National Dialogue leaders extend olive branch to legacy foundations

JOHANNESBURG - The Eminent Persons Group to lead the National Dialogue has extended an olive branch to legacy foundations that pulled out of the process.

At least six foundations belonging to former struggle stalwarts pulled out of the National Convention Dialogue last week and the preparatory task team.

They cited a hastily organised process that no longer offers a genuine platform for engagement.

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Several legacy foundations, which were involved in the conception stages of the National Dialogue, were due to meet on Wednesday to figure out their next steps regarding the process.

However, that meeting has since been postponed after the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group invited them for a meeting to clear the air.

The executive director of the FW de Klerk Foundation, Christo van der Rheede, said: "It's important the legacy foundations remain committed to the National Dialogue process, but this process must be properly planned because its one thing to express your frustrations, anger and wishes but its another for those [who want see change] in the country to become a reality.”

The foundations said they will consider their next steps after the meeting with the Eminent Persons Group.