Some independent candidates say they won't compromise principles to satisfy major funders
Social activist Zackie Achmat said independents have to raise money as if they’re political parties because there are no defined constituencies, stressing however, that there will be no favours for big donors who come forward.
FILE: An IEC ballot box. Picture: Cindy Archillies/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - Some independent candidates running for a seat in the National Assembly say they won’t compromise their principles to satisfy major funders.
They said politics should not depend on big money, adding that they have to climb over more hurdles than political parties, from requirements to registration and funding.
Independents like former African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) leader Anele Mda also said they have to get a lot more votes proportionally than parties to gain a seat.
While 12 independents are to compete nationally and in provinces, only five will run for the National Assembly, like social activist Zackie Achmat.
He said independents have to raise money as if they’re political parties because there are no defined constituencies.
But there will be no favours for big donors who do come forward.
"There will be people who donate money, who will have influence over my policy and that’s working class people who are donating. The big donors will absolutely have no favours asked and no favours given."
Mda said it's been a tough journey and she’s had to tap into her own personal resources with no corporate assistance.
"You know the habit and the potential behaviour of private donors and private funders. They come and serve you lunch but later on they come and remind you that remember the food that we served you? Now it’s time for you to pay."
She said to level the playing field, independent candidates who have been registered and are on the ballot should also be subsidised in future.