Cape Town – Former president Kgalema Motlanthe has addressed the public following his absence from last week’s National Convention, clarifying that he was not obligated to attend, as his foundation is not part of the committees of the National Convention of South Africa.
Several legacy foundations, including those of Thabo Mbeki, FW de Klerk, and Desmond and Leah Tutu, withdrew from the National Convention after disagreeing with NEDLAC on its timing.
However, in a statement released by the Patron of the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation (KMF), the former president clarified that his organisation was never part of any federation of foundations, adding that it could not have been accused of officially withdrawing from the convention since it was never part of it.
He explained that during the week of the National Convention, he received an invitation to attend but was unable to do so due to prior commitments by the KMF.
“In the week of the National Convention on 15 and 16 August 2025, I received an invitation from the Executive Director of NEDLAC and Head of the Secretariat of the National Dialogue, Mr Makhukhu Mampuru, in my personal capacity as a citizen to attend the National Convention at UNISA.
“At that time, we had already made prior work commitments to our ongoing programmes in support of KMF youth beneficiaries and engagements with other organisations,” said Motlanthe.
STATEMENT FROM THE PATRON OF THE KGALEMA MOTLANTHE FOUNDATION (KMF) pic.twitter.com/gRvd14BnFo
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) August 19, 2025
He said that the KMF Trust Deed had already committed the foundation to ongoing programmes in digital skills and extracurricular youth education, incorporating agricultural skills, creativity, and wellbeing as part of its syllabus for high school learners.
As a result, he and his organisation were unable to attend the convention at UNISA.
However, he confirmed that he sent a letter on 13 August to the Secretariat of the National Dialogue, expressing his regret at not being able to attend while acknowledging the importance of the gathering.
“It is with great potential that this Convention unfolds with the confidence of the entire nation to address the burning issues that have endured in South Africa.
“This gathering of minds is sure to spark interest and evolve the discourse.
“Unfortunately, due to prior commitments, I am unable to join the conversation.
“We, at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation, can only wish you strength and wisdom throughout the Convention; every action and every voice counts.
“Indeed, the ambitions of an equitable and inclusive country, is a destiny that we should all continue to strive for in our lifetime.”
He said the letter was intended to clarify his position and sentiment ahead of the convention, adding that he and his organisation remain committed to fostering inclusive dialogue and supporting all efforts aimed at building a democratic, just, and cohesive society.
“It is our sincere hope that the National Dialogue is a dialogue among equals because each civil society organisation plays its own role, and we all hope to contribute to society in our own unique ways,” concluded Motlanthe.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
