Mbeki Foundation Withdraws from National Dialogue Amid Concerns Over Transparency and Preparation
Natalie Nyathi
The Thabo Mbeki Foundation, along with several other prominent legacy foundations, has withdrawn from the government-led National Dialogue initiative, scheduled to begin on August 15, 2025. This initiative aims to unite South Africans in addressing the country’s most pressing issues. The withdrawal of these foundations raises concerns about the integrity, transparency, and citizen-driven nature of the dialogue.
A primary reason for the withdrawal was uncertainty surrounding the R700 million budget allocated for the National Dialogue. Mbeki stated that the organization of the matter was not entirely honest regarding where the funds would be directed. The foundations believe that core principles meant to underpin the National Dialogue have been violated due to the rush to host the gathering. They expressed deep concern over the rushed timeline, which they believe has turned the convention into a mere performative milestone rather than a meaningful launch of a comprehensive national process. To address this, they propose rescheduling the convention to after October 15, 2025, to allow ample time for proper coordination and engagement.
Additionally, the absence of a confirmed, approved budget allocation has made sound preparation impossible. Significant disagreements exist within the Preparatory Task Team regarding governance and the overall direction of the dialogue. The foundations also expressed concern that what began as a citizen-led initiative has shifted towards government control. Another reason for the withdrawal was the inclusion of controversial Tshwane University of Technology Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, who faces accusations of appropriating the concept of a promised campus for Sekhukhune youth.
In a joint statement, the foundations emphasized that their withdrawal was not due to apathy or disengagement. They remain committed to the belief that all aspects of the National Dialogue must be credible, participatory, and anchored in public trust. They stressed that deadlines cannot override substance and that dialogue cannot be built on haste.
Despite the withdrawal, President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the first national convention will proceed as scheduled. The Presidency has distanced itself from the R700 million budget, asserting that all budgetary processes align with the Public Finance Management Act. The Presidency also highlighted that the Inter-Ministerial Committee is actively working to mobilize 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 costs associated with the 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.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions has expressed strong disapproval regarding the proposed R700 million budget for the National Dialogue, calling it imprudent and insensitive given the public’s frustrations. Following the withdrawal of the legacy foundations, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the organizing team for the National Dialogue has been restructured, with civil society organizations filling the positions previously held by the withdrawing foundations.
