LIVE: BOSA leader Maimane to brief media on GNU tensions and National Dialogue fallout

Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Dr Mmusi Maimane is expected to address the media about recent tensions within the Government of National Unity (GNU) and National Dialogue fallout.

The leader is also expected to provide an update on the party’s political agenda for the fourth quarter of the year.

The briefing will take place at Rosebank in Johannesburg at 11 am.

Maimane will be joined by BOSA deputy leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster MP, Gauteng Legislature member Ayanda Allie MPL, and BOSA board chairperson Stevens Mokgalapa.

The briefing comes in the wake of the widely criticised launch of the National Convention of the National Dialogue, held last Friday and Saturday at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria.

The event has been marred by controversy, with several prominent figures and organisations withdrawing from the process. 

These include former president Thabo Mbeki, various legacy foundations, civil society groups, and members of the GNU.

Organisations such as the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation raised concerns over the dialogue’s implementation, especially a rushed timeline, lack of clarity regarding the alleged R700 million budget, and a perceived shift towards government control.

IOL News previously reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa, however, criticised the decision to boycott the convention, saying that true dialogue involves “bringing people together, getting people to speak together – not to speak to each other”.

“We need to be inside the tent, not outside it. And we need one tent – not multiple tents where other conversations take place,” Ramaphosa said at the event.

“The National Dialogue is a call to action, not a platform for spectators. This cannot be done while others are sitting on the sidelines and criticising.”

Opposition parties including the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party have labelled the dialogue an “expensive sideshow” aimed at bypassing Parliament and centralising power in the Presidency. 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) also withdrew from the process, accusing the ruling African National Congress (ANC) of using the platform to boost its public image ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

Tensions within the GNU have persisted since its formation, with the DA and FF Plus frequently clashing with the ANC over the implementation of key policies.

Controversial lobby groups AfriForum and Solidarity have also pulled out of the dialogue.

Ramaphosa denied reports that the National Dialogue would cost taxpayers R740 million, insisting the process would be run at minimal cost, using free venues such as community halls, schools and churches.

“That amounts to R740 million to be utilised. We can have this dialogue much cheaper. Much lower costs must be the order of the day,” Ramaphosa told delegates at UNISA’s ZK Matthews Hall.

He expressed gratitude to UNISA Vice-Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula for providing the venue at no cost.

Members of the Eminent Persons Group were also present at the event. 

The ANC delegation included secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, treasurer-general Gwen Ramokgopa, political education head David Makhura, and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga. 

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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