National Dialogue organising team restructured after withdrawal of several foundations

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the organising team for the National Dialogue has been restructured following the withdrawal of several legacy foundations.

Earlier this week, organisations, including the Thabo Mbeki and Steve Biko foundations, withdrew from the dialogue, citing a lack of budget and insufficient time to prepare for the first national convention.

President Ramaphosa confirmed that the first national convention would go ahead next Thursday despite the withdrawal of some foundations from the initiative.

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He said that their positions in the preparatory task team had been filled by civil society organisations.

The foundations that pulled out had requested a postponement of the convention to allow more time for planning.

However, the president rejected this request, sticking to the original date of next Thursday.

Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said that divisions over the National Dialogue were unfortunate.

"The national convention must happen so that South Africans can take ownership and control of the National Dialogue. Invitations have gone out to organisations across the country and delegates are preparing themselves to attend the national convention."

After the first national convention on Thursday, the National Dialogue will continue through a series of nationwide public engagements.