DA boycott of dialogue 'hypocritical' – Ramaphosa

The DA announced its withdrawal from the dialogue last week in protest against Ramaphosa’s decision to fire Andrew Whitfield, a senior DA leader, as a deputy minister.

Whitfield was dismissed after he travelled to the United States without prior approval from the Presidency, which Ramaphosa’s office viewed as a serious breach of protocol.

But the DA argued that the firing was politically motivated, accusing Ramaphosa of targeting opposition leaders while protecting underperforming or corrupt ANC officials.

The party also believes the decision undermines trust in the recently formed Government of National Unity (GNU).

DA leader John Steenhuisen also claimed the party never formally agreed to participate in the National Dialogue in its current form, accusing the Presidency of using it as a public relations exercise rather than a genuine platform for change.

While the DA says it will boycott the National Dialogue,  it insists it will remain part of the GNU, a move that sparked intense criticism from President Ramaphosa.

Speaking at the Union Buildings during the state visit by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, Ramaphosa said all parties involved in the formation of the Government of National Unity had agreed to support the dialogue.

"It is most unfortunate that a party to the Government of National Unity now says it never agreed to the National Dialogue. That is the worst form of hypocrisy I have ever encountered,” Ramaphosa said.

He accused the DA of backtracking on their commitments for political convenience.

"You sign a document, and then, for completely different reasons that have to do with internal governance, you lash out at the very issue you supported.”

Ramaphosa stressed that the National Dialogue was a response to widespread calls from civil society, faith-based organisations, and ordinary South Africans for a platform to reflect on the country’s direction, 30 years into democracy.

"This is not a party-political platform. It is a space for all South Africans to engage, with political parties playing the same role as any other stakeholder, whether it be a soccer team or cultural delegation.”

He said the DA’s withdrawal reflected a “poverty of good principles” and was effectively walking away from the people of South Africa.

"What is wrong with a dialogue? Nothing. It is about people getting together.”

Ramaphosa confirmed the National Dialogue would proceed without the DA’s participation.

"We will probably have a very successful dialogue without diversionary inputs from a party that does not have the interests of South Africans at heart.”

He reminded the nation that dialogue has always been central to South Africa’s democratic progress, referencing the negotiations that led to the 1996 Constitution and the drafting of the Freedom Charter in the 1950s.

"The Constitution we have today is the result of dialogue. So was the Freedom Charter, drafted by South Africans who wanted a better future.”

The president warned that boycotting a national process aimed at shaping the country’s future mirrors the behaviour of apartheid-era leaders who rejected inclusive dialogue.

Ramaphosa also referenced a recent open letter by former President Thabo Mbeki, who expressed alarm over the DA’s conduct. Without going into detail, Ramaphosa said Mbeki’s criticism reflected the concern many South Africans shared.

"We’re seeking to enforce good governance. And instead of supporting that, the DA turns on the people of South Africa. It’s the strangest behaviour I’ve seen.

"The National Dialogue will go on. We are not going to turn back.”

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