Presidency Defends Cost Controls for Upcoming National Dialogue Convention
Evident Makatwane 
Pretoria – 10 August 2025
The Presidency has moved to clarify the financial arrangements for the National Dialogue Convention, set to begin on 15 August 2025 at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria, amid media speculation over its funding.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Presidency stressed that all expenditures related to the convention comply with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury regulations, adding that both procurement and the use of public funds will follow established legal frameworks.
“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,” the statement read.
Resource Mobilisation and Cost Reduction
The event is being coordinated by an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, which has been tasked with mobilising resources and managing costs.
Significantly, UNISA has offered to host the convention at no cost, providing:
- Main plenary and two overflow venues with livestreaming
- 10 breakaway rooms
- A dining area, workspaces, and an operations centre
- Catering, ushers, audiovisual services, printed materials, signage, conference bags, stationery, and Wi-Fi
Some additional resources such as public viewing screens and transport are also being provided free of charge.
Funding Sources
The Presidency confirmed that existing budgets from the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) and the Presidency are covering secretariat support, communications, and logistics for the first convention. The Department of Employment and Labour and NEDLAC will be reimbursed later this year through the adjustments budget.
Donations have also been received for the convention’s digital platform, helping to further offset costs. The Presidency said the overall funding approach is designed to minimise the burden on the fiscus.
“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 statement noted.
Purpose and Participation
The National Dialogue Convention will bring together 200 organisations from 33 different sectors. Delegates will:
- Advocate for the importance and benefits of a National Dialogue
- Outline key discussion themes
- Agree on public engagement methods
- Establish a representative Steering Committee to guide the process
The convention forms part of a larger plan to hold 13,400 ward-level dialogues and 50,000 citizen-led engagements over the next year, shaping a shared national vision for the next 30 years.
President Ramaphosa’s Call to Action
Speaking on Saturday, President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed his commitment to seeing the convention proceed despite challenges and calls for postponement.
“It is at the National Convention that the people of South Africa will take over and run with the National Dialogue process,” he said. “This is a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing the country.”
Key Facts:
- Dates: 15–17 August 2025
- Venue: University of South Africa, Pretoria
- Cost Approach: Funded by existing budgets, donations, and in-kind contributions
- Delegates: 200 organisations from 33 sectors
- Aim: Create a citizen-led vision and roadmap for South Africa’s future
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