Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya is set to brief the media at the Union Buildings on Thursday afternoon, with updates on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s agenda expected to include the contentious National Dialogue.
The event, scheduled for 15 and 16 August in Pretoria, has faced growing backlash from political parties, civil society groups, and prominent legacy foundations. Critics argue the process has shifted from a citizen-led initiative to one under government control, undermining its credibility.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), both members of the Government of National Unity (GNU), have already withdrawn, accusing the ANC of using the platform to boost its standing ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Tensions within the GNU have been visible since its formation after the May 2024 general elections, with the DA clashing with the ANC over policy issues and governance style.
ActionSA also announced its withdrawal on Wednesday, citing concerns over the dialogue’s organisation, stakeholder engagement, and questions about the legality of its funding. While the party will not participate formally, it will send two senior MPs to attend in an observer capacity to assess whether the platform has genuine reform potential or is merely an electioneering exercise.
Last week, several prominent legacy foundations, including the Steve Biko, Thabo Mbeki, Chief Albert Luthuli, Desmond and Leah Tutu, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo, WDB, and Strategic Dialogue Group foundations, also pulled out. In a joint statement, they expressed regret over the decision but said it was necessary to safeguard the integrity of the process. Lobby groups AfriForum and Solidarity have likewise withdrawn.
Amid criticism over a reported R700 million budget for the dialogue, organising committee spokesperson Reverend Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu clarified that the figure was part of an early draft proposal and not an official government allocation. He said the funding model envisages 60% of costs being covered by the government, with the rest coming from private donors, businesses, and civil society contributions.
Despite the mounting withdrawals, organisers maintain that the National Dialogue remains a people-driven project aimed at fostering broad-based reform.
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