The Electoral Commission’s first quarter disclosure report for the current financial year highlights minimal fundraising by political parties. Three political parties managed to attract a mixed donor support. The three parties are ActionSA, the African National Congress (ANC), and the Democratic Alliance (DA).

It is significant that these three parties almost always make declarations since the commencement of the disclosure requirement for political donations. These three political parties have remained consistent in disclosing donations, save for ActionSA, which did not make any declaration in the third quarter of the previous financial year.

Total Value of Declared Donations

The total declared donations in the first quarter amounted to R40 410 474.29. This amount is more than double that reported in the last two quarters of the previous financial year. The total amounts disclosed in the last two quarters of the year were R14 186 594.00 and R18 364 505.19, respectively.

It is anticipated that this upward trend will continue in the lead-up to the 2026/27 Local Government Elections (LGE2026/27).

Value of Declared Donations per Party

Democratic Alliance (DA) – R32 229 474.29

The DA emerged as the largest beneficiary of political donations in this quarter, receiving over R32.2 million from thirteen different donors. The party’s fundraising success is driven by a blend of institutional, international, and individual donors.

The most substantial donation, R15 million, was made by Fynbos Kapitaal (Pty) Ltd, a company linked to Capitec founder Michiel le Roux, on 24 June 2025. This was followed closely by another R10 million donation from Fynbos Ekwiteit (Pty) Ltd on the same date. While both entities appear to share the same ownership, they are distinct juristic persons and each therefore has its own applicable donation threshold.

A further R2 million came from Jufrapi Investment (Pty) Ltd on 23 June 2025, an entity owned by Petrus Johannes Mouton, who holds directorships at Capitec, CURRO Holdings, PSG Financial Services, and PSG Group.

The DA’s additional donations included:

• Main Street 1564 (Pty) Ltd – R1,465,265.00
• Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) – In-kind donation valued at R1,011,143.53 for training and skills development
• Michael Stekhoven – R1,000,000.00
• Estate of Melroy Sylvia Meyer – R570,208.05
• Rustdene Investments – R300,000.00
• Dalib Investments (Pty) Ltd – R250,000.00
• Discovery Central Services – R250,000.00
• Mrs Gina Liebenberg – R150,000.00
• Dr Mark John Burke – R132,856.71
• Mr Robert Breyer – R100,001.00

African National Congress (ANC) – R7 661 000.00

The ANC declared the second-largest amount this quarter receiving R7.6 million in donations. The entire amount came from Chancellor House which is also a regular donor to the party. 

ActionSA – R520 000

ActionSA declared donations amounting to R520 000.00. The donations came from a single individual who is also the party leader, businessman, Mr Herman Mashaba.  

Multi-Party Democracy Fund (MPDF)

During the reporting quarter, the MPDF received a contribution of R250 000 from Discovery Central Services, which also donated the same amount to the DA. Following recent public engagement efforts, including a symposium in June 2025 and campaigns in early 2025. It is hoped that the fund will attract further contributions in the lead-up to the LGE2026/27.

Regulatory Update: Donation Thresholds Increased

On 20 May 2025, the National Assembly resolved, under section 24(1) of the Political Funding Act to amend the limits on political donations. In terms of the presidential gazette these revised limits are effective from 18 August 2025. The limits have been revised as follows:

• The minimum threshold for disclosure has been raised from R100 000 to R200 000
• The maximum annual allowable donation by a single donor has increased from R15 million to R30 million
  
  

ISSUED BY THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION
Ensuring free and fair elections

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