Mbeki, Biko, Tutu foundations pull out of National Dialogue

SEVERAL prominent legacy foundations have withdrawn from the structures of the Preparatory Task Team (PTT) and the upcoming First National Convention of the National Dialogue scheduled to begin on Friday.

- HOPE NTANZI

The Steve Biko Foundation, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, the Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, the WDB Foundation, the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, and the Strategic Dialogue Group announced their decision in a joint statement on Friday.

The group, which has played a central role in shaping the emerging National Dialogue process over the past year, says the decision comes from a place of “deep regret”, but is necessary to protect the credibility, inclusiveness, and integrity of the process.

They stress that they remain committed to a citizen-led National Dialogue rooted in public trust, broad participation, and accountability.

The foundations withdrawal according to their statement, was “due to our belief that core principles meant to underpin the whole National Dialogue have been violated in the rush to host a gathering on 15 August”.