Former president Thabo Mbeki has declined to participate in the upcoming National Dialogue Convention, set to take place at UNISA in Pretoria from August 15 to 16, citing serious concerns over the event’s credibility and inclusivity.
In a letter issued by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, chairperson Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi stated that the convention was not convened by the officially recognised Preparatory Task Team (PTT), and described the branding of the gathering as the “first” national convention as “misleading and problematic.”
The Foundation raised further red flags, including the lack of essential inclusivity measures such as simultaneous translation—an omission they argue undermines accessibility and the participation of all South Africans. They also questioned whether the organisers truly represent the broad spectrum of constituencies intended to take part in the official process.
Mbeki’s withdrawal echoes that of several other legacy foundations and civil society organisations who have similarly distanced themselves from the event, casting doubt on the process’s legitimacy and unity.
Despite the backlash, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who chairs the National Dialogue Inter-Ministerial Committee, confirmed the convention will proceed as planned. He maintained that the gathering remains an open, inclusive, and citizen-driven platform to tackle South Africa’s pressing social and political challenges.
The tension highlights deep divisions around how national dialogue should be structured, who should lead it, and whether the current process truly reflects the country’s democratic and pluralistic ideals.
