ActionSA Parliamentary leader Athol Trollip said on Friday his party will evaluate whether the upcoming National Dialogue represents a “real opportunity to pursue meaningful reform” or whether it is a “government-led initiative”.

This after news broke that seven legacy foundations have withdrawn from participation in the structures of the Preparatory Task Team for the first National Convention, set to take place on August 15, to prepare for the National Dialogue.

The foundations cited a violation of some of the principles meant to underpin the dialogue, noting that the gathering had been rushed.

The Government of National Unity (GNU) will convene the first National Convention, which begins a process of hosting a countrywide, people-led National Dialogue process, between August 15 and 17.

In June, President Cyril Ramaphosa explained that in the wake of government’s engagements with various entities, there was broad agreement on the need to convene a National Dialogue, given the challenges facing the country.

However, GNU partner the Democratic Alliance, in June had resolved to withdraw from the National Dialogue after a falling out with Ramaphosa over one of their Ministers.

In June, ActionSA raised concerns about the R750-million budgeted for the dialogue and urged transparency on how the funds were allocated.

Trollip said in light of the concerns raised by key stakeholders, organisers, and some South Africans, ActionSA would reconsider its participation.

He said his party raised concerns that the dialogue was being turned into a government-directed platform, as has now been suggested by the legacy foundations.

“Reports indicate that several respected legacy foundations have voiced serious misgivings about the government’s alleged attempts to control the dialogue and to rush its proceedings. Such haste undermines the very essence of the process and prioritises expediency over the genuine pursuit of reforms capable of reversing South Africa’s worsening socio-economic reality,” Trollip said.

Trollip pointed out that the National Dialogue was the result of all GNU parties committing to it in the Statement of Intent signed by GNU coalitions parties.

“…the fact that South Africans are now saddled with a crumbling process with diminishing credibility is a product of all GNU partners misreading the national mood,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Thursday touted the National Dialogue as a mechanism for action that could build a more inclusive and united South Africa.