Committee working on National Dialogue looks to bring projected R700m cost down

JOHANNESBURG - The inter-ministerial committee (IMC) working on the National Dialogue is looking to bring down its estimated R700 million price tag.

This follows concerns raised about the costs of the dialogue, which will feature organisations, businesses and people from all walks of life.

Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the dialogue would be held in August to discuss country issues to try and find solutions.

READ: Ramaphosa instructs organisers to reduce National Dialogue cost

On Friday, Ramaphosa is set to meet with the eminent persons group at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. 

The group is made up of high-profile individuals who have been chosen to champion the dialogue. 

They include Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman and former minister Roelf Meyer, among others. 

But eyebrows have been raised over the projected high price tag of R700-million to host the event.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said the inter-ministerial committee was working to cut down the cost. 

“We were called in by the president of the country and the first thing he said is that this dialogue is too expensive in its current price. We must get together, the IMC, and make it cheaper. Every minister who is telling the truth can testify to what I’m telling you. So, he, himself (Ramaphosa) was not happy with the R700-million price tag.” 

McKenzie said he believes whatever the National Dialogue ends up costing, South Africans will receive value for money.