Dump the National Dialogue and focus on fighting crime and capture, says #NotInMyName

Civil rights group #NotInMyName has called on the government to shelve plans for the “costly” National Dialogue due to what has been described as a complete collapse of public trust in leadership and governance in South Africa.

Last month, IOL reported that a draft budget of more than R700 million for preparations for the National Dialogue had sparked anger amid concerns that it could just be another government-sponsored talk shop.

At the time, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the eminent persons group for the National Dialogue, which was scheduled to be held around mid-August.

Commenting on the latest political and criminal developments in South Africa following the explosive revelations by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, #NotInMyName said public trust in the government of the day “has reached new lower levels just below zero”.

“While the media briefing (by Mkhwanazi) was under way, the slain Ekurhuleni municipality auditor, Mpho Mafole, was being laid to rest. Mafole was gunned down a week ago by unknown gunmen on his way back from work. It has now been alleged that his murder is linked to the missing R2 billion in the municipality,” said Siyabulela Jentile, president of #NotInMyName.

“These two events alone confirm a long-held view and a chilling reality, that South Africa is a mafia state where crime and criminality find expression with impunity. Under the current conditions, any attempt at public dialogue becomes meaningless and a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

Jentile insisted the government has no moral imperative to convene the dialogue, “at least not while it lacks the political will to address widespread reports of corruption” and mismanagement of state resources.

“Hosting a dialogue while ignoring rampant crime, corruption, and deteriorating public services undermines its legitimacy. South Africans deserve action, not another staged consultation,” he said.

“Last year, we reflected on the living conditions of South African citizens, highlighting the concerning expenditure on Presidential Imbizos. In the 18 months leading up to the 2024 national and provincial government elections, over R44 million was spent on just four imbizos.”

#NotInMyName said it is concerned that the R700 million intended for the National Dialogue could be misused, potentially to influence the 2026 local government elections.

“These extravagant costs stand in stark contrast to the daily realities faced by millions of South Africans. Unemployment remains high, and critical public services continue to deteriorate. The question remains: how can such significant sums be justified for a handful of community meetings, while the fundamental needs of the population remain unmet? Jentile asked.

#NotInMyName urged the government to prioritize restoring public trust through decisive action on corruption and crime, reaffirm commitment to service delivery and citizens’, safety and lastly, halt the costly National Dialogue process until there is political will and ethical leadership.

Earlier this week, IOL reported that a war of words has erupted between former president Thabo Mbeki and DA leader John Steenhuisen over the withdrawal of the blue party from the National Dialogue. 

The DA recently announced its withdrawal from the National Dialogue, just days after Ramaphosa fired former Trade and Industry deputy minister Andrew Whitfield for travelling to the US without presidential permission.

Whitfield’s departure has rocked the Government of National Unity (GNU) with the DA threatening to leave the arrangement but later backtracking.

Ramaphosa accused the DA of turning its back on South Africans and lacking commitment to core democratic values.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News