President Cyril Ramaphosa says the first National Convention of the National Dialogue will proceed as planned this Friday, 15 August, despite a lack of support from several legacy Foundations that have called for the convention to be postponed to a later date.

The President met with the interim Preparatory Task Team last week, where divisions emerged over the state of readiness.

Some Foundations involved in the planning, including the Tutu, Mbeki, Tambo, Biko and Mbeki Foundations, have now stepped back from organising, but remain committed to the overall process.

Ramaphosa says that although challenges have been experienced, it is essential that the first National Convention proceed, which will allow citizens to take ownership and control of the National Dialogue.

“Ever since we announced the date of the first National Convention, South Africans from all parts of society have been getting ready to take part in the local conversations that will follow. There is a great desire to get involved and be heard.”

The President expressed regret at the withdrawal of the legacy Foundations from this first Convention, but said he was encouraged by their intention to continue to play a meaningful role in the National Dialogue as it unfolds.

The Eminent Persons Group, who were appointed by the President to act as guarantors of the National Dialogue, echoed the views of the legacy Foundations that the process should be inclusive and credible.

“The National Dialogue is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring all South Africans together to resolve our challenges and build a better future. The Eminent Persons Group stands ready to play its part in making this a reality,” said Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, co-chairperson of the Eminent Persons Group.

The first National Convention will bring together 200 organisations from 33 different sectors, and will kickstart the National Dialogue process by:

• Endorsing the need for and value of a National Dialogue
• Outlining key themes for discussion in the National Dialogue process
• Agreeing on the approach and modalities for the public dialogues
• Finalising the establishment of a broadly representative Steering Committee to coordinate the implementation of the National Dialogue going forward

Meanwhile, the Presidency has also sought to clarify the reported cost of the National Dialogue.

While some reports put the cost at over R700 million, the Presidency says they are doing everything possible to minimise the cost by mobilising resources.

As a response to the call for collaboration, UNISA has offered to host the first National Convention and provide associated goods and services free of charge.

As it stands, venues have been secured for the plenary, two overflow venues with livestreaming, 10 breakaway venues, a dining area and work areas.

In addition, UNISA is providing facilities for an Operations Centre, which has been running over the past week, catering, ushers, AV services, printing of discussion documents, signage, conference bags, notepads, pens and WiFi.

The Presidency says the costs of the first Convention are being funded from the existing budgets of NEDLAC and the Presidency for secretariat support, communications and logistics.

“All procurement and management of public funds will adhere to the PFMA and applicable Treasury Regulations. 

Donations have been received for the National Dialogue digital platform. Some goods and services, such as the venue, screens for public viewing, and rail and road transport, are being provided at no cost.

The total budget for the National Dialogue will be developed as the structure and form of the community dialogues are finalised by the Convention, and will depend on in-kind contributions, donations and other resources that can be mobilised.”