The Presidency says the total cost of hosting the National Dialogue will only be made known after the conclusion of the National Convention’s road map of the roll-out of the event. It was responding to the public criticism of a reported R700 million reported cost of the event.

[WATCH]
The first National Dialogue Convention, set for 15 and 16 August, will gather government representatives, political parties and community groups to discuss ways for South Africans to progress together. pic.twitter.com/2ULNEPfGLv

— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 11, 2025

Several foundations have withdrawn from the preparatory phase of the event citing government overreach, a rushed timeline as well as a lack of transparency and a confirmed approved budget allocation.

Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya says some of the foundations that form part of the dialogue have proposed the amount to spend on the event.

Magwenya added, “The figure of over R700 million or R800 million came from some of the foundations and immediately there was a great deal of discomfort on the side of the president and government. It’s only after the National Convention has concluded the final road map of how the actual dialogue will roll out can we then work towards a final number. Therefore, as we speak, we do not know what the final budget cost will be for the national dialogue.”

PRESIDENCY STATEMENT ON NATIONAL DIALOGUE COSTS

The Presidency has noted media reports on the cost of the National Dialogue and specifically the first National Convention set to take place on15-16 August 2025.

The Presidency wishes to confirm that all budgetary processes… pic.twitter.com/OmjrjoKU1y

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 10, 2025