‘No waste here’: Presidency says National Dialogue budget fully compliant

Johannesburg – The Presidency has confirmed that all spending on the upcoming National Dialogue, including its first National Convention on 15–16 August 2025, will comply with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) amid questions over costs.

In a statement on Sunday, the Presidency said the Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, was coordinating government’s contribution and mobilising resources for the event.

The committee includes all relevant departments tasked with managing costs and ensuring accountability.

Responding to concerns about expenses, the Presidency said the University of South Africa (UNISA) had offered to host the convention and provide venues, catering, audiovisual services, printing, signage, conference materials, Wi-Fi, and other logistical support at no charge.

Facilities secured include a main plenary hall, two overflow venues with livestreaming, 10 breakaway rooms, a dining area, workspaces, and an operations centre.

PRESIDENCY STATEMENT ON NATIONAL DIALOGUE COSTS

The Presidency has noted media reports on the cost of the National Dialogue and specifically the first National Convention set to take place on15-16 August 2025.

The Presidency wishes to confirm that all budgetary processes… pic.twitter.com/OmjrjoKU1y

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 10, 2025

Funding for the first convention will come from the existing budgets of NEDLAC and the Presidency, covering secretariat support, communications, and logistics. The Department of Employment and Labour and NEDLAC will be reimbursed later in the year through the Adjustments Budget.

The Presidency added that some services, such as public viewing screens and rail and road transport, are being provided free of charge, while donations have been received for the National Dialogue’s digital platform.

“All procurement and management of public funds will adhere to the PFMA and applicable Treasury Regulations,” the statement said, noting that the measures aim to reduce the cost to the fiscus.

The National Dialogue is billed as a citizen-led and inclusive process. The total budget will be finalised once the structure of community dialogues is agreed upon and will depend on in-kind contributions, donations, and other resources that can be secured.