Deputy President Paul Mashatile convened the National Dialogue Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) this week to review the readiness report in preparation for the upcoming National Convention.
The convention is scheduled to take place at UNISA’s Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria from 15 - 16 August 2025.
The Deputy President chairs the IMC, which comprises government departments, to coordinate the State’s contribution towards the National Convention and the National Dialogue.
According to the Presidency, the IMC has been tirelessly mobilising resources for the convention and overseeing expenditures.
The report, presented by Boichoko Ditlhake, Chairperson of the Convention Organising Committee, and Makhukhu Mampuru, Executive Director of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), provided a detailed update on the progress made.
They assured the Deputy President that everything is on track for the upcoming two-day convention.
Premiers and Mayors were among those in attendance, who have pledged their support.
“The IMC noted the decision by some foundations to pull out of the preparations for the National Convention and requested that the Deputy President engage these foundations in the process towards this inclusive dialogue.
“Furthermore, the IMC appreciated the efforts made to save costs on hosting the first National Convention of the National Dialogue,” the statement read.
The IMC has assured Deputy President Mashatile that all budgetary processes regarding the National Convention are consistent with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
NEDLAC and the Presidency are funding the first National Convention’s costs from their existing budgets for secretariat support, communications, as well as logistics.
“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 IMC further applauded the stakeholders who are providing support and expressed appreciation to UNISA for offering to host the first National Convention as well as provide associated goods and services at no cost.
UNISA is providing the venues for the plenary, overflow venues with livestream services, 10 breakaway venues, a dining area and work areas.
In addition, UNISA is providing facilities for an operations centre, which has been running over the past week with catering, ushers, audio-visual services, printing of discussion documents, signage, conference bags, notepads, pens and Wi-Fi.
“The IMC emphasised the importance of the first National Convention and the National Dialogue being citizen-led and fully inclusive.”
In the meantime, the IMC has called for communities to raise all issues so that they can be addressed and attended to accordingly.
“As Chair of the IMC, the Deputy President welcomed the report and affirmed government’s commitment to supporting the first National Convention to kick-start the citizen-led and inclusive National Dialogue.“
In addition, the Deputy President’s Office said all budget formulation will rely on in-kind contributions, donations, and other mobilisable resources. – SAnews.gov.za
