A group of South Africa’s prominent Legacy Foundations, including those named after FW de Klerk, Steve Biko, Thabo Mbeki, Chief Albert Luthuli, Oliver Tambo, and Desmond Tutu, have officially withdrawn from the upcoming National Dialogue Convention scheduled for 15 August 2025.
This move also includes the Strategic Dialogue Group. Their departure is rooted in serious concerns over breaches of fundamental principles guiding the dialogue process.
In a joint statement released on Friday, as cited by Smile FM, the Foundations expressed deep regret over the decision but emphasized their unwavering commitment to a citizen-led, credible, and transparent dialogue. They stressed that the rushed timeline and government influence have compromised the integrity and inclusivity of what was meant to be a transformative national conversation.
Initially convened as a platform for all South Africans to engage meaningfully across sectors and communities, the National Dialogue was envisioned as a citizen-driven process. However, the Foundations argue that it has shifted toward government control, undermining its credibility. They pointed to a hurried push to hold the Convention despite logistical challenges, insufficient funding, and a lack of a clear plan for community-level engagement, which threatens to reduce the event to a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive forum.
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Financial instability also weighed heavily on their decision. The absence of a confirmed budget and last-minute funding commitments raised concerns about accountability and compliance with financial regulations. Emergency procurement practices further deepened worries about mismanagement.
Tensions within the Preparatory Task Team (PTT) over governance, purpose, and readiness for the event added to the Foundations’ unease. The group highlighted a strategic misalignment centered on the shift away from citizen leadership toward government control, which they believe endangers the dialogue’s foundational goals.
Importantly, the Foundations clarified that their withdrawal from the 15 August Convention and Preparatory Task Team does not signal disengagement from the National Dialogue itself. They remain dedicated to its vision and urge postponement of the Convention until after 15 October 2025 to allow for proper preparation and genuine participation.
The statement concluded with a powerful reminder that the National Dialogue represents a once-in-a-generation chance to unite South Africans and strengthen democracy, but this cannot be achieved by rushing the process, centralising power, or cutting corners.
The withdrawing Foundations reaffirmed their ongoing support for a National Dialogue that is genuinely citizen-led, transparent, and transformative for all South Africans. They also announced plans to hold a press conference to provide further details on their stance.
Legacy Foundations that withdrew:
- Steve Biko Foundation
- Thabo Mbeki Foundation
- Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation
- Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation
- FW de Klerk Foundation
- Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation
- Strategic Dialogue Group
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Picture: Lubabalo Lesolle / Gallo Images
