Four of South Africa’s largest political parties could be forced to disclose private donations of R50 000 and more — if court action by the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (Idasa) is successful.
The African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party and New National Party have been cited in proceedings under the Promotion of Access to Information Act, which started in the Cape High Court on Thursday.
The 13 South African political parties represented in the National Assembly and provin- cial legislatures split the R67-million of public funds they receive annually in proportion to the strength of their representation in the legislatures.
All have admitted they also rely on private donations, saying the public money they receive is insufficient for their needs. There are no laws or regulations to govern such donations.
Idasa’s court action comes in the wake of several funding scandals.
Ex-NNP leaders Peter Marais and David Malatsi are currently on trial for accepting R400 000 for their party in return for approving the controversial Roodefontein golf estate near Knysna.
Idasa dropped their action against the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) after it disclosed private donations of R20 000, the threshold initially set when the ”Right to Know” campaign started earlier this year.
”We are setting the example… to help curb opportunities for cor- ruption and conflict of interest within political parties and the government,” said ACDP chief whip Louis Green.