Mbeki, Biko and Tutu foundations pull out of National Dialogue

Seven prominent legacy foundations, including that of former President Thabo Mbeki, have withdrawn from the upcoming National Dialogue, citing serious concerns about how the process is being handled.

The Mbeki foundation played a key role in pushing government to hold the event.

In a joint media statement, the Steve Biko Foundation, Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, FW de Klerk Foundation, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation as well as Strategic Dialogue Group said the dialogue started off as a citizen-led initiative however it has now shifted to government control.

They said the rushed date; lack of logistical planning means the dialogue no longer offers a meaningful platform for engagement.

The foundations have also raised issue with the fact there is no approved budget allocation so far, meaning the funding of the dialogue risks violating government procurement regulations.

They proposed rescheduling the dialogue to the 15^th of October.