Ramaphosa to Mbeki and legacy foundations: ‘National Dialogue will proceed with or without you’

President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the withdrawal of several legacy foundations from the upcoming National Dialogue, saying “the show goes on” and that dialogue will continue with or without legacy foundations, including former President Thabo Mbeki.

Ramaphosa said that through his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, during a media briefing at the Union Buildings on Thursday afternoon.

This comes amid mounting criticism of the dialogue process from political parties, civil society groups, and prominent legacy foundations.

The National Convention for the National Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Pretoria on 15 and 16 August. 

Magwenya emphasised that the convention is not the dialogue itself, but rather a platform to set the agenda and map out a roadmap for the broader National Dialogue.

“The National Convention is not the actual dialogue,” said Magwenya. 

“It is a platform where the agenda for the National Dialogue will be set and agreed upon. The roadmap for the rollout of the actual dialogue will also be affirmed.”

He said that the inclusivity of the process should not be questioned at this stage, as the convention is just the beginning of a nine-month, nationwide engagement.

“It’s always been understood that this is the kick-off of the dialogue process. Out of the National Convention, we will get a clear roadmap for dialogues in communities, wards, districts and sectoral groups. At the end of this nine-month process, all South Africans will have had an opportunity to participate.”

Magwenya dismissed concerns about the legitimacy of the process, arguing that the withdrawal of seven foundations does not undermine its credibility.

“With respect to the National Convention and the withdrawal of seven foundations - with all due respect, these foundations do not represent the majority of South Africans.”

Last week on Friday, IOL News reported that several prominent legacy foundations announced their withdrawal from the process, including the Steve Biko Foundation, Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, WDB Foundation, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, and the Strategic Dialogue Group.

In a joint statement, the organisations expressed “deep regret,” saying their decision was necessary to protect the credibility and integrity of the process. 

They accused organisers of deviating from the original citizen-led vision and shifting towards government control.

“What began as a citizen-led initiative has unfortunately, in practice, shifted towards government control,” the statement read.

Magwenya dismissed the notion that the foundations represent defined constituencies, arguing that their absence would not diminish the legitimacy or inclusiveness of the convention.

“These foundations were never set up to be constituency groups, as far as we understand, unless that has changed. We now have close to 1,000 confirmed delegates. The Convention will be representative of all sectors of society through the different formations and groups that have accepted invitations to attend.”

He added that the dialogue must eventually reach communities, industries, households and other sectors.

“It can’t be held over two days at a university campus - that would be illogical. The credibility of the dialogue is not a once off exercise . It will depend on the level of participation across communities and the outcomes of that process.”

Magwenya rejected the idea that the credibility of the dialogue could be determined by one person or a handful of organisations.

“South Africa is much bigger than any one individual or any single foundation. It would’ve been great to have former (President Mbeki) there – but if he’s not there, he’s not there.”

“The reality is that the show will go on, and South Africans will continue with the dialogue process. Hopefully, at some point, not only the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and others will eventually decide to participate in the process and realise that there’s no benefit out the boycotting the people of South Africa.”

“Boycotting the process is not boycotting the government – it’s boycotting the people of South Africa.”

He added that the dialogue process does not belong to Ramaphosa or the government

“It belongs to all South Africans. Those who choose not to participate are not disadvantaged by the president or the government – they are choosing not to be part of the broader national conversation.”

Several political parties have also withdrawn from the National Dialogue. 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), both members of the Government of National Unity (GNU), have pulled out, accusing the ANC of using the process to boost its image ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

ActionSA announced on Wednesday that it would not formally participate, citing unresolved concerns about the process and the legality of its funding. 

However, the party will send two senior MPs. Dr Kgosi Letlape and Lerato Ngobeni, to attend in an observer capacity.

Controversial lobby groups, AfriForum and Solidary also pulled out from the dialogue.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics