New political donation limits raise concerns

PRIVATE INTERESTS

- MANYANE MANYANE [e-mail]

THE new limit and threshold for political donations, which means political parties can accept more money from donors, could see more influence exerted on government institutions and politicians.

Political analysts said although money is needed in politics, the capture of government and politics could broaden and become further entrenched.

This was after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation to double the threshold and annual donation limit in the Political Funding Act (PFA).

The annual donation threshold to political parties by an individual donor has increased from R15 million to R30m.

He has also allowed for donations to political parties below R200000 to remain undisclosed, up from R100000.

These amounts were set in a government gazette dated August 6.