No Unisa funds were used for National Dialogue, Convocation President explains

Justice Dabampe, the University of South Africa's Convocation President has reaffirmed the university's pride in hosting the recently held National Convention, which was the official launch of the National Dialogue. The President of Unisa’s convocation has described the dialogue as the brainchild of Unisa Chancellor and former President Thabo Mbeki.

Speaking on the sidelines of a student fundraising golf day in Randburg, Dabampe said: “The Dialogue was the vision of our Chancellor, President Thabo Mbeki. As the university of the land, we were only proud to host it,” said Dabampe. “We did not use student funds. We only paid only for food. Everything else was part of our planned renovations.”

The National Dialogue, officially launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa, took place on 15 and 16 August 2025. It brought together over 1 500 delegates from more than 30 sectors of society, kicking off a year-long national conversation on the country’s social, political and economic challenges.

Dabampe dismissed media claims that Unisa had neglected student support to fund the event. “I read somewhere that we spent money on the dialogue but do not support students. Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said. “No institution in this country supports students like Unisa. So far, we have raised more than one hundred million rand for student funding.”

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to recognise students who missed graduation ceremonies due to COVID-19 disruptions. “We are currently hosting graduations for those students to make sure they are properly honoured. That is because we value students and the journey they've taken to get this far" he added.

He said the university’s commitment to national service stood firm. “As the oldest university in South Africa with a history of over one hundred and fifty years, it was an honour to host this significant event,” she said. “It is one of many ways we fulfil our vision as the African university shaping futures in the service of humanity.”

According to Dabampe, hosting the dialogue was a natural role for Unisa, given its connection to public life. “We are not isolated from society. We are the university of the land,” he said. “When the country needs space for reflection and unity, we must rise to the call.”

Mbeki has since withdrawn from the dialogue process. Mbeki, along with other legacy foundations, withdrew from South Africa’s National Dialogue due to concerns over transparency and planning. The process, initially meant to be citizen-led, appeared increasingly controlled by government structures, raising fears it would become symbolic rather than meaningful.