FF Plus 2nd GNU party to pull out of National Dialogue

CAPE TOWN - The Freedom Front (FF) Plus is the second Government of National Unity (GNU) party to withdraw from the National Dialogue, accusing the African National Congress (ANC) of being uncompromising and wanting to hijack the process.

Party leader Corne Mulder said that while he firmly believes a dialogue is crucial to finding solutions to the country’s myriad problems, the ANC is setting the wrong tone.

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The upcoming convention, which starts on Friday, is meant to set the scene for the dialogue.

But it’s been mired in controversy since several foundations linked to former presidents and struggle stalwarts withdrew from the process last week.

Announcing his party’s withdrawal from the National Dialogue on Tuesday afternoon, FF Plus leader Corne Mulder accused the Presidency, under the influence of the ANC, of wanting to dictate the direction the National Dialogue will take.

Mulder believes civil society should steer the process.

"It seems to me that the ANC, with their intent and their utterances, are an obstructive role player in this whole thing."

Mulder said recent remarks by the ANC’s Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, that the party is not prepared to back down from its existing policies make the dialogue futile and a waste of money.

"There’s a need for a dialogue, but perhaps even without the ANC. Because as long as that’s the ANC’s view, then there’s no sense in any other dialogue because they are clearly not prepared to address the challenges."

The party said it will send its CEO to attend Friday and Saturday’s convention as an observer instead.