support are being secured without the R700 million burden." The costs associated with this inaugural convention are reportedly being funded through existing budgets allocated to NEDLAC and the Presidency, which are set to be reimbursed in the Adjustments Budget later this year. IOL
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Legacy foundations pull out of National Dialogue amid funding uncertainty
Seven leading foundations have withdrawn from the National Dialogue Convention, citing concerns over rushed planning, loss of citizen leadership, and lack of transparency in the process. Image: File Former President Thabo Mbeki has clarified the reasons for his foundation's withdrawal from the National Dialogue, a government initiative designed to unite South Africans in addressing the nation's most pressing issues. Mbeki stated that a key factor in the decision was the uncertainty regarding the R700 million allocated for the National Dialogue. Mbeki's foundation, along with other prominent legacy foundations, including the Steve Biko Foundation, Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, and FW de Klerk Foundation, withdrew from the National Dialogue Convention scheduled to kick off on Friday. The foundations cited concerns over the rushed timeline, inadequate preparation, and shift towards government control as reasons for their withdrawal. 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 "We feel the organisation of the matter was not entirely honest as to where the funds will be directed," Mbeki said. "This is due to our belief that core principles meant to underpin the whole National Dialogue have been violated in the rush to host a gathering on August 15." The foundations also cited the absence of a confirmed, approved budget allocation and last-minute commitment of initial funds have made sound preparation impossible and deep disagreements exist within the Preparatory Task Team over the nature of the dialogue, readiness, governance, and risk. The foundations have proposed rescheduling the convention to after October 15 to allow for adequate preparation, coherence, and participatory integrity. The National Dialogue is an inclusive, citizen-driven process focused on developing a vision and plan for South Africa for the next 30 years. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) expressed strong disapproval regarding the proposed R700 million budget for the National Dialogue. 'Like many other rational South Africans, Cosatu was astonished that such a figure could even be suggested. This arbitrary budget number should be considered a verbal slip and a reckless error, best forgotten." Despite the withdrawal of the legacy foundations, President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the first national convention will proceed as scheduled. The Presidency further distanced itself from the estimated R700 million price tag for the dialogue. 'The Presidency wishes to confirm that all budgetary processes regarding the National Convention are consistent with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). 'The Inter-Ministerial Committee, which is chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and comprises all relevant government departments to coordinate government's contribution towards the National Dialogue, has been working to mobilise resources for the convention and manage costs,' the presidency said in a statement yesterday.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Concerns over R700 million budget led to Mbeki's withdrawal from National Dialogue
Seven leading foundations have withdrawn from the National Dialogue Convention, citing concerns over rushed planning, loss of citizen leadership, and lack of transparency in the process. Image: file Former President Thabo Mbeki has shed light on the reasons behind his foundation's withdrawal from the National Dialogue, a government-led initiative aimed at bringing South Africans together to discuss the country's biggest problems. According to Mbeki, one of the primary reasons for the withdrawal was the uncertainty surrounding the R700 million earmarked for the National Dialogue. Mbeki's foundation, along with other prominent legacy foundations, including the Steve Biko Foundation, Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, and FW de Klerk Foundation, withdrew from the National Dialogue Convention scheduled to kick off on Friday. The foundations cited concerns over the rushed timeline, inadequate preparation, and shift towards government control as reasons for their withdrawal. "We feel the organisation of the matter was not entirely honest as to where the funds will be directed," Mbeki said. "This is due to our belief that core principles meant to underpin the whole National Dialogue have been violated in the rush to host a gathering on 15 August." In a joint statement, the foundations highlighted several issues, including a rushed timeline saying that the convention's constrained logistics have turned it into a performative milestone rather than a meaningful launch of a national process. The foundations also cited the absence of a confirmed, approved budget allocation and last-minute commitment of initial funds have made sound preparation impossible and deep disagreements exist within the Preparatory Task Team over the nature of the dialogue, readiness, governance, and risk. The foundations have proposed rescheduling the convention to after October 15, 2025, to allow for adequate preparation, coherence, and participatory integrity. "Deadlines cannot override substance," they emphasised. "Dialogue cannot be built on haste." A senior government official said another reason for the withdrawal of the former president and the foundations was the inclusion of controversial Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke. Maluleke is at the heart of a TUT controversy, facing accusations of appropriating the concept of a Sekhukhune campus in Limpopo. This alleged theft led to the construction of a campus in Giyani instead, leaving hundreds of Sekhukhune youth without the promised university. On July 16, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his appointment as co-chair of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group (EPG). The National Dialogue is an inclusive, citizen-driven process focused on developing a vision and plan for South Africa for the next 30 years. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) expressed strong disapproval regarding the proposed R700 million budget for the National Dialogue. 'Like many other rational South Africans, Cosatu was astonished that such a figure could even be suggested. This arbitrary budget number should be considered a verbal slip and a reckless error, best forgotten,' 'While Cosatu understands that this proposal stems from a few government officials and others, it is incredibly imprudent and insensitive given the public's frustrations, especially those of the working class. This group has endured severe austerity cuts to essential services like health, education, policing, and home affairs. They have been forced to make sacrifices while struggling with the increasing cost of living in a fragile economy burdened by extreme unemployment, poverty, and inequality,' Cosatu said in a statement. Despite the withdrawal of the legacy foundations, President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the first national convention will proceed as scheduled. The Presidency further distanced itself from the estimated R700 million price tag for the dialogue. 'The Presidency wishes to confirm that all budgetary processes regarding the National Convention are consistent with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). 'The Inter-Ministerial Committee, which is chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and comprises all relevant government departments to coordinate government's contribution towards the National Dialogue, has been working to mobilise resources for the convention and manage costs,' the presidency said in a statement on Sunday. The Presidency said there was a call for collaboration with other stakeholders to reduce the costs of the National Dialogue. 'UNISA has offered to host the first National Convention and provide associated goods and services free of charge, as it stands, venues have been secured for the plenary, two overflow venues with livestreaming , 10 breakaway venues, dining area and work areas,' the statement read. 'In addition, UNISA is providing facilities for an Operations Centre, which has been running over the past week, catering, ushers, AV services, printing of discussion documents, signage, conference bags, notepads, pens and WiFi.' The statement added that the costs of the first convention were being funded from the existing budgets of NEDLAC and the Presidency for secretariat support, communications and logistics and that the provisions in the Appropriation Act and the PFMA will be used to reimburse the Department of Employment and Labour and NEDLAC in the Adjustments Budget later this year. [email protected]
The South African
4 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
7 of South Africa's Legacy Foundations bail on National Dialogue Convention
In a significant development, several of South Africa's most respected Legacy Foundations – including those bearing the names of Steve Biko, Thabo Mbeki, FW de Klerk, Desmond Tutu, Oliver Tambo, and Chief Albert Luthuli – have formally withdrawn from the upcoming National Dialogue Convention, scheduled for 15 August 2025. The Strategic Dialogue Group has also joined the withdrawal. In a joint statement released on Friday, the group cited serious concerns over breaches of key principles governing the National Dialogue process. These include government overreach, a rushed timeline, lack of transparency, and financial instability – factors they say undermine the credibility and original citizen-driven spirit of the event. 'We deeply regret this decision,' the statement read, 'but we remain steadfast in our commitment to a National Dialogue that is citizen-led, credible, transparent, and inclusive.' Initially envisioned as a nationwide, citizen-led conversation to address South Africa's most pressing challenges, the Dialogue has, according to the Foundations, veered off course. They allege that state interference has compromised the process, with authorities pushing ahead despite logistical shortcomings and inadequate funding. The group expressed alarm at: The rushed timeline to hold the convention A lack of grassroots community engagement Absence of a confirmed budget Emergency procurement practices, raising red flags around accountability They further noted that tensions within the Preparatory Task Team (PTT) – specifically around governance, readiness, and the Dialogue's core purpose – have created strategic misalignment. Call for Postponement, Not Abandonment Despite withdrawing from the 15 August event, the Foundations emphasised that they are not abandoning the broader National Dialogue project. Instead, they are calling for a postponement until at least 15 October 2025, allowing time to rebuild public trust, secure proper funding, and ensure the process is truly representative and participatory. 'This Dialogue represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen our democracy,' the statement concluded. 'But it cannot succeed if it is rushed, centralised, or reduced to a symbolic event.' The group has announced plans to hold a press conference in the coming days to elaborate on their concerns and present a way forward for a more authentic and effective National Dialogue. Steve Biko Foundation Thabo Mbeki Foundation Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation FW de Klerk Foundation Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation Strategic Dialogue Group Their united stance signals deep discontent with how the National Dialogue has been handled and raises urgent questions about the event's legitimacy, readiness, and potential impact. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
