The Presidency has moved to clarify the costs associated with upcoming National Dialogue Convention, scheduled to start on 15 August 2025.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Presidency confirmed that all budgetary processes for the National Convention are in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
They have also committed to ensuring that all procurement and management of public funds will comply with the law and the relevant Treasury regulations.
This follows media reports on the expenses of the National Dialogue, particularly the first National Convention.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Saturday that the first National Convention will proceed as planned this week, despite the challenges and calls for its postponement.
The Presidency has announced that the Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and including all relevant government departments, is coordinating the government’s contributions to the National Dialogue.
The committee has been working to mobilise resources for the convention and manage associated costs.
In response to the call for collaboration with various stakeholders to lower the costs of the National Dialogue, the President’s Office announced that the University of South Africa (UNISA) has offered to host the first National Convention and provide related goods and services at no cost.
“As it stands, venues have been secured for the plenary, two overflow venues with livestreaming, 10 breakaway venues, a dining area and work areas.
“In addition, UNISA is providing facilities for an operations centre, which has been running over the past week, catering, ushers, AV services, printing of discussion documents, signage, conference bags, notepads, pens and Wi-Fi,” the Presidency said.
The Presidency said the costs of the first convention are being funded from the existing budgets of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) and the Presidency for secretariat support, communications and logistics.
“The provisions in the Appropriation Act and the PFMA will be used to reimburse the Department of Employment and Labour and NEDLAC in the adjustments budget later this year.
“All procurement and management of public funds will adhere to the PFMA and applicable Treasury regulations. All funds will be accounted for through the normal public finance mechanisms.”
According to the Presidency, donations have been received for the National Dialogue digital platform.
“Some goods and services, such as the venue, screens for public viewing, and rail and road transport, are being provided at no cost. The reduced costs associated with the hosting of the National Dialogue, and the funding plan are done to reduce the cost to the fiscus.”
The Presidency said it was committed to supporting the first National Convention to kick-start the citizen-led and inclusive National Dialogue.
“The total budget for the National Dialogue will be developed as the structure and form of the community dialogues are finalised by the convention, and will depend on in-kind contributions, donations and other resources that can be mobilised.”
The National Convention will bring together 200 organisations from 33 different sectors to kickstart the National Dialogue process.
Delegates are expected to advocate for the importance and benefits of a National Dialogue, outline key discussion themes, agree on the approach and methods for public dialogues, and finalise the establishment of a broadly representative Steering Committee to coordinate the implementation of the National Dialogue moving forward.
on Saturday, President Ramaphosa stated through his Office that the National Convention must occur so South Africans can take ownership and control of the National Dialogue.
“Invitations have gone out to organisations across the country, and delegates are preparing themselves to attend the convention.
“It is at the National Convention that the people of South Africa will take over and run with the National Dialogue process,” the President said, adding that he understood the National Convention to be a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing the country. – SAnews.gov.za
