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SACP says it was excluded from National Dialogue, decries lack of inclusivity

The South African Communist Party (SACP) said on Monday its absence from the first National Convention held at the University of South Africa (Unisa) last week, was because the party was excluded and left behind in a process where the government's key mantra was to "leave no one behind".

The Government of National Unity (GNU) held the first Convention to the National Dialogue in Pretoria on August 15 and 16.

The SACP explained that it had not reject the invitation to the Convention.

"While some withdrew even before they could be invited and were persuaded by the government to not withdraw, and others withdrew after being invited and forming part of initial preparatory processes, the SACP was excluded altogether," it said.

The party noted that one of the "many examples of inadequate conception and operation" of the Dialogue was its exclusion from the National Dialogue, pointing out that the processes were marred by questions of lack of inclusivity, which it said led to the apparent legitimacy crisis around the Dialogue itself.

The SACP affirmed the idea of a National Dialogue as a platform for national reflection on the challenges that faced the country such as high poverty, unemployment, inequality and crime.

But it said the National Dialogue's legitimacy lay in its inclusivity.

It believes that the process needs "re-engineering".

"The function of the government in a process of this nature is that of offering all the support and coordination needed to facilitate an effective National Dialogue among the citizenry, and not that of an institution that decides the agenda, content, direction and outcomes of the process," it argued.

It argued that the Dialogue belonged to citizens, to critique government and to call for a policy review.

"To that extent, the diversity of the process and its inclusiveness are key and need not be limited by the overbearing presence of government bureaucratic elements who want to see the outcome reiterate government policy amid its failures for over 30 years to overcome crisis rates of unemployment, poverty and inequality and clamp down on crime and violence, among others," the SACP said.

It said it would continue to call for a National Dialogue that was based on the popular interests of the working class and the popular masses, and one that was not a tick-box exercise or a process "driven mostly by elitist interests".

The SACP said it would engage all those involved to ensure that the flawed process was rectified.

While opening the Convention, President Cyril Ramaphosa assured citizens that government would keep the dialogues independent from government interference.

He said Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as the National Dialogue Inter-Ministerial Committee leader, stewarded the process for government "from the back", to allow the process to evolve independently, "without too much government interference".

Ramaphosa assured that government involvement would amount to logistical and financial support.

National Dialogue: Ramaphosa urges productive disagreement while parties decry lack of planning

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday stressed the importance of inclusion and participation during the first National Convention, and is urging citizens to air their differences as part of the process to find agreement on the actions that needed to be taken to improve South Africa.

In his weekly letter to the nation Ramaphosa acknowledged that some delegates expressed concerns that important voices were missing from the gathering.

"…there was a firm view that special efforts should be made to reach and include groups and people who were often left out or marginalised," he said.

The Government of National Unity (GNU) held its first sitting of the National Convention in Pretoria on Friday, which Ramaphosa said reflected South Africa's diversity and enthusiasm for the debate.

He said disagreeing was part of engaging in a meaningful and robust dialogue.

"We should not be afraid to disagree. It is through the expression of different views that we will be able to give full legitimacy and credence to the Dialogue," he stated.

He said the Dialogue should break down barriers and challenge notions of 'us' and 'them'.

"At the same time, we should not seek a form of unity that is based only on sentiment, but a unity that is forged through constructive and honest discussion on the difficult questions our country faces - and an agreed programme of action," he said.

STEERING COMMITTEE

A Steering Committee, consisting of nominees from all sectors of society, will now take the process forward.

"Each of the sectors held discussions at the [National] Convention on how they would select their respective nominee for the Steering Committee by the end of August 2025. They agreed that these processes need to be inclusive and that the Steering Committee needs to be representative," he said.

The Steering Committee would be supported and guided by the Eminent Persons Group, prominent South Africans tasked with championing the Dialogue and providing advice.

The Eminent Persons Group will also advise the President on the process.

Following ActionSA's decision not to participate in the National Convention, and instead deploy observers, the party described last week's event as "a stage-managed talk shop" that was "heavy on rhetoric and empty on solutions".

Last week, ActionSA said it would not participate in the Convention owing to "serious and unresolved" questions, particularly around the budget of the National Dialogue.

"The lack of proper organisation was glaring from the outset. It soon became clear that Ramaphosa's Convention was nothing more than a venting session without answers, met with youth rejection and no plan to confront corruption," explained ActionSA Parliamentary Chief Whip Lerato Ngobeni.

She said Ramaphosa's "weak and uninspired" remarks set the tone for what the party said was a complaints session masquerading as a national renewal project.

"Citizens once again listed the failures of the State, but this time, with no pathway to solutions," she said.

She said Ramaphosa failed to inspire or outline a roadmap, noting that this was a complaints session, as citizens expressed frustrations about collapsing services, poverty, and joblessness.

"…yet there was no mechanism to convert complaints into binding commitments or action. Young South Africans rejected the process outright, questioning why they should waste time on leaders who have failed to deliver jobs, safety, or a better future," she said.

She noted no dedicated stream on corruption, as well as the withdrawal of improtant legacy foundations, which she said underscored the lack of credibility in the process.

Earlier this month, seven legacy foundations withdrew from the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team, calling for a postponement of the National Dialogue to allow for adequate preparation, coherence and participatory integrity, citing violations of the Dialogue's core principles.

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Key data suggests South Africa GDP grew for third straight quarter

South Africa's economy probably expanded for a third successive quarter, buoyed by recoveries in the key manufacturing and mining sectors, although US tariffs now pose a fresh challenge to growth.

Analysts polled by Bloomberg from August 8 to 13 expect the economy to expand 0.4% when second quarter gross domestic product is published on September 9, compared with 0.1% in the prior three months.

A bounce back in the manufacturing and mining sectors likely provided a fillip to the economy.

"I expect a somewhat better quarter in the second quarter," said Johan Els, chief economist at Old Mutual, who is more optimistic than most economists, expecting 0.8% growth. "If you look at the different sectors - coming from deepened negative performance in mining, manufacturing, utilities - all of those sectors have turned around quite significantly."

The mining sector likely benefitted from demand-based price surges, Frank Blackmore, lead economist at KPMG in South Africa, said.

"Recently, we've seen even the platinum, palladium indicators starting to increase," possibly pushed up by international customers "buying upfront, worrying about the tariffs," Blackmore said.

US President Donald Trump on August 7 imposed varying tariffs on exports from trading partners, disrupting supply chains and threatening global economic growth. For South Africa, he applied a 30% levy, one of the highest in the world, which is expected to weigh on the automotive and agricultural sectors and may impact as many as 30 000 jobs, according to the nation's trade department.

The tariffs mean growth may not be sustained through the second half of the year and bodes badly for jobs, said Jee-A Van Der Linde, senior economist at Oxford Economics.

"In the third, fourth quarter, the impact will actually then start to bite," Van Der Linde said. "It's quite plausible that employment could remain under pressure in the third and fourth quarters, as businesses come to grip with this new trade environment."

South Africa's unemployment rate climbed to a year high of 33.2% in the second quarter.

"In this environment, I don't imagine businesses are going to ramp up production, expand operations and appoint more people; it's just not that environment," Van Der Linde said.

While consumer spending is expected to remain a key component of growth for the balance of the year, waning optimism in the face of trade tensions and elevated utility costs may dampen household spending.

"Consumers remain under pressure, especially given increases recently of electricity and the uncertainty out there," Blackmore said.

Subdued inflation and recent interest rate cuts helped growth in retail sales, a sub-set of the trade sector, rise 0.9% in the second quarter, after shrinking 0.4% in the prior three months.

South African inflation has been near the floor of the central bank's 3% to 6% target band for nine straight months, allowing policymakers to cut interest rates by a cumulative 75 basis points to 7% in 2025, with chances for more easing later this year.

'Failure of National Dialogue not an option' - Eminent Persons Group co-chair

National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group (NDEPG) co-chair Professor Tinyiko Maluleke said on Friday that failure to deliver a "credible and successful" National Dialogue is not an option, as he acknowledged the challenges facing the country and the conflict witnessed within the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team.

Leading up to the National Convention currently underway at the University of South Africa (Unisa), in Pretoria, seven legacy foundations withdrew from the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team and some political parties, civil society organisations and trade unions followed suit, withdrawing from the National Dialogue.

Maluleke said he wanted all parties that had withdrawn to be "persuaded" to return.

The National Dialogue Inter-Ministerial Committee requested that its chairperson Paul Mashatile engage the legacy foundations for an inclusive dialogue.

Maluleke said the NDEPG did not seek "fame, prestige or payment", but rather to guarantee that the National Dialogue processes remained "open, honest and truly national".

President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed the NDEPG, comprising leading figures in society, who he says reflect the great diversity of the nation, and who have a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building.

The NDEPG aims to guide the National Dialogue, and is expected to provide advice where correction is required.

Maluleke and former Minister and National Party 1994 constitutional negotiator Roelf Meyer have been designated as co-chairs.

Former Member of Parliament Lindiwe Mazibuko and award-winning rocket scientist Siyabulela Xusa will serve as deputy chairs, while student activist and former Member of Parliament Nompendulo Mkhatshwa has been appointed as the secretary.

Maluleke assured of the Group's "unflinching" commitment to safeguard the integrity, inclusivity and credibility of the National Dialogue.

"We serve in this role voluntarily, giving of our time and our expertise, because we believe South Africa, our mother land, is worth it. We do not seek fame, prestige or payment. As the President has already outlined we are the champions of the National Dialogue, we advise him and other structures of the National Dialogue," he said.

He said citizens were under severe strain, acknowledging that many South Africans were poor, jobless, hopeless and hungry.

Maluleke explained that it was in this context that the National Dialogue took on historic importance for citizens.

"…if this National Dialogue is to succeed, [and] already it is showing a lot of success, it must be citizen-led, and radically inclusive both in terms of participance and issues on the table. No sector, community should be left out," he stated.

He said the National Dialogue must be led with "integrity and transparency" and must be beyond reproach in making decisions, utilising resources and on outcomes and implementation.

"At all times, we will seek to ensure that the process is accessible to all citizens and that all the country's official languages are used in the communication of all issues pertaining to the dialogue," he said.

Ramaphosa opens National Convention, promises to keep National Dialogue costs lower than R740m

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday addressed the first sitting of the National Convention, where he stated that owing to concerns around the budget of the National Dialogue, government will desist from hiring expensive hotels as venues, and instead encourage the use of schools, community halls and places of worship to keep costs down.

Ramaphosa was speaking in Pretoria, where he acknowledged that citizens do not want government to spend "too much money" on the conversations that will be held during the National Dialogue.

"As soon as I saw the number, I said I shall not allow the taxpayer's money that amounts to R740-million to be used. We can have this dialogue much cheaper. Much lower costs must be the order of the day, that is what we did. We were very fortunate the University of South Africa (Unisa), the Vice Chancellor, the good professor, immediately said to cut off all those costs we will give you this beautiful venue for free," he said.

The National Dialogue's budget estimation was met with criticism by political parties, trade unions, and sectors of civil society.

Several withdrawals were announced before the start of the Convention, with ActionSA citing "serious and unresolved" questions, particularly around the budget. While the party had withdrawn from the process, it will send an observation committee to monitor proceedings.

So far, seven legacy foundations have also withdrawn from the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team, calling for a postponement of the National Dialogue to allow for adequate preparation, coherence and participatory integrity, citing violations of the Dialogue's core principles.

On Tuesday, the Solidarity Movement and its affiliates also announced their withdrawal, attributing the decision to its belief that the National Dialogue had been "hijacked" by the African National Congress.

The Presidency confirmed earlier this week that all budgetary processes regarding the National Convention were consistent with the Public Finance Management Act.

Unisa has offered to host the first National Convention and provide associated goods and services free of charge.

The costs of the first convention are being funded from the existing budgets of the National Economic Development and Labour Council and the Presidency for secretariat support, communications and logistics.

"Through this process, people must meet in homes and community halls. We want them to meet in churches, synagogues, mosques and temples. Our people must meet in schools and lecture halls, in boardrooms and on the shopfloor, on the pathways of our villages and the streets of our townships and our cities.

"We will meet online. We will call into radio stations. We will debate on television. We will share our views and make our suggestions without hesitation. We will be direct and honest," Ramaphosa said.

He stressed the need to keep the dialogues independent from government interference, as has been some of the concerns.

Ramaphosa said Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as the National Dialogue Inter-Ministerial Committee leader, stewarded the process for government "from the back", to allow the process to evolve independently, "without too much government interference".

The opening of the Convention will see the election of a steering committee, which will be composed of citizens.

Ramaphosa said government involvement would amount to logistical and financial support.

He stated that the Convention was not a partisan platform, but a national platform.

"Here, no voice is too small, and no perspective is too inconvenient to be heard," he said.

Ramaphosa acknowledged that the Convention was taking place at a time of economic hardship for South Africa, with high unemployment, inequality, growing poverty and a crisis of confidence in some institutions.

"…we also meet at a time when the world is rapidly changing and our ability to adapt an...

GOOD Party promises to champion youth voices during National Dialogue

Ahead of the National Convention kick-off on Friday, the GOOD Party said it will join the National Dialogue in order to help deal with South Africa's youth unemployment, which it described as a ticking time bomb for social stability.

On Tuesday, Statistics South Africa reported that the unemployment rate worsened by 0.3 of a percentage point to 33.2% in the second quarter, compared with the unemployment rate of 32.9% reported for the first quarter of the year.

The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey showed 8.4-million people unemployed, 3.4-million discouraged work seekers, and young people aged 15-34 bearing the brunt, the party said.

GOOD national youth chairperson Kaden Arguile said these numbers were more than statistics.

"…they represent millions of young people's lost opportunities, crushed ambitions, and growing despair. Prolonged unemployment fuels frustration and hopelessness. This week's violent incidents - from the attacks on e-hailing drivers in Soweto to the torching of a Home Affairs building in Germiston - are a stark warning of how desperation can boil over into destructive action," he said.

Arguile wants the National Dialogue to confront these challenges, and said the GOOD Party delegation would champion the voices of young people and demand "bold, practical action" to create jobs.

"For GOOD, participation is not about talk for talk's sake - it's about ensuring that the conversation leads to decisive action to tackle inequality, unemployment, and the exclusion of young people from the economy. The cost of ignoring youth unemployment will be far greater than the cost of investing in their future," he stated.

Last week, seven legacy foundations withdrew from the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team, calling for a postponement of the National Dialogue to allow for adequate preparation, coherence and participatory integrity, citing violations of the Dialogue's core principles.

On Tuesday, the Solidarity Movement and its affiliates also announced their withdrawal, attributing the decision to its belief that the National Dialogue had been "hijacked" by the African National Congress.

ActionSA pointed out on Wednesday that owing to "serious and unresolved" questions, particularly around the budget for the National Dialogue, it will also not send a formal delegation to the National Convention gathering, instead an observation committee would attend this precursor event to the National Dialogue.

DA wants SANDF military chief court-martialled for 'political freelancing' in Iran

The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Thursday demanded that South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya be immediately court-martialled for what the party says is gross misconduct and an alleged breach of the SANDF code of conduct, following Maphwanya's recent pronouncements in Tehran, in Iran.

The party said it will formally demand that Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga instruct the adjutant general to initiate proceedings, saying South Africa's national security, diplomatic standing and constitutional order depend on it.

This after Maphwanya was quoted by Iranian State media pledging "common goals" with Iran, endorsing its stance on Gaza, and calling for deeper strategic alignment.

DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans Chris Hattingh said Maphwanya went beyond his constitutional and professional mandate, calling his utterances "reckless political freelancing" and part of a "wider pattern of foreign policy adventurism".

The party believes his comments could negatively affect South Africa's economy and diplomacy.

"Such political statements are explicitly prohibited for serving officers, violate the SANDF's duty of political neutrality, and undermine the constitutional principle of civilian control over the military.

"From alienating key democratic allies to embracing authoritarian regimes under sanctions, this approach is steadily eroding trade, investment, and security partnerships essential to our country's stability and prosperity," stated Hattingh.

He accused the Department of Defence and Motshekga of silence on the matter.

However, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Ministry of Defence have publicly distanced government from Maphwanya's remarks, confirming they do not reflect official policy.

The Defence Ministry clarified that matters of the country's foreign policy and international relations are the sole prerogative of the President and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco).

"The Department of Defence and Military Veterans does not make political or policy decisions on international relations. It is unfortunate that political and policy statements were reportedly made during the meeting between general Ruddazi Maphwanya, chief of the SANDF and the Iran Defence Force Leadership," the Ministry said.

Motshekga will be engaging with Maphwanya when he returns.

Hattingh claimed that under the Military Discipline Supplementary Measures Act, Maphwanya's conduct is a military offence punishable by dismissal or cashiering.

"The only appropriate response is an immediate court-martial to restore discipline, reaffirm the SANDF's apolitical character, and send a clear message that no one, regardless of rank, is above the Constitution or the law," he stated.

All systems go for National Convention as Mashatile urged to re-engage foundations

The National Dialogue Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Thursday expressed appreciation for the cost-saving efforts made to host the first National Convention that precedes, on Friday and Saturday, the National Dialogue.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile this week convened the National Dialogue's IMC for a report on the state of readiness ahead of the Convention.

Mashatile chairs the IMC, which comprises government departments and coordinates government's contribution towards the National Convention and the National Dialogue.

The IMC said it noted the decision by some foundations to pull out of the preparations and had requested that Mashatile engage these foundations for an inclusive dialogue.

The National Convention kicks off at the ZK Matthews Hall, at Unisa, in Pretoria, and marks the beginning of the National Dialogue process, which will roll out over the next few months across the country in the form of public dialogues in different communities and sectors.

Several withdrawals were announced before the start of the Convention.

ActionSA cited "serious and unresolved" questions, particularly around the budget of the National Dialogue. While the party said it would withdraw from the process, it would send an observation committee to monitor proceedings.

So far, seven legacy foundations have withdrawn from the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team, calling for a postponement of the National Dialogue to allow for adequate preparation, coherence and participatory integrity, citing violations of the Dialogue's core principles.

On Tuesday, the Solidarity Movement and its affiliates also announced their withdrawal, attributing the decision to its belief that the National Dialogue had been "hijacked" by the African National Congress.

BUDGET

The IMC assured Mashatile that all budgetary processes regarding the National Convention comply with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), noting that the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) and the Presidency are funding the Convention's costs from existing budgets for secretariat support, communications and logistics.

The committee assured that all procurement and management of public funds would adhere to the PFMA and applicable Treasury Regulations.

"All funds will be accounted for through the normal public finance mechanisms," it said.

The IMC further applauded the stakeholders who were providing in-kind support and expressed appreciation to the University of South Africa (Unisa) for offering to host the Convention, as well as provide associated goods and services, free of charge.

Unisa is providing the venues for the plenary, overflow venues with livestream services, 10 breakaway venues, dining area and work areas.

Unisa is also providing facilities for an operations centre, which has been running over the past week with catering, ushers, audio-visual services, printing of discussion documents, signage, conference bags, notepads, pens and WiFi.

The IMC emphasised the importance of the Convention and the National Dialogue being citizen-led and fully inclusive, urging communities to raise issues so that they could be addressed and attended to.

'Water must be financed, tracked, championed' - Ramaphosa launches Water Investments Council

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his keynote address at the Africa Water Investment Summit, launched the Global Outlook Council on Water Investments, in Cape Town on Wednesday, and welcomed collaboration with co-chairs of the Council.

The Council, is a G20 Presidential Legacy Initiative that aims to connect Africa with international investors.

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation co-chair Bill Gates will collaborate with the South African G20 Presidency as co-chairs in the Council on Water Investments.

Ramaphosa said water investments should feature heavily in climate and finance discussions, and must be financed, tracked and championed.

He explained that the launch of the Global Outlook Council on Water Investments will see the Africa Water Investment Programme scaled up into a Global Water Investment Platform.

"It will track progress, unlock finance, report annually and align efforts across the G20, UN, multilateral development banks and the private sector. It will mobilise the leadership, capital and innovation required to transform water from a crisis sector into an opportunity sector," he explained.

Alternate co-chairs will also serve as facilitators on the Council and include former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete; United Nations Deputy secretary-general Amina Mohammed; Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi; Angolan President and African Union Chair João Lourenço; Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

He hopes to see the Council guide the transition from fragmented water investments to a coherent, coordinated and capitalised global effort through the Global Water Investment Platform.

Last week, Ramaphosa launched the second phase of the Zuikerbosch Water Purification Plant in Gauteng, which he said demonstrated Africa's capacity and on mega project investments.

The plant is part of a development that will supply an extra 600-million ℓ of water a day to address the growing water demand across four South African provinces.

"Let us build a world where every drop counts and every community thrives. Let us build a world where water is recognised as a human right and not weaponised against women, children and communities. It is my honour and pleasure to officially open the Africa Water Investment Summit and launch the Global Outlook Council on Water Investments," he said.

ActionSA pulls out of National Convention, will instead observe proceedings

Owing to "serious and unresolved" questions, particularly around the budget of the National Dialogue, ActionSA has decided it will not send a formal delegation to precursor gathering the National Convention on Friday.

Instead, the party's Dr Kgosi Letlape and Lerato Ngobeni will attend as an observation committee.

The National Convention kicks off on August 15 and 16 at the ZK Matthews Hall, at Unisa, in Pretoria, and marks the beginning of the National Dialogue process, which will roll out over the next few months across the country in the form of public dialogues in different communities and sectors.

ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip announced on Wednesday that the party was unconvinced that any of the concerns raised by key stakeholders, organisers and the broader public had been addressed.

Last week, seven legacy foundations withdrew from the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team, calling for a postponement of the National Dialogue to allow for adequate preparation, coherence and participatory integrity, citing violations of the Dialogue's core principles.

On Tuesday, the Solidarity Movement and its affiliates also announced their withdrawal, attributing the decision to its belief that the National Dialogue had been "hijacked" by the African National Congress.

Trollip noted an insistence on continuing with the undertaking despite serious, unresolved questions, specifically on the budget appropriation, which he said no parliamentary committee had been briefed on.

On Monday, National Convention organising committee chairperson Boichoko Ditlhake led a media briefing to present a public update on the Convention and Dialogue, following the controversy around the legacy foundations' withdrawals last week.

He acknowledged the withdrawals but asserted that the process needed to swiftly continue.

Trollip said Letlape and Ngobeni's observations would culminate in an assessment of whether the process served as a meaningful platform for reform.

"…or, as the situation suggests, is merely an electioneering exercise that misappropriates public funds under the guise of public participation while sidestepping the real concerns and reforms needed to change South Africa," he said.

ActionSA's representatives will travel, be accommodated and catered for at their own personal cost, he assured.