IEC
By Natalie Naidoo
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has kicked off a groundbreaking two-day symposium on political funding, aimed at evaluating and strengthening the regulatory framework that governs the use of money in politics. This inaugural event, held on 18-19 June 2025 in Umhlanga, north of Durban, comes four years after the Political Funding Act of 2018 took effect on 1 April 2021. Under the theme “Sustaining Multi-Party Democracy through Enhancing Political Funding Regulation in South Africa”, the symposium seeks to spark informed dialogue, promote transparency and accountability, and explore reforms to bolster the country’s political finance system.
A Platform for Dialogue and Reform
The symposium gathers a diverse group of stakeholders, including political party representatives, members of parliament, academics, civil society organisations, the media, business leaders, and international bodies. Key highlights include opening remarks by IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya, a presentation by Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo, and insights from the IEC’s Political Funding Unit on the successes and challenges of implementing the Act over the past four years.
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) will also present preliminary findings from a research study that captures public and stakeholder views on political financing in South Africa. On Thursday morning, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will address attendees, offering perspectives on how public funding for elected representatives can strengthen multi-party democracy.
The Political Funding Act: A Step Towards Transparency
The Political Funding Act of 2018 marked a turning point in South Africa’s efforts to regulate political finances. It requires political parties to disclose private donations above a specified threshold and provides a framework for equitable public funding. The legislation aims to curb the influence of undisclosed money in politics, a concern that has long threatened the integrity of democratic processes worldwide. However, its rollout has not been without hurdles, including limited compliance by some parties and gaps in enforcement capacity.
This symposium arrives at a critical juncture as South Africa prepares for future elections. Transparent political funding is vital to levelling the playing field, reducing the sway of wealthy donors, and ensuring public confidence in the democratic system.
Key Discussions and Global Insights
The event’s packed agenda features scholarly presentations and panel discussions on pressing issues in political funding, including:
- A global perspective on political funding and campaign finance: Lessons from international models and their relevance to South Africa.
- The role and mandate of the political funding framework: How it supports democratic governance and accountability.
- Assessing stakeholder capacity and commitment: Identifying gaps and opportunities for better regulation.
- Transparency challenges in public and private funding: Addressing obstacles and outlining prospects for improvement.
These sessions will draw on both local and global expertise, offering a comprehensive look at how South Africa can refine its approach to political finance regulation.
A Call for Collective Action
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo underscored the symposium’s importance, stating: “By convening diverse stakeholders, we aim to critically assess our progress and explore avenues for strengthening the current regulatory framework and thus ensure that our democracy remains robust and resilient.” His remarks highlight the IEC’s push for a united effort to enhance transparency and safeguard multi-party democracy.
The outcomes of this event could have far-reaching implications, potentially shaping future legislation and political practices in South Africa. As the country continues its democratic journey, ensuring that political funding serves the public interest rather than private agendas remains a top priority.
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