By: Bright Ntuli
The Forum for South Africa has accused government of using the National Dialogue as a strategy to divert attention from holding those in power accountable.
The dialogue is set to begin with a two-day National Convention at the University of South Africa (Unisa) in Pretoria, taking place this Friday and Saturday.
The National Dialogue initiative was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this year as a platform to bring together various sectors of society, including political parties, civil society, traditional leaders, labour and business, to discuss the country’s pressing socio-political and economic challenges. The initiative is being led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
However, Forum for South Africa leader Tebogo Mashilompane says they view the dialogue as a “vehicle for looting”, arguing that it serves to shield those implicated in corruption and maladministration.
He insists that the real starting point should be addressing corruption and ensuring that those responsible are held to account.
“We see the dialogue as nothing more than a smokescreen. Before any meaningful national conversation can take place, the corrupt must be brought to book,” Mashilompane said.
The Forum is among a number of civil society organisations that have raised concerns about the sincerity and timing of the dialogue, especially ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
