Symposium on Political Funding in South Africa 2025

08h00 - 09h00

Arrival and tea

SESSION 1

OPENING

Mr Matsobane Nkoko

Opening, Welcome Address, Setting the Scene and Ministerial Address

Session Facilitator: Mr Matsobane Nkoko (Manager: Political Funding)

Session Purpose:

This will serve as the opening session of the symposium. Delegates, participants, partners and key stakeholders will be welcomed to the event. Purpose and expected outcomes will be outlined during this session.

09h00 - 09h20

Commissioner Mosotho Moepya

Opening and Welcome Address

Commissioner Mosotho Moepya, Chairperson, Electoral Commission of SA

09h20 - 09h30

Mr Sy Mamabolo

Setting the scene: Outlining purpose of the seminar and expected outcomes

Mr Sy Mamabolo, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Electoral Commission of SA

SESSION 2

UNDERSTANDING SOUTH AFRICA’S POLITICAL FUNDING REGIME

Mr Matsobane Nkoko

Political Funding Act and the Four Years of Implementation in South Africa: Successes, Challenges and Lessons Learnt

Session Facilitator: Mr Matsobane Nkoko (Manager: Political Funding)

Session Purpose:

This session will share information on the work of the Electoral Commission of South Africa in implementing the Political Funding Act No 6 of 2018. Successes, challenges and lessons learnt during the four-year period of implementation (2021 – 2024) will be shared.

09h30 - 10h00

Mr George Mahlangu

Four years of Political Funding Act in South Africa: Successes, challenges and lessons learnt

Mr George Mahlangu, Deputy CEO: Political Funding, Electoral Commission of SA

10h00 - 10h30

Discussion, Questions and Answers

10h30 - 10h50

Tea Break

SESSION 3

Mr Matsobane Nkoko

Findings of a Research Study on Regulating Political Finance in South Africa - Perspectives on the Political Funding Act and its Implementation

Session Facilitator: Mr Matsobane Nkoko (Manager: Political Funding)

Session Purpose:

This session will share the results of a research study conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on behalf of the Electoral Commission on Regulating Political Finance in South Africa. The study was carried out to gather perspectives of stakeholders and members of the general public on the Act and its implementation since promulgation.

10h50 - 11h00

Professor Sarah Mosoetsa

Introduction of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Research Report and Handover

Professor Sarah Mosoetsa, Professor Sarah Mosoetsa, Chief Executive Officer, Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

11h00 - 11h35

Dr Benjamin Roberts

Dr Ngqapheli Mchunu

Research Study on Regulating Political Finance in South Africa: Perspectives on the Political Funding Act and its Implementation (Part 1):

Dr Benjamin Roberts, Research Director, DCES, Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
Dr Ngqapheli Mchunu, Senior Research Specialist Director, DCES, Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

11h35 - 12h10

Dr Ntombizodumo Mkwanazi

Adv. Gary Pienaar

Research Study on Regulating Political Finance in South Africa: Perspectives on the Political Funding Act and its Implementation (Part 2):

Dr Ntombizodumo Mkwanazi, Senior Research Specialist, Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
Adv. Gary Pienaar, Senior Research Specialists, DCES, Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

13h00 - 13h00

Discussion, Questions and Answers

13h00 - 14h40

Lunch Break

SESSION 4

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE ON POLITICAL FUNDING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE

Ms Ntombifuthi Masinga

Political Financing in different jurisdictions: A Global Perspective

Session Facilitator: Ms Ntombifuthi Masinga (PEO, KwaZulu-Natal Province)

Session Purpose:

Under this sub-theme, speakers will share global practices on the management and regulation of political funding and finance. The sessions will engage with presentations by a variety of speakers representing local and international policymakers, legal and policy experts, political commentators and scientists who would, among others, present empirical evidence on how different countries regulate political financing and campaign expenditures, highlighting best practices, challenges, and emerging trends worldwide.

14h00 - 14h30

Mr Mohammed Valli Moosa

Regulating Private and Public Funding of Politics: A Balanced Perspective

Mr Mohammed Valli Moosa, Former Minister of Constitutional Development in SA (1996-99; Environmental Affairs and Tourism (1999-2004; Chairperson of the Constitution Hill Trust and Chairperson of WWF South Africa

14h30 - 15h00

Dr Yukihiko Hamada

Combating Corruption in Political Finance – Global Trends, Challenges, and Solutions

Dr Yukihiko Hamada, Programme Manager, Money in Politics, International IDEA

15h00 - 15h30

Discussion, Questions and Answers

15h30 - 15h45

Refreshments Break

SESSION 5

Ms Ntombifuthi Masinga

Political Financing in different jurisdictions: Country Case Studies

Session Facilitator: Ms Ntombifuthi Masinga (PEO, KwaZulu-Natal Province)

Session Purpose:

This session will examine political financing models in three distinct jurisdictions, highlighting their regulatory approaches, challenges, and impact on democratic integrity. The chosen case studies illustrate diverse approaches to political financing.

15h45 - 16h15

Dr Miguel Ángel Lara Otaola

Political Financing in North America: The Case of Mexico

Dr Miguel Ángel Lara Otaola, Member of the International Council, Electoral Integrity Project

16h15 - 16h45

Professor Moses Khisa

Campaign Financing in Tanzania and Uganda

Professor Moses Khisa, Associate Professor of Political Science and Africana Studies, North Carolina State University, USA.

16h45 - 17h15

Dr Samba Dialimpa Badji

The Cost of Running for Politics in Senegal

Dr Samba Dialimpa Badji, Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Oslo Metropolitan (OsloMet) University, Norway

17h15 - 17h45

Discussion, Questions and Answers

08h00 - 09h00

Arrival and tea

SESSION 6

MINISTER'S ADDRESS

Mr Michael Hendrickse

Opening, Welcome Address, Setting the Scene and Ministerial Address

Session Facilitator: Mr Michael Hendrickse (Provincial Electoral Officer (PEO) - Western Cape Province)

Session Purpose:

Keynote Address by Minister of Finance, Republic of South Africa.

09h00 - 09h10

Commissioner Mosotho Moepya

Welcoming and Introduction of the Minister

Commissioner Mosotho Moepya, Chairperson, Electoral Commission of SA

09h10 - 09h40

Honourable Enoch Godongwana

Welcoming and Introduction of the Minister

Honourable Enoch Godongwana, Minister of Finance, Republic of South Africa

SESSION 7

REASSESSING THE PURPOSE, ROLE AND MANDATE OF POLITICAL FUNDING IN STRENGTHENING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

Mr Michael Hendrickse

Session Facilitator: Mr Michael Hendrickse (Provincial Electoral Officer (PEO) - Western Cape Province)

Session Purpose:

This session will critically examine the foundations of political funding from multiple perspectives and assess its impact on democratic governance. It will explore how different political funding models (i.e. public, private, and hybrid) shape electoral integrity, political competition, and governance transparency. Additionally, the discussion will address key challenges such as undue influence, corruption, lack of transparency, and disparities in political access resulting from various funding mechanisms. Speakers will propose reforms for more sustainable and accountable political financing, including the role and integrity of institutions responsible for overseeing political funding.

09h40 - 10h10

Professor Dirk Kotzé

Strengthening Democratic Governance Through Robust, Transparent, and Equitable Political Funding

Professor Dirk Kotzé, Department of Political Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA)

10h10 - 10h40

Professor Khabele Matlosa

Financing Politics in the SADC Region

Professor Khabele Matlosa, Visiting Professor, University of Johannesburg)

10h40 - 11h00

Discussion, Questions and Answers

11h30 - 11h20

Tea Break

SESSION 8

Dr Tumelontle Thiba

Session Facilitator: Dr Tumelontle Thiba (Provincial Electoral Officer (PEO) - North West Province)

Session Purpose:

This session aims to explore the commitment to transparency in political funding regulation. It will examine the extent of political will to comply with party finance policies and assess how this commitment impacts the effective implementation of these regulations. While various national policy frameworks seek to enforce compliance, enhance transparency and restore trust by regulating the flow of money in politics, challenges persist. The willingness of political parties to adhere to these regulations and the institutional capacity to enforce them remain significant obstacles. The session will conclude by exploring strategies to sustain the political will necessary for enforcing regulatory policies while fostering greater transparency and public trust in the political system.

11h20 - 11h50

Dr Heather Thuynsma

Transparency in Political Funding: Assessing the Capacity and Commitment of Key Stakeholders in Regulating Political Funding

Dr Heather Thuynsma, Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa

11h50 - 12h20

Mr Jon Vrushi

Transparency in Political Funding: Assessing the Capacity and Commitment of Key Stakeholders in Regulating Political Funding

Mr Jon Vrushi, Thematic Lead on Political Integrity

12h20 - 12h50

Frederico Links

Transparency in Political Funding: Assessing the Capacity and Commitment of Key Stakeholders in Regulating Political Funding

Frederico Links, The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), Namibia

12h50 - 13h20

Discussion, Questions and Answers

13h20 - 14h30

Lunch Break

SESSION 9

TRANSPARENCY IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE POLITICAL PARTY FUNDING: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Dr Tumelontle Thiba

Session Facilitator: Dr Tumelontle Thiba (Provincial Electoral Officer (PEO) - North West Province)

Session Purpose:

This session aims to critically examine the role of public and private funding in political party financing and assess the willingness of political parties to embrace transparency. Political financing is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance, yet it remains vulnerable to corruption, undue influence, and lack of accountability. The session will explore the challenges, opportunities, and best practices in ensuring financial transparency in political funding.

This session will provide a platform for business and individual stakeholders to present their perspectives on the role of private and corporate funding in politics. It will explore the motivations, benefits, risks, and ethical considerations surrounding private political financing, offering a balanced discussion on its impact on democracy, governance, and transparency.

14h30 - 15h00

Dr Rekgotsofetse Chikane

Analysis of Key Sources of Political Funding and Identifying Funding Patterns

Dr Rekgotsofetse Chikane, Lecturer, WITS School of Governance

15h00 - 15h30

Dr Daniel Masumba Walyemera

Political Financing around the World: A Historical Overview and Financing Models.

Dr Daniel Masumba Walyemera, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Department of Criminal and Procedural Law, University of South Africa (UNISA)

15h30 - 16h00

Discussion, Questions and Answers

16h00 - 16h30

Commissioner Janet Love

Political Financing around the World: A Historical Overview and Financing Models.

Commissioner Janet Love, Vice-Chairperson, Electoral Commission of South Africa

16h30

Closure and Depature

Title	Description	Size
IEC Research Report Regulating Political Finance in SA June 2025	Research report: Regulating Political Finance in South Africa. Perspectives on the Political Funding Act and its implementation.	2.7 MB	Download
DAY 1: Speech by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission at the Symposium on Political Funding in South Africa	Speech by the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Commissioner Mosotho Moepya.	153 KB	Download
DAY 1: Speech by IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo for Symposium on Political Funding in SA	Speech by Electoral Commission CEO Sy Mamabolo.	63 KB	Download
DAY 1: Four Years of PFA Implementation in SA IEC Presentation for Symposium on Political Funding 2025	Presentation by Mr George Mahlangu, Deputy CEO: Political Funding, Electoral Commission of SA.	1.11 MB	Download
DAY 1: HSRC Political Funding Study 2025	Presentation by Dr Ben Roberts, Dr Ngqapheli Mchunu, Dr Ntombizodumo Mkwanazi and Adv. Gary Pienaar (On behalf of the HSRC Developmental, Capable and Ethical State (DCES) Research team).	2.45 MB	Download
DAY 1: Combatting Corruption in Political Finance	Presentation by Dr Yukihiko Hamada, Programme Manager, Money in Politics, International IDEA.	4.55 MB	Download
DAY 1: The Cost of Politics in Mexico	Presentation by Dr Miguel Ángel Lara Otaola, Member of the International Council, Electoral Integrity Project.	7.51 MB	Download
DAY 1: Campaign Financing in Tanzania and Uganda	Presentation by Professor Moses Khisa, Associate Professor of Political Science and Africana Studies, North Carolina State University, USA.	357 KB	Download
DAY 1: Narrative Report: Campaign Financing in Tanzania and Uganda	Presentation by Professor Moses Khisa, Associate Professor of Political Science and Africana Studies, North Carolina State University, USA.	813 KB	Download
DAY 1: Costs of Running for Politics in Senegal	Dr Samba Dialimpa Badji, Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Oslo Metropolitan (OsloMet) University, Norway	165 KB	Download
DAY 2: Introduction of keynote by Minister Godongwana	Speech by Commissioner Janet Love, Vice-Chairperson, Electoral Commission of South Africa.	61 KB	Download
DAY 2: Keynote address by the Minister Of Finance on Political Party Funding	Speech by Honourable Enoch Godongwana, Minister of Finance, Republic of South Africa.	73 KB	Download
DAY 2: Strengthening Democratic Governance	Presentation by Professor Dirk Kotzé, Department of Political Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA).	53 KB	Download
DAY 2: Strengthening Democratic Governance	Presentation by Professor Dirk Kotzé, Department of Political Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA).	700 KB	Download
DAY 2: Political Party Financing in the SADC Region	Presentation by Professor Khabele Matlosa, Visiting Professor, University of Johannesburg).	71 KB	Download
DAY 2: Political Party Financing in the SADC Region	Presentation by Professor Khabele Matlosa, Visiting Professor, University of Johannesburg).	920 KB	Download
DAY 2: Institutionalising Accountability	Presentation by Dr Heather Thuynsma, Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.	600 KB	Download
DAY 2: Institutionalising Accountability	Presentation by Dr Heather Thuynsma, Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.	482 KB	Download
DAY 2: Standards of Integrity in Political Finance	Presentation by Mr Jon Vrushi, Thematic Lead on Political Integrity.	5.44 MB	Download
DAY 2: Standards of Integrity in Political Finance	Presentation by Mr Jon Vrushi, Thematic Lead on Political Integrity	592 KB	Download
DAY 2: Political Finance in Namibia	Presentation by Mr Frederico Links, The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), Namibia.	1.11 MB	Download
DAY 2: Political Finance in Namibia	Presentation by Mr Frederico Links, The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), Namibia.	523 KB	Download
DAY 2: Political Financing Models around the World: A Historical Overview and Financing Models	Presentation by Dr. Daniel Walyemera Postdoctoral Researcher College of Law, University of South Africa.	1.73 MB	Download

Symposium on Political Funding in South Africa