Deputy President Mashatile supports National Dialogue initiative despite growing backlash

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has thrown his weight behind South Africa’s National Dialogue, describing it as a vital, people-driven initiative aimed at confronting the country’s deep-rooted social and economic challenges.

Speaking at the 30th Annual NEDLAC Summit in Johannesburg on Friday, Mashatile said the Dialogue was a crucial step in "uniting South Africans, healing past wounds, and charting a common path forward."

He praised the recent First Convention of the National Dialogue for successfully bringing together stakeholders from government, business, labour and civil society, saying it laid the foundation for a collective national vision beyond 2030.

“In the next few months, we must emerge with a compact and consensus on the South Africa we want—likely aligning with the Freedom Charter, which calls for a country that belongs to all who live in it, Black and white,” Mashatile told delegates.

However, the initiative, spearheaded by President Cyril Ramaphosa following the ANC’s loss of its parliamentary majority, has faced growing backlash from political parties, civil society organisations, and trade unions.

Critics have labelled the Dialogue "elitist" and “out of touch,” citing a lack of transparency, inadequate consultation, and concerns over its ballooning R700 million cost.

Several prominent foundations—including the Thabo Mbeki, Steve Biko, and FW de Klerk Foundations—have withdrawn, calling the process rushed and unrepresentative.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also pulled out, calling the talks “a political theatre” designed to sideline Parliament.

The MK Party described it as a "Trojan horse" for backroom coalition negotiations, while labour federation Cosatu raised concerns about the exclusion of grassroots voices.

Mashatile acknowledged the skepticism but urged stakeholders not to abandon the process.

“This is our opportunity to reset our social contract and build a future based on shared values,” he said.

With pressure mounting, the Presidency has insisted the Dialogue will continue, despite high-profile walkouts. The coming months will determine whether it becomes a historic turning point—or a costly missed opportunity.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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