Several prominent legacy foundations have withdrawn from the upcoming National Dialogue Convention, citing concerns over opaque financing mechanisms and alleged power consolidation efforts by key organizers.
The unexpected move by these long-standing civil society organizations casts a shadow over the high-stakes convention, which was billed as a platform to foster unity, address social divisions, and craft a shared national vision for South Africa’s future.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the foundations including the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, and the Foundation for Human Rights announced their withdrawal, warning that the convention risked becoming a “stage-managed process dominated by elite interests.”
“We cannot in good conscience participate in a process that lacks transparency in its funding and appears increasingly centralised in control, limiting true civic participation,” the statement read.
Financing Questions and Governance Issues
According to insiders, mounting tensions arose in recent weeks over the flow of funds into the dialogue process. Several civil society representatives expressed frustration over not being consulted on how donor funding was secured or allocated.
There are also claims that key positions within the convention’s planning structures were filled without adequate consultation, leading to what some are describing as an “elite capture” of a process that was intended to be grassroots-driven.
“This was meant to be a democratic and inclusive conversation. Instead, we are seeing a worrying trend of gatekeeping and sidelining of critical voices,” said a senior member of one of the withdrawing organizations, who asked not to be named for fear of political fallout.
National Dialogue Faces Credibility Test
The National Dialogue Convention, set to convene in Pretoria later this month, is a flagship initiative spearheaded by a coalition of government officials, business leaders, civil society groups, and faith-based organizations. It aims to address deepening socio-economic inequality, political polarization, and the erosion of public trust in institutions.
Now, the withdrawal of legacy organizations many of which have played pivotal roles in South Africa’s democratic transition threatens to undermine the legitimacy of the initiative.
Political analysts say the resignations could trigger a domino effect, prompting other civic actors to reconsider their involvement.
“This is not just about money or structure; it’s about the spirit of dialogue. When well-established civil society bodies walk away, the process risks losing moral authority,” said political analyst Nompilo Zulu.
Organizers Push Back
In response to the criticism, the National Dialogue Steering Committee said it regrets the decision of the foundations to withdraw but maintained that the process remains “open, inclusive, and transparent.”
“We are actively engaging with all stakeholders and are committed to addressing any concerns. This is a national project, and no one voice should dominate,” said Committee Chairperson Dr. Sizwe Mkhize.
He added that financial accountability measures are in place and that an independent audit of donor funds will be made public after the convention.
Call for Re-engagement
Despite their departure, the foundations have not ruled out future participation — but only if “genuine structural reforms” are introduced to ensure broader inclusivity and decision-making power for civic actors.
“We remain committed to dialogue but not a dialogue that is imposed, stage-managed, or diluted,” the joint statement concluded.
As the clock ticks toward the convention’s scheduled launch, pressure is mounting on organizers to salvage trust, restore balance, and ensure that the process lives up to its democratic promise.