Mbeki, Biko, Tutu foundations withdraw from August 15 National Dialogue
Seven leading foundations withdraw from National Dialogue Convention, citing concerns over rushed planning, loss of citizen leadership, and lack of transparency in the process.
Image: file
Several prominent foundations have withdrawn from the structures of the Preparatory Task Team (PTT) and the upcoming First National Convention of the National Dialogue scheduled for August 15, 2025.
The Steve Biko Foundation, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, the Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, the WDB Foundation, the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, and the Strategic Dialogue Group announced their decision in a joint statement on Friday.
The group, which has played a central role in shaping the emerging National Dialogue process over the past year, says the decision comes from a place of “deep regret,” but is necessary to protect the credibility, inclusiveness, and integrity of the process.
They stress that they remain committed to a citizen-led National Dialogue rooted in public trust, broad participation, and accountability.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, the Foundations said the withdrawal was “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.”
“We do so not out of apathy in engagement, but because we remain committed in the belief that all aspects of the National Dialogue must be credible, participatory, and anchored in public trust.”
At the heart of their concerns is what they describe as a shift away from a citizen-led process towards one driven by government officials.
“What began as a citizen-led initiative has unfortunately in practice shifted towards government control,” they said.
“In pushing forward for a Convention on 15 August at the will of government officials and against the advice of the Sub-Committee Chairs, we believe that a critical moment in which citizens should be leading will be undermined.”
“Deadlines cannot override substance. Dialogue cannot be locked in haste.”
The organisations also point to a rushed timeline, lack of readiness, and absence of an approved budget.
They argue that the Convention, as currently envisioned, risks being more symbolic than substantive.
“The rushed timeline, constrained logistics, and limited interactive design mean that the proposed Convention no longer offers a meaningful platform for engagement,” they said, warning that it would amount to “more performance than participation.”
Concerns were also raised about potential violations of the Public Finance Management Act due to “emergency procurement” driven by last-minute decisions, as well as unresolved disagreements within the PTT about the direction and governance of the Dialogue.
Despite withdrawing from the 15 August event and related planning structures, the Foundations insist they remain committed to the broader National Dialogue.
They propose the Convention be rescheduled for 15 December 2025, “ensuring adequate preparation, coherence, and participatory integrity.”
''We cannot pursue that goal by cutting corners, centralising power, or rushing the process.”
A press conference is expected to provide further details in the coming days.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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