Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Ramaphosa hits back at Steenhuisen for National Dialogue withdrawal

Former South African president Thabo Mbeki has recently responded to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) decision to withdraw from the National Dialogue, calling for unity and cooperation among all political parties. This comes after the DA announced their withdrawal from the dialogue, citing concerns over the process and the lack of inclusivity.

In a statement released by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, the former president expressed his disappointment at the DA’s decision, stating that the National Dialogue was an important platform for all political parties to come together and address the challenges facing the country.

Mbeki emphasized the need for all political parties to put aside their differences and work towards finding solutions for the betterment of South Africa. He reminded the DA that the National Dialogue was not about individual parties, but about the country as a whole.

The former president also highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the dialogue, stating that all voices and perspectives should be heard and considered. He urged the DA to reconsider their decision and rejoin the dialogue, as their input and participation is crucial in finding solutions for the country’s challenges.

Mbeki’s response to the DA’s withdrawal is a testament to his commitment to promoting unity and cooperation among all political parties. Throughout his presidency, Mbeki was known for his efforts to bridge the gap between different political ideologies and work towards a common goal of a better South Africa.

His call for unity and inclusivity in the National Dialogue is a timely reminder for all political parties to put the interests of the country above their own. It is only through working together that we can overcome the challenges facing our nation and build a brighter future for all South Africans.

The National Dialogue was initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa as a platform for all political parties to engage in constructive dialogue and find solutions to the pressing issues facing the country. It is a crucial step towards promoting social cohesion and addressing the deep-rooted challenges that have plagued our nation for far too long.

The DA’s decision to withdraw from the dialogue is a setback, but it should not discourage us from continuing the important work of finding solutions for our country. As Mbeki rightly pointed out, the dialogue is not about individual parties, but about the future of our nation.

It is also important to note that the DA’s withdrawal does not reflect the views of all opposition parties. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) have both reaffirmed their commitment to the National Dialogue and their willingness to work with other parties towards finding solutions for the country.

In the face of challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, and inequality, it is crucial for all political parties to come together and find common ground. We cannot afford to let political differences hinder our progress as a nation.

As citizens, we must also play our part in promoting unity and inclusivity. We must hold our leaders accountable and demand that they put the interests of the country first. We must also engage in constructive dialogue and work towards finding solutions for the challenges facing our communities.

In conclusion, former president Thabo Mbeki’s response to the DA’s withdrawal from the National Dialogue is a call for unity and cooperation among all political parties. It is a reminder that we must put the interests of the country above our own and work towards finding solutions for the betterment of all South Africans. Let us heed his call and continue the important work of building a united and prosperous nation.

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