ActionSA has become the latest political party to withdraw from active participation in the upcoming National Dialogue convention, raising concerns over the event’s independence, budget transparency, and alleged government overreach. The convention, set to take place this Friday and Saturday at the University of South Africa’s (Unisa) Pretoria campus, has faced growing scrutiny after several key stakeholders, including legacy foundations, also pulled out.
Key Concerns: Budget, Government Influence, and Legitimacy
In a live interview, ActionSA’s parliamentary leader, Athol Trollip, outlined the party’s reservations, stating that critical issues raised by stakeholders had not been addressed. Among the primary concerns were:
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Lack of Independence – Trollip accused the presidency of “usurping” the dialogue, leading to the withdrawal of key civil society groups involved in initial planning.
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Budget Irregularities – Reports of a R750 million price tag for the event raised red flags, with Trollip revealing that R25 million had been deposited into the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) account without parliamentary oversight.
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Potential Political Misuse – ActionSA fears the dialogue could be exploited as an ANC campaign tool ahead of the 2026 elections rather than serving as a genuine platform for national discourse.
ActionSA’s Stance: Monitoring, Not Boycotting
Despite withdrawing from full participation, ActionSA will send two senior MPs to observe the proceedings. Trollip emphasized that the party refuses to “legitimize an illegitimate process” but will remain vigilant against perceived government manipulation.
Broader Political Fallout
The withdrawal follows similar moves by other parties, including the DA and FF Plus, amid tensions within the Government of National Unity (GNU). Trollip suggested some GNU members had used the dialogue as political leverage, citing the DA’s recent ultimatums over ministerial appointments.
Risks to the Dialogue’s Credibility
Trollip warned that without genuine citizen-led engagement, the convention risks becoming a “fig leaf” for the ANC to deflect from governance failures. He echoed criticism from civil society figures, including Mzwanele Manyi, who accused the ANC of lacking solutions and using the dialogue as a publicity stunt.
Conclusion
As skepticism grows, the National Dialogue faces an uphill battle to prove its legitimacy. With key players stepping back and financial questions unanswered, the event may struggle to achieve its intended purpose—fostering inclusive, solutions-driven discussions for South Africa’s future.