Labour Party declares war on Ramaphosa's National Dialogue

THE Labour Party of South Africa has launched a blistering legal and political offensive against President Cyril Ramaphosa’s controversial National Dialogue, branding it an unconstitutional, fiscally reckless, and elitist manoeuvre designed to sideline Parliament and the working class.

- SIZWE DLAMINI

The Party’s urgent High Court application, filed on June 18, seeks to interdict the process, citing its estimated R700 million to R800m cost as “unjustifiable” amid South Africa’s deepening crises.

Announced by Ramaphosa on June 10, the National Dialogue proposes a two-phase convention - first in August to “set the agenda”, followed by a 2026 summit to address national challenges.

But the Labour Party argues it is a redundant, unlawful parallel to Parliament and institutions such as the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac).

"South Africa doesn't need another elite summit behind closed doors,” said acting Secretary-General Lindi Mkhumbane.

“We already have Parliament, Nedlac, and civil society platforms. What we don't have is political will from the ruling elite to act on the people's demands.”

The court papers demand: A declaratory order that the Dialogue is unconstitutional and irrational.