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Siya Kolisi Urged to Help Rescue National Dialogue as Cost Dispute Heats Up

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3 weeks ago

August 14, 2025

Chiraag

Siya Kolisi, National Dialogue South Africa, political convention Pretoria, South African Council of Churches, ActionSA protest, R25 million budget, Thabo Mbeki Foundation withdrawal, government funding dispute, Unisa conference, Joburg ETC

Siya Kolisi Urged to Step In as National Dialogue Faces Walkouts and Cost Questions

With just hours to go before South Africa’s first National Dialogue convention kicks off in Pretoria, church leaders are appealing to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and other respected figures to help restore unity, as political tensions and funding controversies threaten to overshadow the event.

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has turned to the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), which includes Kolisi, Lindiwe Mazibuko, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, and former minister Roelf Meyer, urging them to provide the moral leadership needed to rally the nation behind the process.

“The EPG should be the face of leadership and the voice of reason,” the SACC said, calling for transparency, prudent use of funds, and genuine inclusivity in the talks.

Legacy Foundations Pull Out Over Concerns

Some of the country’s most prominent legacy organisations, including the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and the Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, have withdrawn from the organising committee. Their concerns centre on what they describe as poor planning, a lack of financial transparency, and a shift from a citizen-led process to one controlled by government.

Bongani Kupe from the Mbeki Foundation says the President was made aware of their reservations but opted to proceed regardless. “This is not inclusive, and there is no thorough preparation,” he said.

ActionSA Raises the R25 Million Question

Adding fuel to the fire, ActionSA’s parliamentary leader Athol Trollip claims R25 million has already been allocated to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) for the weekend event. He says the original budget was R42 million and is asking where the remaining R17 million went.

Trollip also questioned why funds from the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation were redirected without parliamentary discussion. “We won’t allow the ANC to hijack this process to boost their 2026 election campaign,” he said.

The Presidency has responded by stating that most costs are being covered through Nedlac’s existing budgets and donations, with some services provided at no cost. The adjustments budget later this year will reimburse departments.

Convention Goes Ahead

Despite the storm, organisers insist it is “all systems go” for the gathering at the University of South Africa (Unisa), with more than 1 000 delegates expected. Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu, speaking on behalf of the event, stressed that the focus remains on citizens: “It is their convention, not based on social status.”

The aim of this first convention is to set the framework for how the National Dialogue will unfold in communities. Representatives from at least 30 sectors will contribute to discussion themes, leading up to a second convention next year where a social compact will be drafted for Parliament.

Why This Matters

South Africa’s political climate is fraught with mistrust, making the idea of a unifying national dialogue both urgent and fragile. Involving respected public figures like Siya Kolisi could lend credibility and attract public buy-in.

Social media users have been divided: some calling for full transparency before proceeding, others urging that conversations about the country’s future should not be derailed by political rivalries.

Whether this weekend’s convention will deliver a genuine path to unity or deepen divides may depend on how much trust can be rebuilt in the coming days.