ActionSA has opted not to formally participate in the highly publicized National Dialogue taking place from August 15–17, instead dispatching two of its MPs — Dr Kgosi Letlape and Lerato Ngobeni — to observe the event from the sidelines.
Parliamentary leader Athol Trollip cited deep concerns over the transparency of the dialogue process, particularly the R750 million budget allocation and what he describes as a “lack of meaningful parliamentary oversight.” Trollip also raised red flags about the risk of the event becoming a government-orchestrated PR exercise rather than a genuine platform for national healing.
Spearheaded by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of National Unity, the dialogue aims to unite political, civil, and community stakeholders in crafting solutions to South Africa’s deep-rooted issues — poverty, inequality, and joblessness. However, skepticism is rising.
High-profile withdrawals, including those by the Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe Foundations, have cast a shadow over the event’s legitimacy. Critics warn it risks becoming an extravagant “talk shop” unless it produces real, actionable outcomes.
By taking an observer stance, ActionSA positions itself as a watchdog — signaling wariness without turning its back completely. As the dialogue unfolds, the question remains: will it deliver substance, or simply speeches?
