Babalo Ndenze17 January 2024 | 17:14

ANC to get lion's share of Multi-Party Democracy Fund as parties gear up for polls

The IEC has started the year by handing out cash to political parties represented in Parliament.

ANC to get lion's share of Multi-Party Democracy Fund as parties gear up for polls

ANC president Cyril Ramaphsoa addressed supporters at the party's January 8 statement event in Mbombela on 13 January 2024. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News

CAPE TOWN - From Friday, political parties big and small will start the process of launching their much-anticipated manifestos in the run up to the elections.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has also already given funds to political parties represented in Parliament to cover them over the next three months.

As the biggest party, the African National Congress (ANC) will get the biggest share of the R5 million from the Multi-Party Democracy Fund.

The IEC has started the year by handing out cash to political parties represented in Parliament.

While the amount is relatively small at R5 million, split among 13 parties, it only covers the first three months of the year.

As expected, the ANC will receive the lion share of the funds.

The funds are expected to help parties as they head to another watershed election in a few months.

While not represented in Parliament, political newcomer Rise Mzansi is expected to be first political party to launch its manifesto in Pretoria on Friday.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will follow suit with its own launch in Durban on 10 February, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) gathering in Pretoria for its launch on 17 February.

The ruling party said President Cyril Ramaphosa would officially launch its manifesto on 24 February, while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) will launch on 10 March in Durban.