Maimane Raises Alarm Over Lack of Clear Budget for National Dialogue

Standing Committee on Appropriations chairperson Dr Mmusi Maimane has voiced serious concerns over the absence of a clear budget for the upcoming National Dialogue, warning that without financial transparency and proper planning, the process could lose credibility.

Speaking in Parliament, Maimane emphasised that any funds drawn from the national revenue must be appropriated through proper parliamentary channels, and not allocated after the fact. He noted that government had yet to specify whichprograms would be cut to fund the initiative, stressing that if the cost reaches significant levels — such as the rumoured R500 million — Parliament must approve it beforehand.

Maimane urged both the Minister of Finance and the Presidency to appear before the committee to clarify the source of funds and outline which existing projects might be halted. He warned against diverting resources from critical programmes like the Presidential Employment Stimulus without a transparent rationale.

Beyond budgetary issues, Maimane criticised the composition of the eminent persons panel, arguing it lacked adequate representation of young people, women, and those most affected by crises such as gender-based violence and unemployment. He cautioned that an “elite-led” process risks alienating the majority of South Africans, particularly the 60% living below the upper poverty line.

He also echoed concerns raised by the Legacy Foundations, who have threatened to withdraw from the dialogue, saying it was becoming increasingly government-driven rather than citizen-led. Maimane called for urgent engagement between the Presidency and these groups to preserve the process’s integrity.

Finally, Maimane warned that if the dialogue proceeds without addressing funding transparency, inclusivity, and leadership concerns, it could devolve into a “national monologue” instead of a true dialogue, undermining its purpose as a unifying national platform.