IEC
By Mpho Moloi
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has released its first political funding disclosure report since the 2024 general elections, revealing a significant R189 million in declared donations. This represents the highest quarterly total since the implementation of the Political Party Funding Act in 2021 and provides critical insights into the financial dynamics of South Africa’s political landscape.
Overview of the Latest Funding Report
The IEC’s report, covering the period from 1 April to 30 June 2024, indicates that a total of 14 political parties declared donations during this quarter. Notably, the six parties that form part of the Government of National Unity (GNU) received the bulk of these donations, amassing approximately R162 million, which accounts for 85% of the total declared.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) led the way with a staggering R56.6 million, followed by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) with R38.3 million, and the new political player, Rise Mzansi, with R33.9 million. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) declared R26 million, while other GNU partners like Build One South Africa (BOSA) and ActionSA also reported significant figures.
Detailed Breakdown of Donations
Here’s a closer look at the declared donations for each of the 14 political parties:
• Democratic Alliance (DA): R56,601,039
• Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP): R38,340,000
• Rise Mzansi: R33,895,000
• African National Congress (ANC): R26,015,313
• ActionSA: R13,186,000
• Build One South Africa (BOSA): R12,877,709
• Patriotic Alliance (PA): R6,649,900
• GOOD: R600,000
• Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF): R515,313 (all in-kind donations)
• African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP): R240,000
• South African Rainbow Alliance (SARA): R400,000
• uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP): R380,555
• Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa (ISANCO): R100,000
• Change Starts Now: R150,000These figures highlight the significant financial backing received by some parties, particularly those involved in the GNU, compared to the more modest sums declared by smaller or newer parties.
Comparative Analysis with Previous Quarters
This latest report shows a sharp increase in political donations compared to previous quarters. For instance, the total declared donations in the first quarter of 2023 were around R140 million, significantly lower than the R189 million reported for the first quarter of 2024. This increase can be attributed to the heightened political activity surrounding the general elections and increased compliance with the Political Party Funding Act.
The Role of the Political Party Funding Act
The Political Party Funding Act, which came into effect in April 2021, mandates that all political parties disclose donations above R100,000 from a single source within a financial year. This law was introduced to enhance transparency in political financing and curb the influence of money in politics. Since its implementation, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of parties declaring donations and the amounts being disclosed.
Despite the positive impact of the Act, the recent amendment of the Electoral Matters Amendment Act 14 of 2024 introduced some complexities. This amendment temporarily eliminated the disclosure thresholds for political parties and candidates, creating a legal gap. However, a subsequent court ruling reinstated the previous thresholds until new ones are determined.
The Impact of Political Donations on South African Politics
Political donations are crucial for the functioning of South African political parties, enabling them to finance election campaigns, maintain operations, and engage with voters. However, the reliance on substantial donations from wealthy individuals or corporations has raised concerns about potential undue influence. The dominance of GNU parties in the latest report underscores the unequal distribution of resources, which can disadvantage smaller parties.
The role of major donors in shaping political fortunes is particularly noteworthy. For instance, the Oppenheimer family was a significant contributor, with members donating large sums to both the DA and IFP. Similarly, repeat donors like Martin Moshal have had a substantial impact, particularly on parties like Rise Mzansi and ActionSA.
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