Mbalula denies rift between Ramaphosa and Mbeki, call Mbeki 'architect’ of the National Dialogue
There has never been a “standoff” between President Cyril Ramaphosa and former President Thabo Mbeki over the National Dialogue, according to ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula, adding that Mbeki was the driving force behind the dialogue.
This is despite several legacy foundations and civil society groups pulling out of the process.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday in Johannesburg, Mbalula said that Mbeki remains one of the “architects” of the dialogue, and any perceived tension between him and Ramaphosa is unfounded.
“As the ANC, we do not understand the withdrawal of some foundations from the convention as a standoff between the former president and the current president,” Mbalula said.
“There are issues that were raised by the foundations that did not participate, and we believe those issues have been attended to and must continue to be engaged.”
Mbalula added: “Mbeki is among the architects of the idea of the dialogue, long before and after the elections. He sits in our NEC and has made his views very clear – that this dialogue should be citizen-led, not driven by the ANC or any political party.”
He said the ANC agrees with that view and believes any misunderstandings in convening the event can be resolved.
Mbalula expressed optimism over ongoing efforts by the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) to mediate the situation.
His comments follow the widely criticised upcoming National Dialogue.
Several prominent individuals and organisations – including the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, civil society groups, and members of the Government of National Unity (GNU) – withdrew from the process.
Concerns raised by the foundations included the rushed implementation, lack of transparency around a R740 million budget, and what was perceived as a shift towards government control.
GNU partners such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) also pulled out, accusing the ANC of using the dialogue as a political tool ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Lobby groups including AfriForum and Solidarity echoed similar sentiments, calling the process an ANC political stunt.
Mbalula rejected the claims, describing them as “allegations of hijacking” by some GNU partners, which he dismissed with contempt.
“There has been growing public interest, mischaracterisations and contestations surrounding the national dialogue process,” he said.
“It is important that we, as the movement, provide clarity, frame the process within the correct political context, and reaffirm the strategic role it plays in advancing national renewal and participatory democracy.”
He said that the ANC has never viewed the dialogue as a conversation among political parties, but rather as a citizen-led national process.
“At the same time, the ANC takes this opportunity to address issues shaping the national discourse, reaffirm the ANC’s central role in the Government of National Unity, denounce acts of indiscipline and criminality, and update the nation on internal renewal processes ahead of the forthcoming National General Council of the African National Congress,” he said.
Mbalula added that the ANC does not view the recent convention at UNISA, in Pretoria, as the dialogue itself, but rather as an event to set the tone for what should follow.
“True dialogue means bringing people together, getting people to speak together – not just to speak to each other,” Ramaphosa said during the event.
“We need to be inside the tent, not outside it. And we need one tent – not multiple tents having parallel conversations.”
Ramaphosa also dismissed reports that the dialogue would cost taxpayers R740 million, insisting it would be held at minimal cost using community halls, schools, and churches as venues.
“That R740 million figure is not accurate,” he said. “We can do this much more cheaply. Lower costs must be the order of the day.”
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News