By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The electoral watchdog has called for broader public engagement on political party funding, warning that transparency and accountability in democratic systems cannot be sustained without a deeper understanding of how money shapes politics.
Speaking at the launch of a special edition of the Journal of African Elections in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Mosotho Moepya, chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), said the publication sought to stimulate debate among citizens, researchers and policymakers on the future of political financing in South Africa.
ALSO READ: Steenhuisen lifts KZN FMD restrictions as 2.5 million vaccine doses rolled out nationwide
The special issue, titled Sustaining Multi-Party Democracy through Enhancing Political Funding in South Africa, examines the role of money in politics and the risks posed by weak oversight, opaque donations and inadequate regulation.
“This is more than an academic milestone,” Moepya said. “It reflects the culmination of a rigorous intellectual journey.”
He said the publication brings together leading voices in the field and attempts to bridge the gap between theory and practice at a time when democracies globally are grappling with growing concerns over political influence and public trust.
“The volume we present today finds its depth in the calibre of its contributors,” he said.
Moepya argued that discussions about political financing should move beyond rhetoric and focus instead on sustaining democratic institutions. He said the publication highlights tensions between public and private funding, the risk of undue influence by donors, regulatory shortcomings and the need for stronger institutional capacity.
While democracy was expensive to maintain, he said, the cost of authoritarianism was far greater.
ALSO READ: Nine municipalities strike deals with Eskom as arrears hit R111.6bn
“Throughout history, the price of authoritarian or autocratic rule is paid in lost personal freedoms, economic stagnation and human suffering,” Moepya said.
“These are things South Africa has experienced and understands far too well to sit back and do nothing about them.”
He added, “We cannot wish them away. The necessity of money in politics is self-explanatory.”
According to Moepya, the special edition contains nine double-blind peer-reviewed academic articles organised into four themes: the theoretical foundations of political finance, public funding of political parties, private funding mechanisms and comparative international approaches to political financing.
Sy Mamabolo, the IEC’s chief electoral officer, said the publication was intended not only as a scholarly resource but also as a catalyst for policy innovation and democratic reform.
“What emerges from this collection is not a single, unified conclusion, but rather a textured and dynamic conversation,” Mamabolo said.
“The strength of this special issue lies in its diversity of perspectives, methodological, theoretical, and normative.”
The publication was produced in partnership with the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), which is marking its 30th anniversary this year.
Moepya said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s role in strengthening electoral integrity, advancing research, and promoting democratic dialogue across the continent.
He said the publication’s findings would serve as a resource for policymakers, academics and institutions navigating South Africa’s evolving democratic landscape.
ALSO READ: Thabazimbi faces fresh claims of corruption and governance failures
“I am confident that the rigour displayed here will contribute to a democracy that is not only multi-party in name but representative in substance and outlook,” he said.
“As we launch this volume today, let us recommit ourselves to the idea that our democracy is not for sale. It belongs to the people, and it is our collective duty to protect it.”
The print edition of the special issue is expected to be distributed to universities, libraries and community centres, while digital copies will be available through the IEC and EISA platforms.
