By Doreen Mokgolo
- Unions, political parties and activists are angry about the R700-million plan, saying the money should go to basic services instead.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government will not spend that much and promised to cut the budget as much as possible.
The government has not yet approved the R700-million planned for the National Dialogue.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the budget still needs to be checked and approved by a committee led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
The National Dialogue is meant to bring South Africans together to talk about big problems like crime, poverty, joblessness and corruption. It will take place on 15 August.
But many people are angry about the huge cost. Unions, opposition parties and civil society groups say the money should rather be used to fix schools, clinics and other services.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the event last year. On Wednesday, he told Parliament the government will not spend that much. He said they will cut the cost and keep spending low.
Ntshavheni said the Cabinet knows there is not much money and told the committee to be very careful with spending.
She said the talks are important because it has been 70 years since the Freedom Charter was written. She said people from all over the country will get a chance to take part in the discussions.
Pictured above: Minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
Image source: GCIS
