Cape Town – The presidency has clarified that the government has not committed to the estimated R700 million cost for the upcoming National Dialogue.
This follows criticism from various groups after the National Dialogue Preparatory Committee released the proposed figure.
IOL reported over the weekend that a draft budget of over R700 million for the National Dialogue had sparked public backlash, with critics fearing it may become another costly but ineffective government talk shop.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced the eminent persons group leading the dialogue, which is set for August 15.
“The National Dialogue will seek to build on the achievements of 30 years of democracy.
I hereby announce that we will hold a National Dialoguenext year to enable a conversation among citizens onshaping our country’s future developmental path.
The National Dialogue will seek to build on the achievements of 30 years of democracy.
The National Dialogue will give… pic.twitter.com/KdNoUIkuke
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) December 16, 2024
“The National Dialogue will give us an opportunity to address the challenges we have been facing for the past 15 years of low growth and unemployment, poverty and hunger, poor governance, slow land reform and corruption,” Ramaphosa said.
The report said that Mduduzi Mbada, head of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s office, confirmed the proposed budget, noting it includes costs across provinces and municipalities.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
