LIVE: 'The show goes on' - President Ramaphosa to deliver keynote address at National Dialogue

The first National Convention of the controversial National Dialogue will kick off on Friday in Pretoria, despite the withdrawal of former President Thabo Mbeki, several legacy foundations, Government of National Unity (GNU) partners, and civil society groups.

Several prominent foundations, including the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, have pulled out of the process over concerns regarding its implementation and rushed timelines.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), pulled out, accusing the ruling African National Congress (ANC) of using the dialogue to bolster its image ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

However, the ANC confirmed its participation in the event that will take place on Friday and Saturday, saying it supports the effort to build consensus and address the country’s deepening socio-economic and political challenges.

“Our participation will be anchored in the values of the ANC, the resolutions of our National Conferences, and the current lived experiences of our people,” ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bengu-Motsiri said.

The ANC delegation will include secretary general Fikile Mbalula, national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, treasurer general Gwen Ramokgopa, and head of political education subcommittee David Mathura.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the keynote address. 

IOL News reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa, through presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, responded to the criticism during a media briefing at the Union Buildings, saying the convention would proceed regardless of who attends.

“The show goes on,” Magwenya said. “The National Convention is not the actual dialogue - it is a platform to set the agenda and map out the roadmap for the broader dialogue process.”

He said that the convention marks the beginning of a nine-month, nationwide engagement expected to reach communities, wards, districts, and various sectors of society.

“With all due respect, the seven foundations do not represent the majority of South Africans,” he said. “This process belongs to the people, not the government or any single individual.”

Magwenya argued that the absence of legacy foundations such as the Steve Biko Foundation, the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, and the Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation does not diminish the legitimacy of the process.

A week ago, seven foundations issued a joint statement announcing their withdrawal, citing concerns that what was originally envisioned as a citizen-led initiative had shifted towards government control.

Magwenya dismissed this claim, reiterating that the dialogue would not be defined by the attendance of a handful of organisations.

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

He added that boycotting the convention was “not boycotting the government - it’s boycotting the people of South Africa.”

Meanwhile, other political parties have also withdrawn from formal participation. 

ActionSA announced on Wednesday that it would not take part due to unresolved concerns about the process and its funding. 

However, the party said it will send its MPs, Dr Kgosi Letlape and Lerato Ngobeni to observe proceedings.

Controversial lobby groups AfriForum and Solidarity also confirmed their non-particip

Despite the mounting criticism and boycotts, the Presidency maintains that the convention remains an inclusive platform to address the challenges facing the country.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics