/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties is inviting individual members of the public and interested organisations to make written comments on the Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Act, No.103 of 1997.

The Committee was established by a resolution of the National Assembly to enquire into the funding of political parties represented in national and provincial legislatures in South Africa.

The Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Act, No.103 of 1997 is the existing legislation that regulates the public funding of political parties represented in national and provincial legislatures.

“All represented political parties in the National Assembly unanimously agreed that funding of political parties needed to be reviewed, because effective political party functioning is fundamental to the promotion of constitutional democracy in South Africa, and for them to better represent the public,” said Mr Vincent Smith, Chairperson of the Committee.

To this end, the Committee will consider the model of public and private funding for political parties. It will also consider the desirability and possible means of regulating all forms of private funding (including investment entities owned by political parties) with the possibility of introducing amendments to the existing legislation.

Mr Smith has reiterated that 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 the interest in making oral representations at the public hearings scheduled for August, should reach the Committee by no later than
21 July 2017.

The Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Act, No 103 of 1997 is accessible on www.parliament.gov.za and may also be requested from the Committee Secretary, Ms Cindy Balie, at 3rd Floor, 90 Plein Street, Cape Town, 8000, or cbalie@parliament.gov.za. She may also be contacted on 021 403 3667 or 083 709 8444.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the A Hoc Committee on the funding of political parties, Mr Vincent Smith