Another one bites the dust: FF Plus joins boycott of ANC’s National Dialogue

The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) has also withdrawn from the Presidency’s planned National Dialogue set for Friday, 15 August 2025.

This announcement follows similar decisions by Mbeki's foundation, along with other prominent legacy foundations, including the Steve Biko Foundation, Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, and FW de Klerk Foundation. 

The FF Plus highlighted the African National Congress’s (ANC) continued commitment to “failed” policies as the key reason behind their withdrawal.

In a statement on Tuesday, the party emphasised its belief in dialogue but criticised the ANC’s role in the process.

"South Africa desperately needs meaningful, reasoned and solution-oriented dialogue – and the Freedom Front Plus will gladly participate in such a dialogue," said FF Plus leader Dr Corne Mulder.

“Unfortunately, it has become abundantly clear that the ANC, as the largest party in the Government of National Unity (GNU), is not ready to have a genuine, reasoned, and solution-oriented dialogue.”

The party pointed to comments by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, who stated that the ANC would not shift from its current economic and foreign policies.

The FF Plus argues that these policies, including Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), expropriation without compensation, and cadre deployment, are at the heart of South Africa’s economic decline. 

“The root causes of South Africa’s economic decline are no secret,” the party said. “Failed ANC policies coupled with corruption and cadre deployment have destroyed state institutions and municipalities.”

Mulder added that the ANC had “a golden opportunity” after the 2024 elections to prove it could work collaboratively, but instead “chose to double down on its outdated policies.”

“The results of the 2024 general elections clearly indicate that voters have lost confidence in the ANC and are no longer willing to trust the ANC to govern alone,” said Mulder.

“A political party with such a mindset and approach cannot act as a credible facilitator for the Presidency or a participant in a national dialogue.”

The FF Plus also blamed the ANC’s “ideologically driven” foreign policy for South Africa’s worsening international relations, including the recent imposition of 30% trade tariffs by the United States.

The party said that, while it would not participate directly, its Chief Executive Officer, Pieter de Necker, has been instructed to attend the National Dialogue as an observer.

It further called on other GNU parties to work together in finding “practical solutions that prioritise South Africa’s interests.”

“Truth be told, it may be time to conduct an honest national dialogue involving all those who are serious about progress and have South Africa’s best interests at heart – without the ANC,” said Mulder.

Mulder said the party  would continue to “fight for a country where merit and opportunities, not outdated ideologies and political agendas, set the tone.”

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

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