JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa says the National Convention will go ahead as scheduled this weekend.
It's expected to set the agenda for the National Dialogue.
But seven key legacy foundations have withdrawn from the Convention’s Preparatory Task Team.
They include the Thabo Mbeki, Steve Biko, and FW de Klerk foundations.
They are raising concerns about poor planning and a rushed timeline.
The groups say the discussions are at risk of becoming more symbolic than substantive.
The foundations insist the dialogue must be citizen-led, saying it cannot be government-led.
Political analyst Sandile Swana said, from a citizen's perspective, many are worried if the initiative is led by citizens.