National Discussion: Thabo Mbeki’s Open Letter to DA Leader John Steenhuisen
Dear Esteemed Mr. John Steenhuisen, Leader of the Democratic Alliance,
During my recent working visit to Sri Lanka, I became aware of your announcement regarding the Democratic Alliance’s choice to withdraw from the upcoming National Dialogue.
This decision seems to have arisen from the dismissal of Mr. Andrew Whitfield, a DA member who held the position of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
You voiced your objections to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision, describing Mr. Whitfield’s removal as “excessive,” particularly as “President Ramaphosa has not taken action against those implicated in the Zondo Commission of Inquiry.”
Furthermore, you expressed that the “DA urges the President (Ramaphosa) to dismiss Ministers Simelane, Nkabane, and Mahlobo, alongside other ANC Ministers accused of corruption, within 48 hours.”
When President Ramaphosa failed to comply, you remarked: “Frankly, the President cannot even engage meaningfully with his Coalition Partners, so it’s futile to pretend there’s any substance to an ANC-led National Dialogue…”
“Effective immediately, the DA will not partake in this process.”
“We will also actively mobilize against it… starting with a call on civil society to join us in demanding that the National Dialogue be halted until President Ramaphosa removes ANC ministers accused of corruption and others from the Executive…”
“This Dialogue must not proceed until those guilty of corruption and maladministration, who have failed to meet the standards of the Ministerial Handbook, are held accountable just as Andrew Whitfield has been.”
Ms. Helen Zille, the DA Federal Chairperson, further articulated during an interview on Newzroom Afrika: “I believe that (the National Dialogue) is merely a facade for the ANC’s 2026 Election campaign.”
“I have been staunchly opposed to it from the outset.”
“For the DA, it was crucial to announce our non-participation; if the DA, as the second-largest party in the nation, does not engage, the entire process becomes a sham.”
“The entire endeavor turns into a hollow exercise.”
I trust you will concur with Ms. Zille’s sentiments regarding the National Dialogue.
Honourable Mr. Steenhuisen, based on the discussion above:
- It is clear that the DA, along with yourself, harbors significant grievances against President Ramaphosa and the ANC concerning the functioning of the GNU, culminating in what you perceive as an unjust dismissal of Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield.
- Despite this, it’s evident that you opted not to withdraw from the GNU; and,
- It has been established that following Deputy Minister Whitfield’s dismissal, you and the DA have resolved not to partake in the National Dialogue commencing on August 15, 2025.
- Honourable Mr. Steenhuisen, although I may not agree with such a choice, I could have understood your decision to withdraw from the GNU; conversely,
- I find the DA’s decision to refrain from the National Dialogue both perplexing and counterproductive, potentially even against the DA’s direct interests.
Clearly, I owe an explanation for these observations.
I ask for your patience as I elaborate on the National Dialogue.
Last year, as we approached the 30th anniversary of our transition to democracy, numerous individuals both domestically and internationally sought my insights regarding this transition.
In response, I delivered a public Address at Freedom Park in Tshwane on April 30, 2024.
During this Address, I mentioned: “…I propose that to tackle the immense challenges posed by the counter-revolution, our people should unite for a new and genuinely inclusive National Dialogue to explore the actions that need to be taken…”
“In this vein, I must inform you that I am currently engaged in serious discussions with several of our national Foundations, as I am convinced that the nation as a whole will benefit greatly from their collective voice regarding the National Dialogue I referenced.”
Prior to my Address, I took the courtesy of notifying President Ramaphosa that I would be speaking at Freedom Park and calling for the convening of a National Dialogue.
On the same day, President Ramaphosa spoke at a Dinner Gala of the Black Business Council (BBC).
In his BBC Address, he spontaneously remarked: “…This collaborative approach was echoed earlier today by President Thabo Mbeki in a significant speech delivered at Freedom Park, where he reflected on 30 years of our democracy.”
“He proposed a key strategy for advancing the country…”
“He articulated that, to address the major challenges posed by those who intervened detrimentally, our people should gather for a new and truly inclusive National Dialogue to determine what actions must be taken…”
“I want to express my support for what President Thabo Mbeki has suggested and look forward to collaborating with him and others for serious discussions regarding the National Dialogue.”
Honourable Mr. Steenhuisen, you may recall that during my speech at Freedom Park, I noted my engagement with some national Foundations concerning the National Dialogue.
I’d like to clarify why I made this statement.
In April 2016, several Foundations in our country convened to establish the National Foundations Dialogue Initiative (NFDI).
In its founding Statement, the NFDI asserted: “The NFDI, drawing from the negotiation experiences of our constitutional framework, was born from extensive consultations among the following Foundations: Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, FW de Klerk, Thabo Mbeki, Helen Suzman, Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy, Umlambo, Chief Albert Luthuli, Kgalema Motlanthe, and Jakes Gerwel.”
The NFDI was officially launched in April 2016 at Constitution Hill.
Some of its objectives included:
- “to encourage the nation to engage in dialogue to find lasting solutions to our national issues, using such solutions to guide our governance structures and shape our political, economic, and social interactions; and,”
- “to invite civil society organizations to lend their voices in support of the initiative to mobilize all citizens to engage in determining their future.”
It was this understanding of the NFDI that prompted me to involve our National Foundations on the critical issue of the National Dialogue.
Subsequently, I organized a virtual meeting with the National Foundations, requesting their leadership in organizing the National Dialogue, consistent with the NFDI’s objectives established in 2016.
Since 2016, the Foundations’ collective has grown, now including Foundations such as Steve Biko, Ahmed Kathrada, Kagiso Trust, Dumisani Makhaye, Baleka Mbete, and Andrew Mlangeni.
Regrettably, the Helen Suzman Foundation chose to withdraw from this collective. They are best positioned to explain their reasoning.
Fortunately, the National Foundations agreed to take on the mobilization and organization of the National Dialogue.
This commitment was publicly announced during a press conference they held on June 27, 2024.
In their statement, they declared: “We, the undersigned Foundations… urge the people of South Africa to participate in a National Dialogue aimed at reshaping the direction of our nation…”
“As leading social institutions, we believe there is an urgent need for an inclusive, citizen-led national intervention to restore the legitimacy and credibility of the South African democratic project…”
“It is time for every South African to actively participate in defining a clear vision and establishing a unifying program that inspires renewed national hope.”
“From this reflection must arise a renewed commitment to constitutional democracy and the urgency to improve the living conditions of the marginalized.”
Honourable Mr. Steenhuisen, following the Foundations’ June 2024 press conference, the ANC held a routine National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where the National Dialogue was on the Agenda.
The ANC had embraced the notion of a National Dialogue. At the NEC meeting, a proposal was made to form a “Secretariat” within the State President’s Office to oversee it.
I was present at this ANC NEC meeting.
At this point, the Foundations had engaged extensively with various civil society organizations.
Consequently, we informed the ANC NEC that the majority of civil society would not attend a National Dialogue organized by either the ANC or the GNU.
You may recall that in their statement on June 27, the Foundations emphasized “an urgent, inclusive, citizen-led, national intervention.”
Thus, we advised the ANC NEC against any attempts to control the National Dialogue and suggested that if they had any input, they should consult the Foundations.
Fortunately, the ANC NEC accepted this recommendation.
President Ramaphosa subsequently constituted a small group to engage with the Foundations.
I hope you have reviewed the statement from the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team (PTT) issued last month on June 13, 2025.
Before quoting from it, I assure you that I will clarify all pertinent matters regarding the PTT.
Here is their statement from three weeks ago:
“The National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team and Working Committees, comprising over 50 organizations representing Foundations, NGOs, Community-Based Organizations, and the Presidency, welcome President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa’s announcement on June 10th, outlining the pathway for the National Dialogue.”
“For the past nine months, the Foundations and civil society formations have actively engaged with the Presidency.”
“This collaboration was critical, as we are committed to a citizen-led process. However, we recognized that it is ultimately the Head of State who possesses the constitutional authority to ‘promote the unity of the nation and advance the Republic.’”
“As Head of State, President Ramaphosa has the mandate to convene the National Dialogue.”
This statement contains several key points you should contemplate, including:
● The National Dialogue has a Preparatory Task Team (PTT) and multiple Working Committees;
● The PTT has collaborated with over 50 civil society organizations;
● The PTT has negotiated with President Ramaphosa’s representatives for nine months;
● The PTT asserts that adequate preparatory work has been conducted to ensure that the National Dialogue commences on August 15, 2025;
● The PTT believes the National Dialogue will possess constitutional legitimacy, launched by the Head of State, not the Head of Government, as defined by Section 83c of the Constitution, which states that the Head of State “promotes the unity of the nation and that which will advance the Republic.”
To clarify:
I. The PTT consists of:
● the National Foundations;
● the NEDLAC Executive and Secretariat; and,
● four (4) officials from the Presidency.
This body is tasked with all preparations for the National Dialogue and will cease to exist once it reports to and transitions to the National Convention on August 15, 2025, at which point a Steering Committee will be elected to lead the National Dialogue.
II. Following the Foundations’ press conference on June 27, various civil society organizations approached them, expressing their desire to collaborate on the organization of the National Dialogue. This explains the PTT’s reference to “Working Committees, comprising over 50 organizations…”
III. Throughout the nine months of negotiations, all agreements regarding the National Dialogue were reached between the PTT and the President’s envoys, including:
● the PTT, not the ANC or the GNU, will oversee the preparations for the National Dialogue;
● at the National Convention’s inaugural meeting, it will elect a Steering Committee from among its members to guide the National Dialogue; and,
● The Ministry of Finance must allocate the necessary funding to conduct the National Dialogue, in addition to contributions expected from participants and stakeholders in this national initiative.
In fact, the Foundations have been responsible for the costs of the preparations thus far, while volunteers committed to creating a better South Africa have been managing the routine operations related to the National Dialogue.
IV. The Head of State will utilize his constitutional authority to announce the preparations and launch of the National Dialogue, while refraining from any executive participation in its proceedings.
Honourable Mr. Steenhuisen,
I hope this information offers you a clearer understanding of the National Dialogue as it is currently envisioned.
Additionally, I will now share further details about the National Dialogue based on my brief from the PTT.
The PTT has determined that participation in the National Dialogue, through the National Convention, will be structured by ‘constituencies’. At least twenty (20) such ‘constituencies’ are anticipated.
Each ‘constituency’ will select its own ‘Delegates to the National Convention’, free from external influences, including from the PTT. However, the PTT will require each ‘constituency’ to ensure its delegation is genuinely inclusive.
Here are examples of potential ‘constituencies’:
- women;
- youth;
- organized labor;
- business;
- each Political Party in the National Assembly;
- other Political Parties;
- the legislature;
- the judiciary;
- the Foundations;
- faith communities;
- traditional leaders;
- traditional healers;
- academia;
- the professions;
- the creative arts;
- sports;
- special organizations like the Solidarity Movement; and,
- specially invited individuals.
To my understanding, the PTT has either sent out or will soon distribute requests to the ‘constituencies’ to choose their delegations, notify the PTT of their formation, and contribute to the National Dialogue’s Agenda.
Only after this process is complete will the PTT be able to confirm the total number of delegates attending the National Convention.
Honourable Mr. Steenhuisen,
The PTT will provide the ‘constituencies’ with a Draft Agenda for the three-day National Convention beginning on August 15, 2025.
The PTT will also supply Discussion Papers to assist these ‘constituencies’ in preparing for the discussions slated for August 15, 2025.
All Official Languages will be utilized during the National Dialogue, with translation facilities made available.
The PTT will issue procedural guidelines to enable the ‘constituencies’ to prepare for the Steering Committee’s election at the first National Convention meeting on August 15, 2025.
It is proposed that following its three-day session, the National Convention should adjourn to consult at the grassroots level, reaching out to the Voting Districts. After this grassroots consultation, the National Convention will reconvene to discuss and finalize its Decisions and Recommendations.
Please be aware that the ‘Eminent People’s Group’, previously announced by President Ramaphosa, will act as ‘Ambassadors’ of the National Dialogue, operating based on its processes and outcomes.
The PTT believes various issues will arise during the dialogue that necessitate government action without waiting for the conclusion of the National Dialogue.
To address this need, President Ramaphosa has formed an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), ready to act on any matters referred by the National Dialogue.
The National Convention will be hosted at the NASREC Expo Centre in Johannesburg, which has been reserved for the designated three days in August.
Honourable Mr. Steenhuisen, I hope you now understand that the National Dialogue, set to commence with the National Convention on August 15, 2025, will genuinely represent a “Parliament of the People,” led by the populace itself.
This will mark the first occasion in our nation when the people will assemble for a comprehensive conversation to exercise their right to self-determination.
As you can see, the National Dialogue will not in any way mirror Ms. Helen Zille’s imaginative interpretation of an “ANC’s 2026 Election campaign,” nor what you labeled as an “ANC-run National Dialogue…”
Furthermore, Ms. Zille’s—and presumably the DA’s—assertion that the absence of the DA renders the Parliament “a sham” and “a hollow exercise” is noteworthy.
It is indeed remarkable that Ms. Helen Zille openly expressed her condescending view of the masses, implying they cannot think and plan their future without the DA!
This notion, I assume, resonates with the DA’s Federal Leader, who must feel proud to declare: “Effective immediately, the DA will therefore have no further part in this process. We will also actively mobilize against it…”
I hope that, in time, the DA will clarify to the public why it committed to the Statement of Intent of the Parties in the GNU, which states that “Parties commit to an all-inclusive National Dialogue process…” despite Ms. Helen Zille’s opposition from the outset.
Honourable Mr. Steenhuisen, I assure you, without reservation, that representative delegations from the people of South Africa will assemble on August 15, 2025, at a National Convention to embark on the long-awaited National Dialogue.
I am also confident that through the National Convention’s work, including grassroots consultations, the National Dialogue will make a historic contribution to the vital task of charting a way forward for our country as we seek to extricate ourselves from a deeply entrenched crisis.
Thus, the people will strive to articulate detailed answers to key questions:
● What is the South Africa we desire? and,
● What is the South Africa we reject?
I sincerely hope that all our political leaders and their respective parties will acknowledge the undeniable reality that the people hold sovereign authority over our nation.
This is precisely why our Constitution begins with the phrase, “We, the people of South Africa…”
The ancients were correct when they stated – Vox Populi, vox Dei!
As mentioned, I firmly believe that the DA acts contrary to its own interests by isolating itself from the sovereign authority when that authority chooses to engage in a National Dialogue regarding our nation’s future.
Honourable Mr. Steenhuisen, in 1953, workers in East Germany engaged in a near-uprising, calling for various changes to improve their living conditions against government impositions.
Reflecting on this, the esteemed playwright and poet, Bertolt Brecht, wrote a satirical poem titled “The Solution.”
The poem reads: After the uprising of the 17th June
The Secretary of the Writers Union
Had leaflets distributed in the Stalinallee
Stating that the people
Had forfeited the confidence of the government
And could win it back only
By redoubled efforts.
Would it not be easier
In that case, for the government
To dissolve the people
And elect another?
It seems the DA is also suggesting that “the people have forfeited the confidence of the DA.”
Perhaps the DA’s equivalent of the “Secretary of the Writers Union” should distribute leaflets along Nelson Mandela Boulevard in Cape Town, informing the populace that they must intensify their efforts to regain the DA’s confidence, or face dissolution!
Yours sincerely,
Thabo Mbeki