Ramaphosa not concerned by Steenhuisen's absence from National Dialogue meeting

THE Presidency has downplayed DA leader John Steenhuisen’s absence from the inaugural meeting of Eminent Persons for the National Dialogue on Friday saying there was “nothing much to read from it” considering the many other Ministerial duties that he and his other colleagues had.

Steenhuisen, a member of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) appointed by Ramaphosa to prepare for the National Dialogue, had threatened to boycott the initiative over the president’s decision to fire DA member Andrew Whitfield as Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister.  

 Ramaphosa held his inaugural meeting with members of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group at the Union Buildings on Friday.

Asked about Steenhuisen’s absence, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said  Steenhuisen was not the only member of the IMC who was absent from the meeting. 

“Other Ministers even left the meeting earlier. So, I would not read too much into his absence considering the many other Ministerial duties that he and his other colleagues have. Besides, there was no specific contribution that was expected from IMC Ministers. The meeting was solely for the President to brief the members of the EPG and to hear their perspectives on the National Dialogue and how they view their task,” said Magwenya.

 Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth, along with her Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Fiki Hlabisa counterpart, and Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, could also not attend the meeting while Social Development minister Sisisi Tolashe joined online.

“The President was delighted with the manner in which the meeting progressed. All the members of the Eminent Persons Group were highly enthused about the task ahead of guiding the National Dialogue and serving as its guarantors,” said Magwenya. 

 GNU partner, GOOD’s secretary-general Brett Herron said there should be consequences for any party that breaches the GNU Statement of Intent – which is our contract with each other,” Herron said.

Policy analyst Nkosihulule Nyembezi said: “The DA’s sharpening differences are now a daily existential struggle (in the GNU) swinging between whether to submit a replacement to the dismissed deputy minister, participate in inter-ministerial meetings for the national dialogue or not. How much longer the DA can hold the line is in serious doubt as delays in deciding on such matters do not alter the general direction of travel in the GNU.”