25 October 2007
Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa has signed into law the Gauteng Political
Party Fund Act, 2007, which will boost the allocation of public money to
political parties represented in the provincial legislature.
The Act is expected to be published in the provincial gazette on Monday, 29
October 2007.
The legislation will strengthen multi-party democracy in the province as
well as improve accountability and transparency on party funding.
The Constitution provides for the funding of political parties participating
in national and provincial legislatures on an equitable and proportional basis
to enhance multi-party democracy.
The Gauteng Political Party Fund Act complements existing national
legislation on party funding. The Act's preamble points out that "supplementary
funding of political parties participating in the Gauteng Provincial
Legislature on an equitable and proportional basis further enhances multi-party
democracy."
The new legislation provides for the establishment of the Gauteng Political
Party Fund. The provincial secretary of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature will
be responsible for the management and administration of the fund, which will
receive allocations from the provincial fiscus as well as any public donations.
The secretary of the legislature will make allocations in line with the
principals of proportionality and equity. The equitable funding of political
parties is aimed at ensuring that all voices are heard, not just those who have
access to private funding.
The funds are to be used by political parties for purposes 'compatible with
its functioning as a political party in a modern democracy.' This includes the
development of the political will of the people, shaping public opinion,
political education, promoting active participation by citizens in political
life and ensuring links between the people and organs of state and with the
Legislature. The money may not be used to pay the salaries of party officials
in the legislature or government. Parties will have to account for the money
allocated to them from the fund and submit audited statements to the
legislature.
Enhanced party funding in the provincial legislature will help deepen
democracy and promote active citizenry, which is crucial in a young democracy.
This will also help counter any tendencies towards a distancing of political
leaders from the electorate and entrench people-centred democracy.
Political parties are seen as vital public institutions to enhance citizens'
participation in their own governance and in democracy.
The legislation will help improve the capacity and financial sustainability
of political parties in the legislature, both big and small. It is also
expected to lessen political parties' dependence on private funding and could,
arguably, reduce the influence of the monies and business on political
parties.
The Gauteng Political Party Fund Bill was approved by the Gauteng Executive
Council in July this year. It was then tabled and debated in the Gauteng
Legislature and adopted in September before being assented to by the
Premier.
For more information contact:
Annette Griessel
Cell: 082 563 3614
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
25 October 2007
