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ActionSA may exit National Dialogue after legacy foundations withdraw from task team

ActionSA Parliamentary leader Athol Trollip said on Friday his party will evaluate whether the upcoming National Dialogue represents a "real opportunity to pursue meaningful reform" or whether it is a "government-led initiative".

This after news broke that seven legacy foundations have withdrawn from participation in the structures of the Preparatory Task Team for the first National Convention, set to take place on August 15, to prepare for the National Dialogue.

The foundations cited a violation of some of the principles meant to underpin the dialogue, noting that the gathering had been rushed.

The Government of National Unity (GNU) will convene the first National Convention, which begins a process of hosting a countrywide, people-led National Dialogue process, between August 15 and 17.

In June, President Cyril Ramaphosa explained that in the wake of government's engagements with various entities, there was broad agreement on the need to convene a National Dialogue, given the challenges facing the country.

However, GNU partner the Democratic Alliance, in June had resolved to withdraw from the National Dialogue after a falling out with Ramaphosa over one of their Ministers.

In June, ActionSA raised concerns about the R750-million budgeted for the dialogue and urged transparency on how the funds were allocated.

Trollip said in light of the concerns raised by key stakeholders, organisers, and some South Africans, ActionSA would reconsider its participation.

He said his party raised concerns that the dialogue was being turned into a government-directed platform, as has now been suggested by the legacy foundations.

"Reports indicate that several respected legacy foundations have voiced serious misgivings about the government's alleged attempts to control the dialogue and to rush its proceedings. Such haste undermines the very essence of the process and prioritises expediency over the genuine pursuit of reforms capable of reversing South Africa's worsening socio-economic reality," Trollip said.

Trollip pointed out that the National Dialogue was the result of all GNU parties committing to it in the Statement of Intent signed by GNU coalitions parties.

"…the fact that South Africans are now saddled with a crumbling process with diminishing credibility is a product of all GNU partners misreading the national mood," he stated.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Thursday touted the National Dialogue as a mechanism for action that could build a more inclusive and united South Africa.

South Africa's central bank sees only modest impact from US tariffs

South Africa's central bank believes US tariffs will only have a modest impact on the country's economic growth while leaving its inflation levels broadly unchanged, its governor said on Friday.

US imports from South Africa are now subject to a 30% duty - the highest rate in Sub-Saharan Africa - after Pretoria failed to agree a trade deal with Washington in time for US President Donald Trump's deadline.

President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to Trump on Wednesday to try to speed up trade talks, after industry associations and the central bank governor previously warned the tariffs could cause tens of thousands of job losses.

But at the central bank's Annual General Meeting on Friday, Governor Lesetja Kganyago downplayed the economic fallout.

"Our preliminary assessment is that tariffs and the other uncertainties in the global economy are causing modest damage to growth while leaving inflation broadly unchanged," he told the bank's shareholders.

"The US is a large trading partner for South Africa, but it is not as important as Europe, China or the Southern African Development Community," Kganyago added.

The US accounted for roughly 7% of South African exports in June, smaller than China's 12% and Germany's 8%, data from the South African Revenue Service showed.

The central bank's latest forecasts factored in a higher tariff rate but that only moved its growth forecast for this year down by around 0.1 percentage points.

"This is a setback, but not catastrophic," Kganyago said, explaining that the relatively low growth of about 1% expected in 2025 was part of a broader stagnation trend in place for roughly a decade.

Echoing Kganyago's assessment, South African financial markets have performed well this week even as the tariffs came into effect.

ETM Analytics said in a research note that investors were confident that South African businesses would be able to find ways to mitigate the impact of the tariffs and pivot to new markets.

Seven legacy foundations withdraw from National Convention task team, call for postponement

Seven prominent foundations on Friday proposed that the first National Convention, scheduled to be held on August 15, be postponed, to allow for adequate preparation, coherence and participatory integrity.

The foundations announced their withdrawal from the structures of the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team and the first National Convention, citing violations of the dialogue's core principles.

President Cyril Ramaphosa explained that given challenges facing the country, there was broad agreement on the need to convene a National Dialogue.

The Steve Biko Foundation; Thabo Mbeki Foundation; Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation; Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation; FW de Klerk Foundation; Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation and the Strategic Dialogue Group noted a loss of meaningful platform for the dialogue.

"The rushed timeline, constrained logistics, and limited interactive design mean that the proposed Convention no longer offers a meaningful platform for engagement," the foundations said in a joint statement on Friday.

The foundations warned that the dialogue risked becoming symbolic rather than substantive.

"We cannot lend our names to a gathering that does not allow for genuine dialogue. Furthermore, the National Convention was envisaged as a kick-off event for the real heart of the National Dialogue - community, sectoral, and citizen-led engagement," foundations said.

The Convention will take place between August 15 and 17 August at the ZK Matthews Hall, at the University of South Africa, in Pretoria.

There have been concerns around the dialogue, with claims that the African National Congress was using it as an electioneering platform, as well as concerns around the dialogue's reported R750-million budget and possible instances of corruption.

The foundation called the dialogue "premature", arguing that there is no agreed upon plan for its roll out.

The foundations said their withdrawal is not out of "apathy or disengagement", stressing the need for the dialogue to be "credible, principled and anchored in public trust."

They also cited the erosion of citizen leadership and a lack of financial and operational infrastructure, stating that the absence of a confirmed approved budget allocation and a last-minute commitment of initial funds has made preparation impossible.

"This raises real risks of a poorly organised and unaccountable process. The push to proceed has created pressure to engage in emergency procurement, which may violate the Public Finance Management Act.

"The lack of resourcing has affected the logistical readiness for the Convention, but even more so the possibility of it being a substantive and meaningful engagement. Without programmatic, operations, communications and other critical capacity the event will not be a credible launchpad for a truly transformative process for South Africans," the foundations stated.

They said they are unwilling to be part of a process that "undermines" the principles, governance and accountability values that the dialogue is meant to strengthen.

The foundations also noted deep disagreements within the Preparatory Task Team over the nature of the dialogue, readiness, governance, and risk, highlighting that a lack of shared clarity and alignment would destabilise the effort.

Last month, former President Thabo Mbeki had sharply criticised Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen over his party's decision to withdraw from the National Dialogue in June, calling the move "misplaced" and "very strange indeed".

The DA made the decision to withdraw from the National Dialogue following Ramaphosa's decision to remove DA Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield from his position.

In an open letter addressed to Steenhuisen, Mbeki accused the party of undermining an inclusive, citizen-led initiative that intends to create a new national consensus.

He argued that the DA's continued participation in t...

BELA Act regulations open for public comment

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has gazetted the first two sets of regulations under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA Act) for public comment, urging members of the public to submit written comments by September 30.

Government Gazette No. 53119 and 53120 were gazetted on Wednesday, with Gwarube explaining that the regulations relate to key provisions of the South African Schools Act regarding school capacity and school admissions.

Gazette No. 53119 refers to the South African Schools Act, 1996 Admission of Learners to Public Schools, while Gazette No. 53120 refers to Minimum Uniform Norms and Standards for capacity of Ordinary Public Schools.

"This marks a significant milestone in the responsible and inclusive implementation of the BELA Act, aimed at strengthening the governance, equity and quality of education for the country's 13.5-million learners," she said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Bill into law in September last year but delayed its full implementation by three months to allow for discussions on the contested sections, this despite a significant degree of public rejection and concern over its constitutionality.

The Bill has been applicable law since December 2024.

Gwarube pointed out that the regulations gazetted were designed to ensure that the amendments introduced by the BELA Act upheld learners' rights, enhanced school functionality and maintained the careful balance of powers and functions between school governing bodies (SGBs) and government in the proper management and governance of schools.

She said further regulations would be released for public comment as soon as they were finalised, legally vetted and approved.

"This modular release approach has been adopted to avoid the delays that a bulk publication would otherwise have caused," she explained.

Gwarube emphasised that the release of these regulations for public comment was an important opportunity for education stakeholders and the broader South African public to actively shape the future of basic education in the country.

"These regulations are instruments that will affect how schools are governed and managed, how children are admitted, and how our values as a society are reflected in our education system. I call on all South Africans, including parents, teachers, SGBs, civil society, education experts and community members to participate meaningfully in this public comment process. Your voice matters. Let it be heard in shaping the policies and regulations that govern the education of your children," she explained.

She highlighted that her department would be embarking on a national public awareness campaign to ensure that the content of the draft regulations was well understood and that all interested parties were empowered to make informed submissions.

The public find details on making submissions on Gazette No. 53119 here and on Gazette No. 53120 here.

Tariff D-Day: Ramaphosa, Trump speak as trade deal discussions continue

More detailed discussions will take place between South African and US trade negotiating teams, following a telephone discussion between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

Last week, South Africa failed to secure a trade deal with the US, which will see tariffs of 30% levied on a slew of South African goods and produce from Thursday.

In Wednesday's call, Ramaphosa and Trump agreed to continue further engagements on bilateral trade matters, amid the trade negotiations the US is currently involved in.

The Presidency said on Thursday that both trade negotiating teams will continue discussions.

Trump, on Wednesday, posted on the Truth Social media platform ahead of the commencement of reciprocal tariffs.

"Billions of dollars, largely from countries that have taken advantage of the United States for many years, laughing all the way, will start flowing into the USA. The only thing that can stop America's greatness would be a radical left court that wants to see our country fail!" he said.

Meanwhile, South Africa's Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition expressed concerns about the impact of the tariffs, particularly on automotive, steel and agricultural products, as affected South African exports will become less competitive in the US.

"These sectors form part of significant value chains that exist between the two countries. South Africa is a crucial supplier of raw materials to many United States supply chains. The country also possesses strategic mineral reserves such as chrome, manganese and gold, from which the United States can benefit. Therefore, the trading relationship with the US offers opportunities for mutual development and growth," said committee chairperson Mzwandile Masina.

The committee supports efforts to negotiate a deal with the US, including the enhancement of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, as a way to address bilateral trade and investment concerns.

Masina appealed for parties to continue negotiations for a mutually beneficial resolution, warning stakeholders to refrain from making "reckless" public statements that may compromise the efforts of the South African negotiating team.

"All South Africans should partner with government and speak with one voice during this critical period of negotiations given the impact that this could have on the broader economy," he said.

Trade union Solidarity revealed on Wednesday that it will soon make another trip to the US to engage in discussions amid high tariffs.

Meanwhile, following Trump's tariff announcement last week, the Democratic Alliance called for comprehensive red tape reduction and deregulation across the entirety of the South African economy.

"This will allow South Africa to pursue bold and far-reaching reforms, including pivoting from blunt instruments such as ownership under the guise of broad-based black economic empowerment, towards genuine investment and social upliftment under equity equivalence programmes which would enable stronger foreign direct investment," it said.

ActionSA blames lack of foreign patient tracking for 'unmanaged demand' on public healthcare system

Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi revealed in a Parliamentary reply to ActionSA that the health department does not track the number of documented or undocumented foreign nationals who access public healthcare facilities, adding to ActionSA's long-standing belief that this burdens South Africa's healthcare system.

He further pointed out that while patients are requested to present proof of ID, services are not withheld from them if they are unable to do so. Further, health facilities do not record individuals according to nationality.

"It must be realised that on the African Continent as a whole, the issue of Civil Registration and vital statistics is something that has just started in earnest recently, and the whole Continent is lagging behind. At the present moment the country with the highest Civil Registration is Egypt at 98%. The second highest is South Africa at 89%. This means that 11% of South Africans are also undocumented, but cannot said to be illegal in their own country. Some countries on this Continent are still between 1% and 5% registered," Motsoaledi said in his reply.

ActionSA said this validated its concern that without appropriated data collection, the Department cannot account for any service delivery liabilities.

"This admission validates our longstanding concern that South Africa's public healthcare system is burdened by an unquantified and unmanaged demand… We believe that this is particularly concerning given that millions of foreign nationals, many of whom are undocumented or lack any form of medical insurance, reasonably make use of taxpayer-funded public healthcare services," ActionSA said.

The Minister defended the lack of tracking by pointing out that the right to healthcare is enshrined in Section 27 of the country's Constitution for citizens and non-citizens and that healthcare is provided based on clinical need, not on nationality or documentation status.

In May, ActionSA made submissions to amend Section 27 of the Constitution to exclude undocumented foreign nations from accessing tax-funded healthcare in South Africa.

"This situation is not mirrored in any other country, where foreign nationals are typically required to possess medical insurance as a condition of their visa applications. Yet South Africans are being gaslit into accepting this unsustainable burden as normal," the party said.

It argued that by failing to track the number of undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa's healthcare system, effective planning, budgeting, and policy formulation is compromised.

"In a public health system already buckling under pressure, with overcrowded hospitals, long queues, understaffing and medicine shortages, this lack of oversight is reckless and unsustainable," ActionSA stated.

It suggested that a verification mechanism would mean that healthcare providers could verify legal status and maintain continuous patient records.

"ActionSA will continue to put South Africans first, ensuring that their access to healthcare is never compromised and that we build a system that delivers quality and affordable care," it said.

Solidarity plans another trip to the US as it reveals five-point tariff plan

Trade union Solidarity revealed on Wednesday that it will soon make another trip to the US amid the tariff announcement by the US, but in the meantime, the organisation has devised a five-point plan to salvage the situation.

Last week, US President Donald Trump confirmed that reciprocal tariffs of 30% would be implemented on South African goods from August 7.

Relations between South Africa and Trump's administration came to a head earlier this year, after the signing of the Expropriation Act, tensions which many believe were exacerbated by the Solidarity Movement and its members AfriForum and Solidarity lobbying the US.

However, the Solidarity Movement and its organisations have instead blamed the South African government, and particularly the African National Congress (ANC), for alienating the US and straining tensions.

The organisation's plan consists of liaisons with the South African and US governments; support for those who may lose employment once the tariff comes into effect, as well as alternatives employment opportunities for them; collaboration with other organisations to create a broad network to assist in resolving the relationship between South Africa and the US, while supporting affected South African industries; and the creation of a barometer to reflect the impact of increased tariffs on industries.

"Solidarity has also been in discussions over the past few days with political parties, other trade unions and various civil society organisations about how they can work together to help resolve the dispute between the USA and South Africa, and to implement interim measures to assist industries and communities. Solidarity will soon travel to the USA once again to engage in discussions with interest groups and hopes that the South African government will realise the seriousness of the situation before then," said the organisation.

It said it has already requested talks with both countries' governments, and has also made proposals to them.

The organisation says it has also created a plan to protect the jobs of its members and offer support.

It went on to reiterate its belief that if government addresses issues such as property rights protection, farm murders, hate speech against farmers, BEE laws and neutral foreign policies, it may keep South Africa in better stead with the US.

Solidarity accused the government of not adequately engaging with the US to stave off the tariffs and even went so far as to claim that the ANC's handling of the issue was an act of violence against South Africans.

It said it was one of many role-players that would "use their influence and contacts" to negotiate a better agreement for South Africans.

ANC brass hits back at DA for calling for reform of BBBEE

The African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) said on Wednesday that South Africa will not yield to "opportunistic foreign pressures" that seek to coerce it into reversing its economic transformation agenda or see it compromise its sovereignty.

This was in response to the Democratic Alliance's (DA's) criticism of Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, following the US's decision to impose tariffs on South African exports.

Last week, the DA blamed Tau and Lamola for failing to secure a trade deal with the US, which will see tariffs of 30% levied on a slew of South African goods and produce from Thursday.

The DA called for comprehensive red tape reduction and deregulation across the entirety of the South African economy.

"This will allow South Africa to pursue bold and far-reaching reforms, including pivoting from blunt instruments such as ownership under the guise of broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE), towards genuine investment and social upliftment under equity equivalence programmes which would enable stronger foreign direct investment," it said.

Speaking during a media briefing on the outcomes of the ANC NEC meeting, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula described the DA's statement as a "reckless" call for deregulation and abandonment of BBBEE.

Mbalula said the DA's posture reflected a "deeply entrenched neo-imperialist mindset", that he said sought to subordinate South Africa's sovereign right to map its own economic future to the interests of foreign powers and "domestic elites".

He said the ANC NEC fully supported the "decisive interventions" announced by Tau and Lamola, pointing out that these measures reflected a "coherent and strategic approach" to defending South Africa's economic sovereignty while prioritising the livelihoods of South Africans.

"…the comprehensive support framework, including the establishment of an Export Support Desk and mobilisation of targeted industrial resilience funds, demonstrates a government that is proactive in shielding its productive sectors from external economic shocks," Mbalula stated.

He added that these actions formed part of a broader national effort to restructure the country's trade relations, promote industrialisation and ensure that South Africa's engagement in the global economy was anchored in equity, dignity, and national developmental priorities.

Meanwhile, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa said during the closing session of the ANC NEC meeting held in Ekurhuleni on Monday, that government would continue its engagements with the US with a view of normalising trade relations and generally strengthening bilateral relations.

He said at the same time that South Africa should invest in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and diversify its export markets.

SOCIAL COMPACT & GNU

Meanwhile, ahead of the country's first National Convention, planned for August 15, as a precursor to the National Dialogue, Mbalula asserted that the dialogue would not displace any constitutional processes but would build a new social compact to address poverty, inequality and unemployment.

"...it will be citizen-led, inclusive, and transformative, giving the people of South Africa an opportunity to set a new direction for our future," he said.

Last week, the Solidarity Movement claimed that the ANC's backing of the dialogue, appeared to be a ploy to win back lost electoral support.

The Solidarity Movement previously alleged that the ANC had used such forums to "sell its policies, rather than forums where they could listen to proposals on how to adjust their unworkable policies".

The ANC NEC also noted the comprehensive report from the Government of National Unity (GNU) Task Team, assessing the performance of the GNU since its formation immediately after the 2024 elections, identifying significant progress...

Petrol price to decrease by 28c, but diesel prices to increase by more than 60c

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has announced that the price of Petrol 93 and 95 will decrease by 28c/ℓ, while the prices of diesel 0.05% and 0.005% sulphur will increase by 65c/ℓ and 63c/ℓ, respectively, from August 6.

Illuminating paraffin prices will increase by 32c/ℓ and liquefied petroleum gas prices will decrease by 69c/kg - and decrease by 78c/kg in the Western Cape.

The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from $69.36/bl to $69.09/bl during the period under review, owing to increased production in petroleum exporting countries and uncertainty caused by the looming US trade tariffs on various countries, including secondary tariffs that could affect demand for crude oil.

This led to lower contributions to the basic fuel price of petrol by 23.49c/ℓ and higher contributions to the basic fuel prices of diesel and paraffin by 69.94c/ℓ and 35.57c/ℓ, respectively.

The prices of diesel and paraffin increased owing to low stocks in the US, unplanned refinery shutdowns and closures of refineries in the EU, which has resulted in tight supply.

The prices of propane and butane also decreased during the period under review.

Parties demand transparency from Saps corruption committee, slam ANC chair

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said on Tuesday it will push for Parliament's ad hoc committee investigating allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to produce a full and transparent report of claims made, while ActionSA and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) expressed disappointment with the appointment of Molapi Lekganyane as the committee chairperson.

Parliament established the committee following Mkhwanazi's allegations of corruption, political interference, and malfeasance within the South African Police Service (Saps).

DA spokesperson on Police and Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron said the DA wanted the committee to name implicated individuals and provide timelines and evidence relating to Mkhwanzi's claims of case docket removals, the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team, and interference in Crime Intelligence.

Last month, Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of unilaterally disbanding the Political Killings Task Team and redirecting 121 active investigation dockets to the office of National Deputy Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, where they have allegedly been neutralised.

The DA wants the committee to publicly identify implicated Saps leadership, make recommendations for disciplinary action, or removal, and immediately refer all criminal findings to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and other relevant bodies.

The committee, which held its first sitting on Tuesday and elected its chairperson, has until October 31 to table its findings.

The DA also wants lifestyle audits, security vetting, and deadline-driven compliance for all senior Saps management, as well as a moratorium on cadre deployment and political appointments in Saps, with future appointments rather based on merit, experience, and integrity.

He noted that the committee must obtain a deadline-driven action plan from the Civilian Secretariat to oversee implementation of recommendations, with quarterly progress reports to Parliament.

The DA also wants the committee to establish a temporary, independent oversight team to drive systemic Saps reforms beyond the committee's term.

"This committee is not just another parliamentary formality. It is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to confront and clean out the rot at the top of Saps. This ad hoc committee carries a massive responsibility to prove that Parliament's oversight powers are real and enforceable," Cameron said.

CHAIRPERSONSHIP

Meanwhile, ActionSA disagreed with the appointment of Lekganyane as committee chair, arguing that he was a member of the African National Congress (ANC), the party that Mchunu, who was implicated in the serious allegations that fall within the committee's scope of work, belonged to.

ActionSA Member of Parliament Dereleen James pointed out that a sitting Cabinet member is implicated in links to criminal syndicates.

"It stands to reason that this committee should not be chaired by any Member of Parliament from a party whose members are directly implicated in the allegations under investigation, especially given the very nature of how partisan politics operates. Doing so would erode public confidence and compromise the process from the outset," she highlighted.

ActionSA pointed out that it would use its representation on the committee to ensure its work was conducted "independently" and "transparently".

In its statement, meanwhile, the EFF also called on political parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU) to abstain from nominating one of their own members as Chairperson.

The EFF and ActionSA are not part of the GNU.

EFF deputy secretary-general and Member of the ad hoc committee Leigh-Ann Mathys said Lekganyane's appointment was a missed opportunity by the GNU partners to build confidence in the country, spe...