The Mbeki Foundation dialogue withdrawal, together with six other legacy organisations, delivers a major blow to the upcoming National Dialogue. The organisations announced they will not attend the 15 August 2025 preparatory panel. As a result, their absence removes voices that have long shaped South Africa’s democratic and reconciliation efforts.
The groups include the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Steve Biko Foundation, Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, FW de Klerk Foundation, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, and the Strategic Dialogue Group. Therefore, their joint withdrawal signals deep concern about the current direction of the dialogue process.
Concerns Over Process and Public Trust
In their joint statement, the organisations said the Mbeki Foundation dialogue withdrawal comes from two main issues ,the rushed timeline and the reduced role of citizens. They emphasised that a credible National Dialogue must remain transparent, inclusive, and rooted in broad public trust. Furthermore, they warned that the current approach could alienate the very communities it intends to serve.
Call for Postponement and Inclusive Planning
Although the foundations have not abandoned the dialogue entirely, they urged organisers to postpone the convention until after 15 October 2025. In their view, extra time would allow thorough community consultation, better logistical planning, and fair representation of all voices. Moreover, they stressed that these steps are critical for creating a productive and unifying process.
Alarm Over Government Influence
The Mbeki Foundation dialogue withdrawal also reflects their discomfort with growing government involvement in the process. They believe the original citizen-led vision now faces replacement by a centralised, state-controlled model. Consequently, they cautioned, this shift could weaken the democratic goals of the initiative.
Wider Implications for Reconciliation Efforts
The Mbeki Foundation dialogue withdrawal has intensified public debate about the dialogue’s credibility. With this in mind, organisers must rebuild trust, restore inclusivity, and create a platform that truly reflects South Africa’s diverse voices. Ultimately, the move by these groups raises the stakes for the months ahead.
