Drama, Disruption, and Struggle Songs: Inside Day One of the National Dialogue in Pretoria

A rocky start to a much-hyped dialogue

The opening day of South Africa’s National Dialogue at UNISA in Pretoria was meant to be about consensus-building. Instead, it quickly turned into a spectacle of interruptions, political withdrawals, and unexpected drama in front of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Held at the university’s ZK Matthews Hall, the event began with a welcome from Vice Chancellor Prof Puleng LenkaBula, followed by music to set a hopeful tone. But it did not take long for tensions to surface.

Walkouts and boycotts before the first word

Even before the first panel session, the dialogue had already been dealt several blows. Former president Thabo Mbeki, multiple legacy foundations, some Government of National Unity partners, and several civil society organisations pulled out, citing rushed timelines and concerns about the process.

The Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus followed suit, accusing the ANC of using the event to polish its image ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

Despite the high-profile absences, the ANC stayed put. “Our participation will be anchored in the values of the ANC, the resolutions of our national conferences, and the current lived experiences of our people,” said national spokesperson Mahlengi Bengu Motsiri.

The stage takeover attempt

As the first session began, panellists from the citizen-led National Dialogue Roadmap took their seats. That is when individuals not on the speaking list tried to seize the moment, demanding to address the president and the audience.

“This is why we have a panel of citizen-led panellists to represent the citizens,” the programme director told them, urging order. Two men in suits were eventually escorted off the stage after refusing to back down.

Struggle songs after a medical scare

Earlier, before proceedings formally started, an attendee collapsed in the venue. Emergency medical services responded quickly, and the person was taken away for further care. Delegates responded by singing struggle songs, turning the tense moment into a show of solidarity.

ANC heavyweights in attendance

Despite the earlier walkouts and disruptions, the ANC delegation was there in full force. Among them were Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe, Treasurer General Gwen Ramokgopa, Head of Political Education David Makhura, and Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga.

The party says it sees the National Dialogue as a crucial tool for confronting South Africa’s deepening socioeconomic and political crises, but as the opening day showed, unity will be hard to come by.

Also read: Ramaphosa: National Dialogue South Africa 2025 Moves Ahead

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Source: IOL

Featured Image: News24