Mashatile: Budgets, National Dialogue to proceed without DA
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the National Dialogue and government budget processes will go ahead, with or without the DA.
The DA, the second biggest party in the Government of National Unity, withdrew from the upcoming National Dialogue after President Cyril Ramaphosa fired Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Andrew Whitfield.
On Saturday, DA leader John Steenhuisen dismissed the dialogue as a “waste of time and money,” citing reports that the process will cost around R700 million.
Mashatile addressed the media on Tuesday during a service delivery programme in Matjhabeng in the Free State.
He insisted the National Dialogue is not a party-political exercise, but a people-driven initiative.
"The National Dialogue is going to proceed. We’ve got a convention on the 15th of August, and we’re moving forward because this process is not about political parties, it’s for the people,” said Mashatile.
He said the government will engage communities across the country through ward-based consultations.
"At the end of the process, we want to say: this is the kind of South Africa we want to continue building together.”
Mashatile said the dialogue includes former presidents, foundations, NGOs and civil society, not just political actors.
"If some political parties choose to pull out, it doesn’t mean the National Dialogue ends. It will continue.”
GNU will vote for budgets
Mashatile also confirmed that parties in the GNU will continue to support all budget votes, even without backing from the DA.
The DA has vowed to oppose the budgets of what it calls “corruption-accused ANC ministers,” including Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane.
But Mashatile maintained that budgets are for the benefit of the country, not individual ministers.
"The Government of National Unity will continue. We’re going to vote for all budgets. If the DA chooses not to support them, that’s their decision. Even if there’s a DA minister, the budget isn’t theirs personally, it’s meant to help the people,” he added.
He said the ANC’s priority is service delivery and economic growth.
"Our people want roads fixed, water, electricity, and jobs. That’s what the budget is for. So we are proceeding.”
On threats of a motion of no confidence in President Ramaphosa, Mashatile was defiant.
"We’ll be ready to defeat it,” he vowed.
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