President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected claims that R740 million of public money was used to fund the recent National Dialogue. Critics had alleged the event—dubbed a “talk shop with no results”—drained state coffers, but Ramaphosa called these accusations false and damaging.
“The suggestion that taxpayer funds covered this cost is completely untrue,” Ramaphosa stated. “The Dialogue is vital for national progress, but it was not financed as some claim.” He stressed his administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and warned against misinformation distracting from the event’s purpose.
The denial comes amid growing public distrust over government spending, particularly as economic struggles persist. While the actual cost remains unclear, analysts see Ramaphosa’s response as an effort to curb skepticism. However, it’s uncertain whether his assurances will ease concerns about transparency in state expenditures.
