The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has convened a two-day symposium in Durban to assess the impact of the Political Party Funding Act, implemented in 2021, and discuss whether the commission should be granted greater powers to oversee party finances.
The event brings together political representatives, researchers, and electoral officials to reflect on the successes and challenges of the legislation, which mandates transparency in party donations.
Billions Disbursed, but Concerns Remain
George Matlang, CEO of the IEC’s Political Party Funding Unit, revealed that R8 billion had been distributed to political parties since the Act came into force. However, the symposium also highlighted growing public skepticism about the IEC’s impartiality and effectiveness.
A report by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) presented at the event found that public confidence in the IEC has declined, partly due to perceived mishandling of elections and concerns over opaque party funding.
Mixed Reactions from Political Parties
ANC representative Mdumiseni Ntuli praised the symposium as a necessary platform for reviewing the legislation. “It’s important to reflect on progress and challenges after nearly five years,” he said, acknowledging that new laws inevitably face teething problems.
In contrast, the MK Party voiced strong criticism, accusing the IEC of losing credibility. MK representative Sihle Ngubane cited alleged mismanagement of elections and unchecked foreign donations as key concerns. “People have lost faith in the electoral system,” the delegate said, urging the IEC to address these issues urgently.
The EFF representative Thabo Mogale raised alarms over the influence of wealthy donors, specifically naming the Oppenheimer family as a major financier of political parties, including newly formed groups. The EFF questioned why the Oppenheimers declined to engage with the HSRC’s research team, suggesting a lack of transparency in their motives.
“If their funding was truly about strengthening democracy, why refuse to explain their interests?” the EFF delegate asked, calling for stricter regulations on large single donors.
Calls for Reform
The symposium continues to deliberate on whether the IEC should be granted enhanced powers to investigate and regulate party funding more rigorously. With public trust at stake, the outcomes of these discussions could shape future amendments to the Act.
As South Africa approaches its next election cycle, the IEC faces mounting pressure to restore confidence in the electoral process while balancing transparency and political fairness.
