The Presidency says the total cost of hosting the National Dialogue will only be made known after the conclusion of the National Conventions road map of the roll-out of the event. It was responding to the public criticism of a reported R700 million reported cost of the event.
Several foundations have withdrawn from the preparatory phase of the event citing government overreach, a rushed timeline as well as a lack of transparency and a confirmed approved budget allocation.
Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya says some of the foundations that form part of the dialogue have proposed the amount to spend on the event.
Magwenya added, The figure of over R700 million or R800 million came from some of the foundations and immediately there was a great deal of discomfort on the side of the president and government. Its only after the National Convention has concluded the final road map of how the actual dialogue will roll out can we then work towards a final number. Therefore, as we speak, we do not know what the final budget cost will be for the national dialogue.