Mmusi Maimane Warns National Dialogue at Risk Without Transparent Budget

Dr Mmusi Maimane, chairperson of the Standing Committee on Appropriations, has raised serious concerns about the lack of a clear budget for the upcoming National Dialogue, cautioning that insufficient financial transparency could undermine the initiative’s credibility.

"Any funds drawn from national revenue must be appropriated through proper parliamentary channels, not allocated after the fact," Maimane told Parliament.

Budget Transparency Issues

Maimane highlighted that government has not specified which programs would be cut to fund the dialogue. Rumours suggest the cost could reach R500 million, which would require Parliamentary approval before expenditure.

He called on both the Minister of Finance and the Presidency to appear before the committee to:

• Clarify the source of funds
• Outline which existing projects may be halted
• Ensure critical programs like the Presidential Employment Stimulus are not affected without clear justification

Composition Concerns

Beyond budgetary matters, Maimane criticised the eminent persons panel, citing a lack of representation for:

• Young people
• Women
• Citizens affected by gender-based violence and unemployment

He warned that an “elite-led” process risks alienating the majority of South Africans, particularly the 60% living below the upper poverty line.

Civil Society Pushback

The Legacy Foundations have threatened to withdraw from the dialogue, arguing it is becoming government-driven rather than citizen-led. Maimane called for urgent engagement between the Presidency and these groups to preserve the process’s integrity and inclusivity.

Risk of a “National Monologue”

Maimane concluded that without funding transparency, inclusivity, and proper leadership, the National Dialogue could devolve into a “national monologue”, undermining its purpose as a unifying platform for South Africa.