President Ramaphosa Ensures National Dialogue Won’t Burden Taxpayers

Pretoria, South Africa — President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured South Africans that the R740 million budget figure linked to the National Dialogue will not come from taxpayers’ money.

Cost Concerns Addressed

Speaking at the launch of the National Dialogue process, Ramaphosa said he immediately rejected the proposed figure once it was brought to his attention.

“As soon as I saw the number, I said I shall not allow the taxpayers’ money that amounts to 740 million rand to be utilized. We can have this dialogue much cheaper. Lower cost must be the order of the day.”

UNISA Provides Venue for Free

The President commended the University of South Africa (UNISA) for stepping in to support the initiative without inflating costs. UNISA’s vice-chancellor offered the use of the institution’s main venue at no charge, drastically reducing expenses.

“We got it for free,” Ramaphosa said. “This sets the tone for how future dialogues will be hosted.”

Future Dialogues to Be Community-Based

Ramaphosa emphasized that luxury venues such as hotels will be avoided in favor of more accessible, community-driven spaces:

• Schools
• Churches
• Community halls
• Even under the tree, where necessary

“We will hold the various dialogues in schools, in churches—not in beer halls. We will hold them under the tree and all that. That is how we are going to bring the cost down,” he added.

Balancing Inclusion With Fiscal Prudence

The National Dialogue aims to give South Africans from all walks of life a platform to shape the country’s future priorities. By shifting away from costly venues, Ramaphosa says the process will remain inclusive, transparent, and cost-effective.

The President’s remarks underline his administration’s pledge to practice fiscal discipline while ensuring public participation in shaping South Africa’s democratic and developmental agenda.