COVER FEATURE: IEC
Long-standing challenges in political financing – including lack of transparency, unequal funding, and risks of undue influence – persist. George Mahlangu, IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer: Party Funding sheds some light on how the MPDF seeks to address this.
GEORGE MAHLANGU IEC DEPUTY CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER: PARTY FUNDING
Can you briefly explain the Multi-Party Democracy Fund( MPDF)? The Multi-Party Democracy Fund( MPDF) is a statutory fund created under the Political Funding Act No. 6 of 2018 to support political parties and independents represented in South Africa’ s legislatures. Administered by the IEC, it provides a central, regulated channel for voluntary monetary donations from individuals and businesses. Contributions are pooled and distributed equitably according to a set formula, ensuring neutrality and fairness rather than donor-directed support. Strict rules govern how funds may be spent, with mandatory independent audits to guarantee accountability.
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