Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has penned a sharp open letter to Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen, condemning the party’s decision to withdraw from the National Dialogue. Mbeki called the move “misplaced and strange,” arguing it would have been more logical for the DA to exit the Government of National Unity (GNU) than to boycott the dialogue.

Mbeki, a key advocate for the National Dialogue, expressed dismay at Steenhuisen’s claim that the initiative is a “waste of time and money” meant to mask African National Congress (ANC) failures. The DA leader had demanded that President Cyril Ramaphosa remove ministers implicated in corruption, including those tied to the VBS scandal and state capture, as a condition for participation.

In his letter, Mbeki detailed the National Dialogue’s purpose, describing it as a historic platform for South Africans to address socio-economic challenges like poverty, inequality, and economic exclusion through inclusive public engagement. He argued that the DA’s withdrawal undermines this goal and contradicts its own interests, noting that Steenhuisen’s Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is part of the interministerial committee overseeing the dialogue.

Tensions within the GNU intensified after Ramaphosa dismissed DA Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield for an unauthorised international trip. In response, the DA threatened a no-confidence motion against Ramaphosa and announced its boycott at a Cape Town media briefing on Saturday. The ANC has since called on the DA to clarify its commitment to the GNU, with spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri labelling the boycott “disingenuous.” She said, “The National Dialogue aims to unite society to tackle our challenges. The DA’s actions risk disrupting the executive and the GNU’s spirit.”

The ANC further questioned whether the DA seeks to act as a “quasi-opposition” within the GNU, urging the party to prioritise national interest over political expediency. As the National Dialogue approaches, the DA’s absence could hinder efforts to foster collaborative solutions to South Africa’s pressing issues.