President Ramaphosa defends decision to proceed with National Dialogue despite deep divisions

THE national convention organising team responsible for the National Dialogue has been reorganised and is being reinforced by various social partners and civil society formations, says the Presidency.

- NICOLA DANIELS

This follows after the withdrawal of several foundations, a development the Presidency insists does not represent a setback. The first meeting of the National Dialogue is expected to proceed this week. The Presidency also confirmed that all budgetary processes related to the National Convention were in full compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

This follows a meeting of the interim Preparatory Task Team (PTT) on August 7, where members were divided on key issues, including whether the PTT is ready to deliver the National Convention as scheduled on August 15, 2025.

The first National Convention, is expected to bring together 200 organisations from 33 different sectors, to kick-start the National Dialogue process, by outlining key themes for discussion and finalise the establishment of a broadly representative Steering Committee, among others.

A day after the PTT meeting, several prominent foundations announced their withdrawal from both the PTT and the upcoming National Convention.