R2K Gauteng: Panel discussion on party funding secrecy

An expert panel discussion on why we don’t know who funds our political parties, why it’s important, and what you can do about it.

We will be hosting a panel of experts for a discussion on why we don’t know who funds our political parties, why it’s important and what you can do about it. All are invited to this vital pre-election discussion

PANELISTS
* Sisonke Msimang (Sonke Gender Justice, columnist for Daily Maverick)
* Greg Solik, coordinator of My Vote Counts (NGO working on party funding)
* Sithembile Mbete (Politics lecturer and researcher, University of Pretoria)
* Susan Booysens (Researcher, lecturer University of Witwatersrand)
* Democratic Alliance, MP Lance Greyling
* ANC, to be confirmed (Treasurer General, Zweli Mkhize and Secretary General, Gwede Mantashe invited)

R550m was spent by South African political parties in the last election. Estimates for how much will be spent in this year’s election exceed a billion rands. It is now impossible to contest elections in South Africa without a huge amount of cash at one’s disposal.

Who funds our politics? What do these funders expect in return?

We don’t know because all our political parties keep secret who donates what to each of their organisations. From shady businessmen to secretive investment arms to cash-flush corporates little we know about those who fund our political parties is far from reassuring.

Right2Know Campaign will host a panel of experts in academia, civil society and politicians. The question we put to them is “Is South Africa becoming a one rand one vote democracy?”

ALL ARE INVITED.

For further comment contact:
R2K Gauteng spokesperson: Dale McKinley (Cell: 0724294086;)
R2K Gauteng provincial organiser: Bongani Xezwi (Cell: 071 043 2221; Email: bongani.xezwi@gmail.com)