Overview of IEC Funding Report
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) released its latest disclosure report covering January to March 2026. It shows that political parties together declared R97.2 million in funding ahead of the local government elections set for 4 November. While most parties reported straightforward donations, one declaration has drawn extra attention: RISE Mzansi’s R30 million contribution.
DA Dominates Fundraising Race
The Democratic Alliance (DA) topped the list, reporting R57.3 million—almost 60 % of all disclosed funds.
Breakdown of DA Donations
- Monetary donations: R54.9 million
- In‑kind donations: R2.4 million
Major contributors (each gave between R10 million and R13 million):
- Main Street 1564 (Pty) Ltd.
- Fynbos Ekwiteit (Pty) Ltd.
- M. Slack
- Fynbos Kapitaal (Pty) Ltd.
Other notable gifts:
- R4 million from G. Ryan
- R3 million from D. Barnes
- R1.27 million from the Danish Liberal Democracy Programme
The DA also received non‑financial support from groups such as the Voices of South Africa Foundation and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
RISE Mzansi’s R30 Million Under Scrutiny
RISE Mzansi declared a single donation worth R30 million, one of the largest individual disclosures since the funding act became mandatory.
The money came from converting an existing loan into a donation from an entity called “We Are The People.” Because the funds did not start as a direct donation, the IEC is reviewing the loan‑conversion terms to confirm they fully comply with the Political Party Funding Act. No wrongdoing has been alleged, but the commission wants more information before accepting the declaration.
ActionSA Secures Nearly R10 Million
ActionSA reported R9.9 million in donations.
Key contributors:
- R5 million from businessman Martin Moshal
- R1 million from Siyaya Free‑to‑Air TV
- R1 million from African Equity Corporation
- About R2.9 million in combined donations from party leader Herman Mashaba
ANC and Smaller Parties Face Disclosure Issues
Several parties raised compliance flags:
- Alliance of Citizens for Change (A.C.C.) disclosed a R440,500 donation from founder Masizole Mnqasela almost a year after receiving it. The IEC asked for an explanation of the delay.
- Build One South Africa (BOSA) reported an in‑kind donation of R113,794.60 from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
- African National Congress (ANC) was asked to clarify donor declarations worth R770,000 that had not been acknowledged when the report was published. The ANC also submitted late declarations totalling R10.5 million, including:
- R10 million from Botho Botho Commercial Enterprises
- R501,230.21 from the Friedrich‑Ebert‑Stiftung
Millions Flow Into Election Battle
Overall, parties declared R94.8 million in cash donations and R2.4 million in non‑monetary contributions during the quarter. With the local government elections approaching on 4 November, these figures highlight the growing financial stakes in South Africa’s political contest.
Conclusion
The IEC’s latest funding snapshot shows the DA leading the fundraising race, while RISE Mzansi’s large loan‑to‑donation conversion is under review. Smaller parties and the ANC are being asked to explain late or unclear disclosures. As election day nears, transparency in party financing will remain a key focus for both regulators and voters.
