Extra R200m for elections attempt by ANC to access more State funds, say opposition parties
On Tuesday, several opposition parties rejected the Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill that will make this additional allocation possible, saying the ANC is trying to compensate for having run out of donor support.
CAPE TOWN - Opposition parties believe an additional R200 million to help political parties with their election campaigns is an attempt by the African National Congress (ANC) to get their hands on more State funds.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana made the announcement when he tabled the budget in February.
On Tuesday, several opposition parties rejected the Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill that will make this additional allocation possible, saying the ANC is trying to compensate for having run out of donor support.
Coupled with a change to the funding formula through the recently passed Electoral Matters Amendment Bill, opposition parties believe the extra budget allocation will also largely benefit the ANC.
The Freedom Front Plus’ Wouter Wessels: “There’s R200 million allocated to political parties, additionally allocated to political parties. For what? To save the ANC from bankruptcy while the people are suffering.”
The Democratic Alliance’s Ashor Sarupen: “If you can’t fundraise, stop stealing public money to pay for your elections. It’s not a good idea.”
The African Christian Democratic Party’s Steve Swart said his party will challenge the change to the funding formula especially if these additional funds are allocated according to this split.
Political parties say they are still awaiting a R300 million allocation for this financial quarter to be disbursed, which they believe the ANC also wants allocated according to the new formula.
The Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill also makes provision for R70 million to fund the operations of the minister of electricity, while another R80 million is allocated to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to pay for last year’s BRICS summit.