Mapaballo Borotho

- President Cyril Ramaphosa says he would not allow the National Dialogue budget to reach R740 million.
- Several legacy foundations have pulled out over funding disputes, calling the cost excessive.
- Ramaphosa insists the Dialogue will be a national platform to openly address the country’s challenges and define a shared social compact.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has made it clear that he would not allow the budget for the National Dialogue to balloon to R740 million.
His comments come amid reports of disagreements over the Dialogue’s costs between the government and several legacy foundations, including the Thabo Mbeki, Steve Biko, and Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundations.
The organisations pulled out of the highly criticised dialogue amid funding uncertainties.
Speaking during his keynote address at the two-day Convention in Pretoria on Friday, Ramaphosa said he knew immediately that the proposed multi-million-rand budget needed a drastic cut.
This follows public criticism that the Dialogue would be an unnecessary waste of taxpayers’ money.
The Convention’s opening was far from smooth; a delegate collapsed before proceedings began, and heated arguments broke out on stage.
In his address, Ramaphosa stated:
“Today marks the first sitting of the National Convention of the National Dialogue, a space where we confront our realities openly, respectfully, and constructively. Furthermore, this is not a partisan platform. This is a national platform.”
He said the Dialogue would help shape a social compact defining the roles and responsibilities of citizens, government, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious bodies, civil society, activist groups, and civic organisations.
The president stressed that South Africans themselves would determine its outcome.
🇿🇦President @CyrilRamaphosa delivers the keynote address during the 1st Convention of the National Dialogue held at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Tshwane. #OurNationOurDialogue #TheSouthAfricaWeWant pic.twitter.com/VXGZXzTaHM
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 15, 2025
READ NEXT: Doctors Without Borders warns healthcare blockages put vulnerable groups at risk – KAYA 959



