Review of the Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Act, No 103 of 1997

Public funding for political parties represented in national and provincial legislatures is provided through the Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Act, No.103 of 1997.

On 6 May 2017 the National Assembly resolved that:

• The effective functioning of political parties is fundamental to the promotion of constitutional democracy in South Africa, and in particular to the ability of such organisations to represent the public; and that
• Political parties require adequate funding in order to perform their functions and enhance democracy, and that the manner and transparency of such funding were paramount in the context of building public confidence in the political system.

In light of the above, the National Assembly established the ad hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties to enquire into the funding of political parties represented in national and provincial legislatures in South Africa. To this end, the Committee must consider the model of public and private funding for political parties. In addition, consideration will be given to the desirability and possible means of regulating all forms of private funding (including investment entities owned by political parties). The Committee may also introduce amendments to existing legislation.

The Committee hereby calls for public comment on how the Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Act, No.103 of 1997 may be strengthened to allow for greater transparency in the manner in which political parties are funded so as to ensure their effective functioning.Of particular interest is the model of public and private funding for political parties, and the desirability and possible means of regulating all forms of private funding as well as investment entities owned by political parties.

Written submissions—including an indication of your interest in making oral representations at the public hearings scheduled for August—should reach the Committee by no later than 10h00 on 21 July 2017. 

Written submissions must be directed to Cindy Balie at  [email protected]

Enquiries can be sent to Cindy Balie at [email protected] or 021 403 3667 or 083 709 8444.