National Dialogue will go ahead as planned, says Ramaphosa
The party said the concerns ranging from transparency and financial oversight to the need for a truly citizen-led process must be addressed to preserve the dialogue’s integrity and credibility.
FILE: ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa (centre) visited his branch in Chiawelo, Soweto on 6 April 2025. Picture: @MYANC/X
JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) is calling for an urgent resolution to disputes surrounding the upcoming National Dialogue after several legacy foundations withdrew from the preparatory task team.
The party said the concerns, ranging from transparency and financial oversight to the need for a truly citizen-led process, must be addressed to preserve the dialogue’s integrity and credibility.
It has urged the foundations, including those of former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe, to reconsider their withdrawal, calling their experience "invaluable" to the success of the process.
In a statement, the ANC said the National Dialogue must be rooted in inclusive participation, guided by the spirit of the constitution and liberation values.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking in Vereeniging, also weighed in, insisting that the event would go ahead as planned.
He said that funds had been released, a venue secured, and an operation centre was already functioning with thousands of invites sent to community leaders, business, labour and government representatives.
The ruling party added that it was ready to support improvements to the dialogue framework, including proper financial governance, transparent decision-making and clear accountability structures.
It called on all stakeholders, including government, to work with urgency and humility to rebuild public trust, saying the initiative must rise above administrative shortcomings and focus on the collective good.