'They are left out because they criticised Ramaphosa'- Analysts on exclusion of key foundations from National Dialogue
Political analysts are of the view that the Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, and Ahmed Kathrada foundations were “excluded” from the National Dialogue process announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, because of their criticism over Ramaphosa’s administration.
“I think they are left out because they have been critical of Cyril Ramaphosa’s presidency,” said Siyabonga Ntombela, a political analyst from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
“These foundations have conducted parallel dialogues to discuss the failures of the ANC under Cyril Ramaphosa, the same way they did under (former) President (Jacob) Zuma.”
The alleged exclusion comes after concerns about the makeup of the dialogue, with critics also expressing concern over the lack of youth representation.
Professor Theo Neethling also expressed concern over the exclusion of not only the Mbeki, Mandela, and Kathrada foundations but also the FW de Klerk Foundation.
“I am disappointed that these foundations appear to have been excluded from helping shape the format of the planned national discussions,” Neethling said.
“Their significance and value as credible NGOs could offer invaluable input and insight.”
He also emphasised the importance of involving business leaders and captains of industry, adding that their economic expertise was crucial to the dialogue’s success.
“Before we get carried away with enthusiasm, we must ask: Who exactly constitutes the ‘national’ in this National Dialogue? Where will these dialogues take place? Who will participate, and how will role-players be selected?” he said.
“These critical details remain unclear and must be transparently addressed.”
A National Convention will be convened on August 15, bringing together leaders from political, civil, religious, traditional, and business sectors.
Ramaphosa said that this is not a one-off event, but the start of a phased, participatory process that will include local consultations, sectoral discussions, and provincial gatherings.
The process will culminate in a second national convention in early 2026, where a comprehensive national program of action is expected to be adopted.
“At every turning point in our history, from ending apartheid to building democracy, it has been dialogue that led us forward,” Ramaphosa said.
“This is a call to every South African – young and old, rural and urban, from all communities – to help define our common future.”
Ramaphosa announced the formation of an Eminent Persons Group to oversee and guide the process.
Among the appointees are Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane of the Zion Christian Church, Grace Bishop Engenas Lekganyane of the St. Engenas Zion Christian Church, former COSATU general secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali, and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.
Those absent from the list were any of Ramaphosa’s predecessors or leaders from the foundations.
The foundation have consistently slammed Ramaphosa’s administration on issues relating to corruption, accountability and governance.
Despite the concerns, Ntombela said there was nothing wrong with the composition of the group.
“These are just categories of political, social, and economic organization,” he said.
“Among them, it’s possible to have youth leagues and young people’s formations. I do not think the criticism is fair.”
Even though some have expressed concern and doubt about the effectiveness of the dialogue, Ntombela was blunt in his assessment.
“It will be another lip service, just as other dialogues conducted in the past.”
Neethling, however, said there is value in seeking a shared national vision, provided the process is genuine.
“If genuinely inclusive and meaningful, the dialogue can play a vital role in shaping a shared understanding of our challenges and exploring viable solutions,” he said.
“Such engagement can enrich our grasp of the issues and help move us closer to a broadly supported vision for the future.”
He stressed that the country’s most urgent need is effective strategies to stimulate economic growth.
“Without reaching consensus on this, the national dialogue initiative risks becoming yet another talk shop,” Neethling said.
He said the country has faced numerous debates and deep ideological divisions in Parliament over economic and financial policies, often without resolution.
“One of South Africa’s most persistent challenges is not a lack of planning, but poor implementation,” he said.
“Even the best policies or visionary ideas will achieve little if implementation barriers are not tackled head-on.”
He said the ongoing issues, such as corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, limited financial resources, and capacity constraints, are all well-known problems that remain insufficiently addressed.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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