National Dialogue– The African National Congress (ANC) has issued a strong appeal for the urgent resolution of disputes threatening the progress of South Africa’s planned National Dialogue, following the withdrawal of several influential legacy foundations from the preparatory task team.
The ANC emphasized that concerns raised by these foundations—chiefly surrounding transparency, financial accountability, and the overall inclusiveness of the process—must be addressed immediately to protect the National Dialogue’s credibility and its potential to unite the country.
Among those who have pulled out of the organizing team are the foundations of two former presidents: Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe. The ruling party described their withdrawal as a significant setback, stressing that their historical and political experience is “invaluable” to the success of a truly representative and impactful national engagement.
In a statement released this week, the ANC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the National Dialogue reflects the principles of the Constitution and the core values of South Africa’s liberation struggle. “This initiative must be rooted in inclusive participation, underpinned by transparency and legitimacy, and guided by the collective aspirations of the South African people,” the party said.
National Dialogue Must Prioritize Accountability and Inclusiveness
The ANC’s intervention comes at a critical moment, as public confidence in the process begins to waver due to ongoing concerns over how the National Dialogue is being structured and financed. Among the key issues raised are the lack of transparency in decision-making, unclear financial oversight, and concerns that the process may be dominated by political elites rather than the broader citizenry.
To restore faith in the process, the ANC has proposed a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the dialogue framework. These include:
- Establishing clear financial governance mechanisms
- Ensuring transparent selection of delegates and facilitators
- Defining accountability structures for all partners involved
- Expanding grassroots participation to reflect the voice of ordinary South Africans
“The success of the National Dialogue depends on its ability to transcend politics and bureaucracy,” the statement continued. “We must ensure that it is seen not as a government-led event, but as a people-driven process that aims to resolve the country’s deepest social, economic, and political challenges.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at a public event in Vereeniging, affirmed that the National Dialogue would proceed as planned, despite the turbulence. He confirmed that operational preparations are already underway: funds have been allocated, a venue has been secured, and an operational centre is now functioning.
Thousands of invitations have reportedly been sent out to key sectors of society, including civil society organizations, community leaders, religious groups, labour unions, business leaders, and government representatives.
Ramaphosa urged stakeholders to remain committed to the overarching goal: fostering national unity and addressing systemic issues such as inequality, corruption, unemployment, and social division. “This dialogue must be a platform where all South Africans can come together, not just to talk, but to act in the best interests of our democracy,” he said.
The withdrawal of the Mbeki and Motlanthe foundations from the National Dialogue planning process reflects a broader concern about the erosion of trust in public institutions and participatory platforms. These organizations have consistently championed democratic values, and their concerns carry weight among civil society actors and policy thinkers alike.
The ANC called on the foundations to reconsider their decision, arguing that their expertise and historical understanding are critical to ensuring the dialogue reflects the full diversity of South Africa’s political and social fabric.
“We believe that rebuilding this dialogue, and indeed the country, requires all hands on deck,” the ANC said. “Now is the time for unity, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the future.”
The ANC concluded its statement by encouraging all stakeholders, including government departments, civil society, and the private sector, to work “with urgency and humility” to refine the framework of the National Dialogue and re-establish trust among participants.
“The National Dialogue must rise above administrative shortcomings and become a symbol of our collective will to shape a better future for all South Africans,” the party added.
As momentum builds toward the launch, observers note that the fate of this dialogue could either mark a new era of participatory democracy in South Africa—or deepen existing divides if concerns remain unaddressed. How the ANC and other key players respond in the coming weeks will likely determine whether the National Dialogue becomes a platform for genuine transformation or a missed opportunity.
Source- EWN
