National Dialogue continues despite withdrawal of key legacy foundations

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

His comments were made through spokesperson Vincent Magwenya during a media briefing at the Union Buildings, amidt growing criticism of the dialogue process from political parties, civil society groups, and legacy foundations.

The National Convention for the National Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Pretoria this weekend.

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.”

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. 

“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.

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.”

“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.

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. 

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