Parliament seeks clarity on funding of the National Dialogue

Chairperson of the Appropriations Committee Mmusi Maimane has written to the National Treasury to enquire about the funding for the National Dialogue, which has no direct allocation in the recently approved Budget.

Maimane said he was concerned how the National Dialogue will be funded and implemented.

“While the National Dialogue is vital for our democracy, we are deeply troubled by the absence of a concrete funding strategy. There is no dedicated allocation in the national budget and, in an already constrained fiscal environment, we cannot afford to divert resources from other critical priorities,” he said.

Maimane also said any funding model must be sustainable, accountable and must not place additional burdens on taxpayers.

His statement comes as President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said all budgetary processes regarding the National Convention were consistent with the Public Finance Management Act.

The costs of the first two-day convention this weekend will be funded from the budgets of National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) and the Presidency.

Unisa is hosting the first National Convention and will provide associated goods and services free of charge.

“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,” said Magwenya.

He also said all procurement and management of public funds will adhere to the Public Finance Management Act and applicable Treasury Regulations.

“All funds will be accounted for through the normal public finance mechanisms,” he said.

Responding to parliamentary questions from DA chief whip George Michalakis, Mashatile said the Inter-Ministerial Committee has tasked the National Treasury, together with other departments such as The Presidency; Justice and Constitutional Development; Employment and Labour; and Sport, Arts and Culture, to review the estimated budget.

“The budget of the National Convention and the National Dialogue has not yet been finalised,” he said.

The initial R700m budget for the National Dialogue has been widely criticised.

Some reports have suggested that government planned to contribute 60% of the projected R450m cost of the National Dialogue.

Maimane said the committee has formally written to National Treasury requesting clarity on the budget vote funding the National Dialogue and an impact assessment report on programmes that may be affected by diverted funds.

The committee wants a detailed plan to mitigate any negative consequences on service delivery as well as a comprehensive report on a list of programmes that will be affected by the funding of the National Dialogue.

He said South Africans deserved more transparency and fiscal responsibility.

“Without these, the National Dialogue risks becoming another missed opportunity.”

Maimane said it was also troubling to learn that important voices were stepping away from the process.

“If the Dialogue proceeds, how can South Africans trust that it will deliver meaningful, inclusive outcomes? We need assurance that all perspectives especially those most affected will be heard.”

Several foundations announced their withdrawal last week from the preparatory task team for this weekend’s convention over disagreements over the budget and logistical matters.

Maimane said the National Dialogue represented a pivotal moment for South Africa, a chance to reflect, reset and rebuild an inclusive future for all.

“It is more than just a conversation; it is an opportunity to bridge our divides and place the people at the centre of change,” he said.

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za