The Thabo Mbeki Foundations has denied claims that they were planning to create a parallel structure to oppose the National Dialogue, a two-day event that concluded on Saturday at the University of South Africa (Unisa). 

The foundation, along with other prominent legacy foundations, withdrew from the National Dialogue process a week before it started, citing concerns over its implementation and rushed timelines.

Several organizations, including the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), Freedom Front Plus, ActionSA, FW De Klerk Foundation, Solidarity, and Afrikaner Leierskapsnetwerk (Afrikaner Leadership Network, ALN), also withdrew from the National Dialogue, questioning its legitimacy, transparency and effectiveness. 

The MK Party specifically raised concerns about the financing of the event, while others accused the ANC of using the dialogue to polish its image ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

However on Sunday the Mbeki Foundation said there was no plan to start a parallel structure saying the foundations were in constant talks and it was not anything new.

Former President Thabo Mbeki just before the event kicked off declined an invitation to attend the national dialogue’s first convention and in a letter dated August 12 from Mbeki Foundation chairperson Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi to Nedlac executive director Makhukhu Mampuru, fueled allegations of a parallel structure.

Fraser-Moleketi also disputed the characterisation of the upcoming Unisa convention as the “first,” stating that the preparatory task team (PTT), operational for 13 months, convenes all public meetings and national conventions of the dialogue.

The national dialogue is a result of an agreement among the parties forming the Government of National Unity. While considered Mbeki’s brainchild, the process has exposed strained relations between him and President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The National Dialogue aimed to engage all South Africans in a countrywide discussion on challenges facing the country and forge a new vision.

However, the event revealed a clear disconnect between government officials and ordinary citizens with delegates expressing frustration at being left out of the process, saying they only learned about the convention through the media. 

Discussions during the proceedings were frequently intense, centered on immediate concerns such as crime, corruption, educational disparities, and the perceived inadequacies of the justice system.

In a breakout session on “Crime and Corruption,” delegates shared personal stories and emphasised the need for tougher law enforcement, community policing, and quicker legal action. 

Qophumlando Dlangamandla, a teacher from North West, reportedly said, “I dream of a South Africa where education matters, where rural children are given the same tools as those in Gauteng.” 

Bonginkosi Zwane reportedly spoke emotionally about his young grandson, a victim of rape, and called for the return of the Scorpions, saying, “All that I dream of is the return of Scorpions. Back then, we saw real and swift action against criminals.”

Tensions came to a head in the main plenary, where President Cyril Ramaphosa was present. 

Activist Sihle Lubisi addressed the hall directly, criticising the ANC and the organisation of the National Dialogue.

“We are the foot soldiers. We know what’s happening on the ground. All of you here have bodyguards and we don’t. You say it’s a National Dialogue, but you shut us down! 

“You are here because the 2026 elections are coming. You’re trying to buy our silence,” Lubisi said.

The National Dialogue concluded with a call for diverse methods of dialogue, crafted in communities using local knowledge and expertise. Delegates emphasised the importance of inclusivity and citizen-led discussions. 

Lindiwe Mazibuko, Co-Deputy Chairperson of the Eminent Persons Group closed the event.

“We have come together from all walks of life, engaged in respectful dialogue, and dared to envision a more inclusive, citizen-led future for South Africa.” 

The process to establish a representative Steering Committee was extended by two weeks to accommodate more diversity and ensure nobody is left behind.

The EFF and the MK Party did not participate in the National Dialogue, criticising the event as a waste of money. 

EFF leader Julius Malema lambasted the dialogue. 

“We don’t support this convention. We don’t support the national dialogue. We know the demands of our people. We cannot spend R700 million of the money that we don’t have. Our people need services, they don’t want to talk, they are tired of talking.”

Political analyst Dr John Molepo said the National Dialogue had sparked a national conversation on the challenges facing South Africa, but its success would depend on the government’s ability to listen to citizens and address their concerns as soon as possible.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za

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