Latest news with #StrategicDialogueGroup
The South African
6 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the names of Steve Biko, Thabo Mbeki, FW de Klerk, Desmond Tutu, Oliver Tambo, and Chief Albert Luthuli – have formally withdrawn from the upcoming National Dialogue Convention, scheduled for 15 August 2025.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.
eNCA
02-07-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Civil society group enter labour party case
JOHANNESBURG - The Labour Party is pushing back against the entry of five civil society organisations into its legal challenge against what it calls the unconstitutional National Dialogue. Among the organisations joining the case are the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation and the Strategic Dialogue Group. Labour Party Interim President Joseph Mathunjwa has described their involvement as a desperate political manoeuvre, aimed at shielding what he calls a 'collapsing elite consensus' from constitutional scrutiny.
eNCA
19-05-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Forging a new social compact
JOHANNESBURG - The Strategic Dialogue Group has expressed its strong support for the proposed National Dialogue. South Africa is confronted with many persistent problems of crime, poverty, inequality and unemployment. Former president Thabo Mbeki proposed a national dialogue last year to agree on a new social compact to take the country forward. It's a suggestion that was embraced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
