'National Dialogue will proceed with or without you'

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the withdrawal of several legacy foundations from the upcoming National Dialogue, saying “the show goes on” and that dialogue will continue with or without legacy foundations, including former President Thabo Mbeki.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

Ramaphosa said that through his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, at a media briefing at the Union Buildings.

This comes amid mounting criticism of the dialogue process from political parties, civil society groups, and prominent 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.”