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R700 Million for National Dialogue? Confusion and Criticism Mount

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2 months ago

June 20, 2025

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The Presidency’s plan to host a sweeping National Dialogue in August has hit a wall of criticism as allegations swirl about its possible R700 million price tag, with unions and opposition parties demanding transparency, oversight, and a clear sense of purpose.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the first leg of the National Dialogue is set for 15 August 2025, followed by local and provincial discussions leading into a second phase next year. Framed as a solution-seeking convention to confront South Africa’s economic, social, and political crises, the initiative is under fire even before it begins.

R700 Million Controversy: Who Said What?

The staggering R700 million estimate came from Nkosinathi Biko, executive trustee of the Steve Biko Foundation. But government officials have distanced themselves from that figure.

“There isn’t a budget. The R700 million figure is not a government commitment,” said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, calling the figure speculative and “misplaced.”

Public Backlash: ‘We Objected to a VAT Hike, Remember?’

Cosatu spokesperson Matthew Parks voiced outrage, calling R700 million “ridiculous,” especially amid hunger, inequality, and rising costs of living.

“You can talk R10 million, maybe R20 million — but R700 million? That’s reckless. We just opposed a VAT hike. This doesn’t make sense,” said Parks.

He confirmed that Cosatu had spoken to the Presidency and was told no final budget has been approved.

Opposition MPs Demand Accountability

Rise Mzansi and ActionSA both raised concerns over the lack of parliamentary consultation and absence of a clear roadmap.

“We’ll be using parliamentary oversight to make sure every rand is accounted for,” said Rise Mzansi’s Mabine Seabe.

ActionSA’s Athol Trollip said Parliament hasn’t seen any coordination plans for the event, adding to suspicions about the dialogue’s true intentions.

Experts Say: Be Bold or Go Home

According to Dr Philani Mthembu from the Institute for Global Dialogue, if the dialogue isn’t “ambitious,” it risks becoming a costly talk shop.

“We need to ask if we’ll finally discuss constitutional reform, electoral systems, and deeper accountability, not just service delivery again.”

National Convention: Noble Idea or Political Theatre?

Advocate Sipho Mantula of the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs said a National Dialogue is urgently needed given South Africa’s ongoing crises, but must be inclusive and decentralised.

“Local and provincial conventions should feed into the national event. It must be built from the ground up.”

Where Things Stand

No confirmed budget has been approved by government.
Alleged R700 million is a proposal, not a signed-off figure.
Civil society and opposition parties want clarity, control, and a say in the agenda.
First phase scheduled for 15 August 2025.

Dialogue or Distraction?

While many agree that a National Dialogue could be transformative for South Africa, the secrecy and confusion over its cost, coordination, and intent threaten to erode public trust before the first chair is even filled.

With no firm budget and pressure mounting, the Presidency must now act swiftly to clarify plans, costs, and goals or risk turning a noble idea into a national scandal.