Presidency compares upcoming National Dialogue to CODESA

JOHANNESBURG - The Presidency said much like the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) negotiations, which ushered in the country’s democratic dispensation, it comes as no surprise that some will opt out of the process.

This comes following the withdrawal of at least 6 legacy foundations from the preparatory task team ahead of the first leg of the National Dialogue.

On Friday, the first national convention is expected to take place without the legacy foundations that walked away from this part of the dialogue, citing delayed funding and an insufficient preparation period.

Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said it's important for the public to recognise the value attached to the National Dialogue.

He said this remains true even if some walk away from the process.

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Magwenya, speaking on 702 earlier, compared the impasse to the one during the 1990s peace talks.

"You will recall that when we were heading towards CODESA, there were parties who boycotted those processes and those talks."

He said there’s no merit to perceptions that the foundations walking away will dilute the dialogue.

"We're fairly comfortable that we will be able to proceed and the credibility of the exercise will be maintained throughout."

After the first convention on Friday, the National Dialogue will continue with a series of public engagements across the country.