Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # My Vote Counts ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://myvotecounts.org.za/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Civil Society launches the National Campaign to Confront Xenophobia](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-launches-the-national-campaign-to-confront-xenophobia/) - [COGTA must ensure meaningful public participation in the Coalitions Bill.](https://myvotecounts.org.za/cogta-must-ensure-meaningful-public-participation-in-the-coalitions-bill/) - [Civil Society calls for urgent government action on NACAC anticorruption proposals](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-calls-for-urgent-government-action-on-nacac-anticorruption-proposals/) - [Political funding disclosures reveal secrecy and noncompliance](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-funding-disclosures-reveal-secrecy-and-noncompliance/) - MEDIA STATEMENT: THE LATEST POLITICAL FUNDING DISCLOSURES REVEAL SECRECY AND NONCOMPLIANCE Much has been made in the media of the overall amount disclosed in the latest IEC quarterly report of private funding to political parties. Parties collectively disclosed just shy of R100 million for the period from 01 January to 31 March 2026. However, there - [Judgement in MVC’s appeal of costs order reaffirms crucial Biowatch principles](https://myvotecounts.org.za/judgement-in-mvcs-appeal-of-costs-order-reaffirms-crucial-biowatch-principles/) - JUDGEMENT IN MVC’S APPEAL OF COSTS ORDER REAFFIRMS CRUCIAL BIOWATCH PRINCIPLES In May 2024, right before the most consequential elections since democracy, a legislative misstep by Parliament and the President resulted in a lacuna being created in our party funding legislation. When the President signed the Electoral Matters Amendment Act, Act 14 of 2024 (EMAA) - [OP-ED - Youth Formal Participation in South Africa is Weak, and a Once-in-a-Year Roundtable Will Not Fix It](https://myvotecounts.org.za/op-ed-youth-formal-participation-in-south-africa-is-weak-and-a-once-in-a-year-roundtable-will-not-fix-it/) - By Thinam Mali Democracy From Below intern, My Vote Counts This year, South African youth in Khayelitsha were offered a seat at the table in a consultation hosted by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA). In his address, Deputy President Paul Mashatile uttered something powerful - [Media Statement | Civil Society Panel Publishes Position Paper on Electoral Reform](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-statement-civil-society-panel-publishes-position-paper-on-electoral-reform/) - After a year of consultations, the Civil Society Electoral Reform Panel (CSERP) has released its Let the People Govern! position paper calling for comprehensive reform of South Africa’s electoral system. The paper proposes a hybrid electoral model and the Right to Recall public representatives - key measures that will inform the foundation of our campaigning. - [Media Statement I President Ramaphosa takes us back to greater secrecy, less accountability in private political funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-statement-i-president-ramaphosa-takes-us-back-to-greater-secrecy-less-accountability-in-private-political-funding/) - On 18 August 2025 a proclamation signed by President Ramaphosa to double the disclosure threshold and annual donation limit in the Political Funding Act (PFA) was published in the Government Gazette (No 53182). The proclamation is dated 6 August but was only published yesterday. The new annual donation limit will be R30m, up from R15m, - [Statement I The IEC’s Annual Political Party Funding Report Reveals Weaknesses In Our Political Funding Regime](https://myvotecounts.org.za/statement-i-the-iecs-annual-political-party-funding-report-reveals-weaknesses-in-our-political-funding-regime/) - On 30 April 2025, the Electoral Commission (IEC) published its Annual Political Party Funding Report (the Report), which covers the reporting period 01 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. The Report provides detailed information about the private and public sources of parties’ funding during the reporting period, which fell just before one of the most - [Media Alert - Update on Political Funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-alert-update-on-political-funding/) - My Vote Counts applies for leave to appeal in case challenging the Political Funding Act In 2023 My Vote Counts (MVC) launched legal proceedings to challenge the constitutionality of the Political Funding Act (PFA). The case was heard by a full bench of the Western Cape High Court in February 2025, and judgment was delivered - [Courting Wealth](https://myvotecounts.org.za/courting-wealth/) - Professor Steven Friedman THE right-wing judges who are destroying democracy in the United States may be surprised to learn that they have kindred spirits in the Western Cape high court. Supreme Court judges appointed by Donald Trump are dismantling democracy in the US by ruling that the President is above the law and protecting him - [MEDIA ALERT I Judgment in MVC court case](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-alert-i-judgment-in-mvc-court-case/) - My Vote Counts notes the judgment handed down yesterday by the Western Cape High Court in our matter challenging the constitutionality of the Political Funding Act. We are studying the judgment and consulting with our legal team. The reason we went to court was to curb elite influence over our politics, to strengthen voter accountability - [MVC Celebrates Equal Education's 5th National Congress](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-celebrates-equal-educations-5th-national-congress/) - MY VOTE COUNTS CELEBRATES THE SUCCESS OF EQUAL EDUCATION’S 5TH NATIONAL CONGRESS My Vote Counts wishes to congratulate the youth-led mass democratic movement, Equal Education (EE) on a successful National Congress and election of its National Council which will lead the movement for the next three years. Equal Education is a crucial membership-based movement. It - [NA votes to increase secrecy in party funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/na-votes-to-increase-secrecy-in-party-funding/) - National Assembly votes to increase secrecy, decrease accountability in political funding The Political Funding Act (PFA) regulates the private funding of politics in South Africa. Despite its shortcomings, for the past four years, it has contributed to a more open and transparent political environment. By providing access to information about who funds political parties and - [Call for Applications: Annual Report Writer](https://myvotecounts.org.za/call-for-applications-annual-report-writer/) - My Vote Counts (MVC) is looking for a skilled and thoughtful writer to craft our upcoming Annual Report. This isn’t your typical institutional document - we want a compelling narrative that brings to life our work over the past year, and how it contributes to our broader vision of a democracy where every individual has - [Money in Politics Newsletter I Parliament Threatens Transparency, Accountability (and more in political funding news)](https://myvotecounts.org.za/money-in-politics-newsletter-i-parliament-threatens-transparency-accountability-and-more-in-political-funding-news/) - Introduction Since our last newsletter in February, there have been several significant (and some very concerning) developments relating to money in politics and political funding in general, and the Political Funding Act (PFA) specifically. In the past four months alone, MVC’s court case challenging the constitutionality of the PFA was heard; Parliament voted to increase - [The President and the Pulpit: What Does a Social Compact Even Mean](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-president-and-the-pulpit-what-does-a-social-compact-even-mean/) - In his seminal essay Down at the Cross, James Baldwin recounts how, as a pastor’s kid and prodigious lay pastor in his own right, who had, from behind the pulpit, attained the status of Eminent Person, “Brother Baldwin” on the streets of Harlem as a teenager, outstripping even his father — he slowly lost his faith. - [Newsletter I Private funding in South African politics – reflections on 2024 and looking forward](https://myvotecounts.org.za/private-funding-in-south-african-politics-reflections-on-2024-and-looking-forward/) - By Joel Bregman The Political Party Funding Act, now known as the Political Funding Act (PFA), is one of the most significant laws passed since the advent of South Africa’s democracy. It gives life to key constitutional provisions – the right of access to information, to exercise one’s political rights from an informed position, and - [OCJ must extend IEC nomination deadline](https://myvotecounts.org.za/ocj-must-extend-iec-nomination-deadline/) - [Political Funding Act in court on Monday](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-funding-act-in-court-on-monday/) - The court application by advocacy NGO My Vote Counts, challenging the constitutionality of the Political Funding Act (PFA), will be heard in the Western Cape High Court on Monday. The Act was formerly known as the Political Party Funding Act. My Vote Counts wants the court to declare parts of the Act unconstitutional, saying it - [Court Battle Over Political Party Funding Act Raises Transparency Concerns](https://myvotecounts.org.za/court-battle-over-political-party-funding-act-raises-transparency-concerns/) - A legal challenge against the Political Party Funding Act is underway at the Western Cape High Court, as advocacy group My Vote Counts seeks greater transparency in private political donations. The case, which has drawn opposition from key political players, could have significant implications for South Africa’s democratic integrity. The challenge, led by My Vote - [Political Party Funding Act challenged in court](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-act-challenged-in-court/) - The controversial Political Party Funding Act will come under the spotlight again this week. This as the civil society and advocacy group My Vote Counts has taken parts of the Act to the constitutional court to be declared unconstitutional. In the statement, the group’s Project Lead on money in politics, Joel Bregman, said that they’ve - [WATCH | Political Party Funding Act challenged in court](https://myvotecounts.org.za/watch-political-party-funding-act-challenged-in-court/) -  - [Treasury must explore alternative revenue - raising proposals](https://myvotecounts.org.za/treasury-must-explore-alternative-revenue-raising-proposals/) - [Media Statement I Parliament's Portfolio Committee Backs Secrecy Over Accountability in Political Funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-statement-i-parliaments-portfolio-committee-backs-secrecy-over-accountability-in-political-funding/) - Tuesday marked exactly four years since the Political Party Funding Act, now known as the Political Funding Act (PFA), became operational. To mark the anniversary, the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs (“the Committee”) ignored the evidence and pushed for more secrecy and reduced accountability in political funding. The Committee's actions have exposed where its members’ - [Is the Independent Electoral Commission doing enough to educate voters?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/is-the-independent-electoral-commission-doing-enough-to-educate-voters/) - [[PODCAST] Youth in Politics: Are youth influencing political policy?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/podcast-youth-in-politics-are-youth-influencing-political-policy/) - With young people making up more than 60% of the South African population, the “youth vote” takes centre stage at every election cycle. Now, with just under 2 weeks left for the local government elections, political parties are gunning for the hearts and minds of young people. In municipalities across the country, parties are putting - [Discussion | Do you know your ward councillor?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/discussion-do-you-know-your-ward-councillor/) - [The reality of voter apathy in SA](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-reality-of-voter-apathy-in-sa/) - [How are communities using "the vote"? - LGE2021](https://myvotecounts.org.za/how-are-communities-using-the-vote-lge2021/) - [Coalitions & the future of SA politics](https://myvotecounts.org.za/coalitions-the-future-of-sa-politics/) - [URGENT Letter to Office of the Chief Justice Regarding IEC Commissioner Nominations](https://myvotecounts.org.za/urgent-letter-to-office-of-the-chief-justice-regarding-iec-commissioner-nominations/) - ATT: Office of the Chief Justice The South African Judiciary RE: MY VOTE COUNTS AND THE COUNCIL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTITUTION REQUESTS EXTENSION TO THE DEADLINE ON THE NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR APPOINMENT TO THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION Dear Acting Chief Justice Zondo We have noted that the term of Glen Mashinini, - [My Vote Counts raises concerns around the process to fill the vacancy of IEC Chairperson](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-raises-concerns-around-the-process-to-fill-the-vacancy-of-iec-chairperson/) - [Urgent to Chief Justice to extend deadline for nominations for IEC Commissioner](https://myvotecounts.org.za/urgent-to-chief-justice-to-extend-deadline-for-nominations-for-iec-commissioner/) - [VICTORY: Office of the Chief Justice agrees to extend IEC Commissioner nomination deadline](https://myvotecounts.org.za/victory-office-of-the-chief-justice-agrees-to-extend-iec-commissioner-nomination-deadline/) - A day after My Vote Counts and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution wrote to the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) requesting a deadline extension for IEC Commissioner nominations, they responded and agreed to extend it to 25 February 2022. This is a major victory for us as it is - [Organisations want more time for public to nominate candidates for IEC top job](https://myvotecounts.org.za/organisations-want-more-time-for-public-to-nominate-candidates-for-iec-top-job/) - [IEC Commissioner Appointment Process](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-commissioner-appointment-process/) - [There Is A Hole In Our Politics Which Citizen Action Could Fill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/there-is-a-hole-in-our-politics-which-citizen-action-could-fill-steven-friedman/) - As this country’s most recent elections showed, there is a huge hole in the centre of party politics which has widened even further the gap between the people and those they elect. There is not much citizens can do about this – except to use the opportunities it presents. - [There Is A Hole In Our Politics Which Citizen Action Could Fill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/there-is-a-hole-in-our-politics-which-citizen-action-could-fill/) - By Professor Steven Friedman Last November, of course, was an historic election since the governing African National Congress (ANC) dropped below 50% nation-wide for the first time. The fact that these were local rather than national polls does not reduce the importance of this result. But the effect was not to increase the power - [IEC Chair Interviews I Twelve candidates shortlisted for the position](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-chair-interviews-i-twelve-candidates-shortlisted-for-the-position/) - [The search for a new IEC commissioner is underway](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-search-for-a-new-iec-commissioner-is-underway/) - [My Vote Counts on IEC Chair selection process](https://myvotecounts.org.za/4791-2/) - [Political Party Funding Symposium Report 2022](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-symposium-report-2022/) - On 18 and 19 March, My Vote Counts together with SANEF hosted a symposium on the Political Party Funding Act. The 2 days focused on getting a better understanding of the Act and its consequences. Click the image below to read the report. - [Letter to IEC regarding clarity on IEC appointment process](https://myvotecounts.org.za/letter-to-iec-regarding-clarity-on-iec-appointment-process/) - Click to below to read our letter. MVC Letter to the Electoral Commission regarding clarity on IEC vacancy appointment. - [Letter to Minister of Home Affairs regarding clarity on IEC appointment process](https://myvotecounts.org.za/letter-to-minister-of-home-affairs-regarding-clarity-on-iec-appointment-process/) - Click link below to read our letter. MVC letter to Minister of Home Affairs regarding clarity on IEC vacancy appointment. - [Step-aside policy ‘must not be used to fight factional battles](https://myvotecounts.org.za/step-aside-policy-must-not-be-used-to-fight-factional-battles/) - By Joel Bregman As the ANC approaches its 55th elective Conference in December, the governing party continues to unravel itself. Recently, Zandile Gumede, who has been charged with thousands of counts of fraud and corruption, and Mandla Msibi, who is facing charges of murder and attempted murder, were elected to senior leadership positions in the - [STATEMENT: IEC BUDGET CUTS A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY](https://myvotecounts.org.za/4888-2/) - My Vote Counts is deeply concerned by the revelation that the Electoral Commission (IEC) is facing budget cuts of almost R800 million (before taking inflation into account) over the next three years. This will undermine the IEC’s ability to carry out its mandate and is a threat to our democracy. On 3 May 2022, the - [Underfunding of IEC a threat to democracy - My Vote Counts](https://myvotecounts.org.za/4895-2/) - Budget cuts to the IEC could undermine democracy, says My Vote Counts. The advocacy group responded to the IEC’s envisaged budget cuts of R770 million over the next three years. My Vote Counts supported the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs’ call to reconsider the budget cut. Budget cuts for the Electoral Commission of South Africa - [IEC budget cuts a threat to our democracy – MVC](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-budget-cuts-a-threat-to-our-democracy-mvc/) - This is a long-term threat towards efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability My Vote Counts is deeply concerned by the revelation that the Electoral Commission (IEC) is facing budget cuts of almost R800 million (before taking inflation into account) over the next three years. This will undermine the IEC’s ability to carry out its mandate - [THINKING POINT: Budget cuts to electoral Commission, not good for the nation](https://myvotecounts.org.za/4920-2/) - [Budget cuts at the IEC would be a threat to democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/budget-cuts-at-the-iec-would-be-a-threat-to-democracy/) - [MVC thanks IEC for response to queries regarding updating of PPFA Regulations.](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-thanks-iec-for-response-to-queries-regarding-updating-of-ppfa-regulations/) - MVC Thanks IEC for thorough response regarding PPFA - [MVC Requests Opportunity to present to Committee on Public Participation on Electoral Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-requests-an-opportunity-to-present-to-the-portfolio-committee-on-public-participation-on-the-electoral-amendment-bill/) - Letter to Committee on Home Affairs for opportunity to present on Electoral Amendment Bill - [IEC Commissioner Appointment Process Report - 2022](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-commissioner-appointment-process-report-2022/) - The Electoral Commission Act states that when there is a vacancy for a commissioner that needs to be filled, an appointment process in accordance with the Act should be undertaken. During the period of 04-06 February, the office of the Chief Justice published notices in the media calling for nominations of interested persons to fill - [Electoral Amendment Bill | Concerns about Parliamentary process](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-amendment-bill-concerns-about-parliamentary-process/) - [Monitoring the IEC Commissioner Appointment Process](https://myvotecounts.org.za/policy-brief-monitoring-the-iec-commissioner-appointment-process/) - During the course of this year vacancies will arise for the position of Commissioner within the IEC. A public process will be conducted by a panel chaired by the Chief Justice and subsequently the National Assembly to select suitable candidates. The IEC is at the helm of our democracy as it serves as the election - [The Bid to Contest for Election - Independent Candidates](https://myvotecounts.org.za/policy-brief-the-bid-to-contest-for-election-independent-candidates/) - Independent candidates can be defined as individuals contesting for public office that are not appointed, endorsed or affiliated with any political party. They are typically individuals that were part of a political party but due to some grievance left, individuals that have never been part of politics that hope to bring about change within the - [Summary of Judgement - New Nation Movement NPC and Others v. President of the Republic of South Africa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/summary-of-judgement-new-nation-movement-npc-and-others-v-president-of-the-republic-of-south-africa/) - In 2020, the Constitutional Court ruled that the Electoral Act 73 of 1998[1] is unconstitutional to the extent that it prevents adult citizens from standing for and being elected to the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures as independent candidates. The judgement ruled in favour of New Nation Movement and Others that the Act is unconstitutional - [Will electoral reform ensure that your vote actually counts?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/will-electoral-reform-ensure-that-your-vote-actually-counts/) - By Valli Moosa As Parliament gets underway with the amendments to the Electoral Act, Valli Moosa, former cabinet minister and chairperson of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Electoral Act, says that the current draft before Parliament poses many worrying factors. Free and fair elections. This is one of the greatest successes of the - [Public Participation in the Electoral Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/public-participation-in-the-electoral-amendment-bill/) - This report looks into public participation in the Electoral Amendment Bill process. On 10 January 2022, the Minister of Home Affairs introduced the Electoral Amendment Bill in Parliament. The purpose of the Bill is to amend the Electoral Act 73 of 1998 to allow for independent candidates to contest for seats in the national Assembly - [Democracy Dissected - What is the future of SA democracy? Ep1](https://myvotecounts.org.za/democracy-dissected-what-is-the-future-of-sa-democracy-ep1/) - Listen to the first episode of our new show, Democracy Dissected on Radio 786 (100.4FM). Radio 786 - 100.4fm · Democracy Dissected - What is the Future of SA Democracy? State Capture Commission chair, Raymond Zondo’s recommendation that South Africa moves to directly elect its president is flawed. Political analyst, Professor Steven Friedman contends that - [Letter to portfolio Committee on Home Affairs: Electoral Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/letter-to-portfolio-committee-on-home-affairs-electoral-amendment-bill/) - Letter to Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs - [Civil society groups threaten Parliament with legal action over Electoral Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-groups-threaten-parliament-with-legal-action-over-electoral-amendment-bill-3/) - Civil society organisations are considering legal action against the Electoral Amendment Bill in its current form. They are unhappy that the majority recommendation by a ministerial advisory committee has been ignored. The committee, nearing the end of its work on the bill, has previously defended its process. Civil society groups are threatening Parliament with - [Can civil society groups and NPOs contest 2024 elections?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/can-civil-society-groups-and-npos-contest-2024-elections-2/) - Can civil society groups and non-profit organisation (NPO) throw their hats in the ring and contest the elections in 2024? Not according to the Electoral Act which is undergoing some changes in Parliament including the inclusion of independent candidates into the proportional representative system of the provincial and national elections. In 2020, the Constitutional Court - [Civil Society Groups Threaten Parliament With Legal Action Over Electoral Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-groups-threaten-parliament-with-legal-action-over-electoral-amendment-bill-2/) - [Electoral reform is absolutely critical but should not be rushed](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-reform-is-absolutely-critical-but-should-not-be-rushed/) - Electoral reform is absolutely critical but should not be rushedIn the end, it may be that the Constitutional Court will be faced with an impossible choice: Does it allow the 2024 election to go ahead in defiance of its clear previous ruling that there be electoral reform, or does it stop the election? One of - [Democracy Dissected Ep 2- SA’s Electoral Reform Hangs in the Balance](https://myvotecounts.org.za/democracy-dissected-ep2/) - Listen to episode 2 of our monthly show, Democracy Dissected on Radio 786. MVC's Head of Communications, Sheilan Clarke chats to Letlhogonolo Letshele, My Vote Counts’ Electoral Systems Researcher and Lukhona Mnguni, Political Analyst about the Electoral Amendment Bill. Over the years, electoral reform in South Africa has always been a hot topic of debate. - [Conversation on intra-party democracy long overdue](https://myvotecounts.org.za/conversation-on-intra-party-democracy-long-overdue/) - The ANC has recently concluded its 6th National Policy Conference, with the need for its renewal emerging as a major theme. Key to the party’s renewal is to rebuild its internal democracy. The governing party, struggling to maintain its power, has embarked on a public effort to renew and restore its image and integrity. Central - [Panel Discussion - Electoral Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/panel-discussion-electoral-amendment-bill/) - [IEC working on strengthening its capacity](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-working-on-strengthening-its-capacity/) - [Electoral Amendment Bill does not facilitate free and fair elections: CASAC](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-amendment-bill-does-not-facilitate-free-and-fair-elections-casac-2/) - The Electoral Amendment Bill, which is currently before Parliament, does not facilitate free and fair elections. This is the view of the Executive Secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) Lawson Naidoo. He was speaking at a workshop of civil society organisations convened to discuss electoral reform in South - [Electoral Amendment Bill does not facilitate free and fair elections: CASAC](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-amendment-bill-does-not-facilitate-free-and-fair-elections-casac/) - The Electoral Amendment Bill, which is currently before Parliament, does not facilitate free and fair elections. This is the view of the Executive Secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) Lawson Naidoo. He was speaking at a workshop of civil society organisations convened to discuss electoral reform in South - [Call for Public Submissions and Comments: Electoral Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/call-for-public-submissions-and-comments-electoral-amendment-bill/) - Re-advertisement of the Electoral Amendment Bill 2022.08.30 - [Electoral Reform | Civil society groups convene Indaba](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-reform-civil-society-groups-convene-indaba/) - [Electoral Reform Indaba](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-reform-indaba/) - [Highlights from the Indaba on Electoral Reform - Remarks by Valli Moosa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/highlights-from-the-indaba-on-electoral-reform-remarks-by-valli-moosa/) - [My Vote Counts weighs in on the Electoral Amendment Bill: Letlhogonolo Letshele](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-weighs-in-on-the-electoral-amendment-bill-letlhogonolo-letshele/) - [ANC's support continues to come under pressure in the past few elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/ancs-support-continues-to-come-under-pressure-in-the-past-few-elections/) - [Electoral amendment bill: Is it actually levelling the playing field between political parties and independent candidates?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-amendment-bill-is-it-actually-levelling-the-playing-field-between-political-parties-and-independent-candidates/) - [My Vote Counts Rejects The Electoral Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/statement-rejectthebill/) - 15 September 2022 We will not be submitting comments to the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs on its proposed changes to the Electoral Amendment Bill. We reiterate our position that the Bill is fatally flawed and marred by a wholly inadequate public participation process. To submit comments on any proposed changes is to legitimise the - [Group tasked with reviewing SA electoral system rejects Parliament's proposal](https://myvotecounts.org.za/group-tasked-with-reviewing-sa-electoral-system-rejects-parliaments-proposal/) - [Democracy Dissected: Ep 5 — What Motivates the ANC's Leadership Choices](https://myvotecounts.org.za/democracy-dissected-what-motivates-the-ancs-leadership-choices/) - Episode 5: What Motivates the ANC's Leadership Choices Radio 786 - 100.4fm · Democracy Dissected: What Motivates the ANC's Leadership Choices | Radio 786 - [My Vote counts rejects Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-rejects-amendment-bill/) - [Webinar: Exploring public funding with ANC Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile](https://myvotecounts.org.za/public-funding-webinar-with-paul-mashatile/) - On Thursday, 6 October at 12 PM we will host a webinar introducing the next phase of our work on Political Party Funding by launching our position paper on public funding to political parties. The conversation will be facilitated by prominent journalist and broadcaster, Cathy Mohlahlana with input from our Party Funding Researcher, Robyn Pasensie - [[IMAGES] Electoral Reform Indaba JHB 2022](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-reform-jhb-images/) - Below are some images from the Electoral Reform Indaba held in Johannesburg My Vote Counts partnered with Defend Our Democracy, Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution, Ahmed Kathadra Foundation and Rivonia Circle. - [ConCourt ruling advances quest for political transparency](https://myvotecounts.org.za/concourt-ruling-advances-quest-for-political-transparency/) - The unanimous judgment handed down on September 20 by the Constitutional Court, declaring the Executive Ethics Code unconstitutional, has the potential to deepen transparency and accountability in our politics. Written by Joel Bregman, Senior Researcher. Confirming a judgment made by the full court of the Gauteng Division in December last year, the apex court found - [Democracy Dissected Ep 3 — The toxic relationship between money and politics](https://myvotecounts.org.za/democracy-dissected-ep-3/) - Our September episode of Democracy Dissected focuses on the toxic relationship between money and politics. Minhaj Jeenah, our Executive Director speaks to our Party Funding Researcher, Robyn Pasensie and political analyst, Prof Steven Friedman. Listen to the previous episodes here. - [OPINION | Pule Mabe is using the ANC's crisis to undermine the Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/opinion-pule-mabe-is-using-the-ancs-crisis-to-undermine-the-party-funding-act/) - Robyn Pasensie and Minhaj Jeenah from My Vote Counts respond to ANC Spokesperson Pule Mabe saying he tried to use the law as a scapegoat to mask failures within the ANC. In an opinion piece published on News24, ANC Spokesperson Pule Mabe argued that the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA) is to blame for the ANC's financial crisis. - [OPINION | Robyn Pasensie: Taxpayers deserve accountable public political funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/opinion-robyn-pasensie-taxpayers-deserve-accountable-public-political-funding-2/) - Unlike private funding, which is regulated by the Political Party Funding Act, public funding is not regulated by one clear piece of legislation, writes Robyn Pasensie. As the top brass of the ANC focus on the party's upcoming elective conference, the attention is not only on who will take pole position but also on how the - [Media Alert: Members of Parliament Must Reject the Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-alert-members-of-parliament-must-reject-the-bill/) - 20 October 2022 The National Assembly will today vote to pass the Electoral Amendment Bill. If the Bill is passed, Parliament will threaten our right to vote and inflict a grave injustice to our democracy. We call on Members of Parliament to vote with their conscience and Reject the Bill. The Electoral Amendment Bill is - [Electoral Amendment Bill still disadvantages independent candidates - MVC](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-amendment-bill-still-disadvantages-independent-candidates-mvc/) - [Democracy Dissected Ep 4 — How Democratic are our Political Parties?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/democracy-dissected-ep-4/) - Our October episode looks at a fascinating concept called intra-party democracy. This is especially something interesting to considering as we approach the ANC December Conference. Our Head of Communications & Stakeholder Management, Sheilan Clarke discussed this with My Vote Counts Senior Researcher, Joel Bregman. Radio 786 - 100.4fm · Democracy Dissected: How Democratic Are SA - [President’s response to Zondo Commission’s State Capture report must be followed by decisive action](https://myvotecounts.org.za/presidents-response-to-zondo-commissions-state-capture-report-must-be-followed-by-decisive-action/) - October 27, 2022 On the 23rd of October 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa made public his response to the recommendations of the State Capture Commission. As the Civil Society Working Group on State Capture (CSWG), a broad coalition of over 20 civil society organisations, we recognise that this is a critical moment for South Africa. The - [Adoption of Electoral Amendment Bill 'disappointing' - My Vote Counts](https://myvotecounts.org.za/adoption-of-electoral-amendment-bill-disappointing-my-vote-counts/) - A setback for independent candidates wanting to contest an election. That's how the civic group, My Vote Counts, has described the Electoral Amendment Bill in its current form. It was passed in the National Assembly yesterday with 232 votes to 98. "So, this is really a missed opportunity because what we are seeing here is not - [Civil society not happy with current Electoral Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-not-happy-with-current-electoral-amendment-bill/) - [October Newsletter: We won't allow the political elite to further hollow out our democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/october-newsletter-we-wont-allow-the-political-elite-to-further-hollow-out-our-democracy/) - Electoral Amendment Process Shines Light on Attempts to Close Democratic Debate On 20 October as the National Assembly debated the Electoral Amendment Bill, we called on political parties to #RejectTheBill. We argued that the process towards adopting the Bill is flawed and prioristised the voices of political parties over the voices of the public. The - [My Vote Counts submission to NCOP Select Committee on Security and Justice](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-submission-to-ncop-select-committee-on-security-and-justice/) - My Vote Counts submission to NCOP Select Committee on Security and Justice (09.11.22) - [Electoral Reform Research Report by Dr Sithembile Mbete](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-reform-research-report/) - On 11 June 2020, the Constitutional Court ordered Parliament to amend the Electoral Act to enable an individual to run for elected office without joining a political party. The New Nation Movement convinced South Africa’s apex court that the Electoral Act (73 of 1998) is unconstitutional in so far as it restricts contestation in National - [MVC People's Hearings on Electoral Reform](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-peoples-hearings-on-electoral-reform/) - After Parliament failed to conduct a proper public participation process in regard to the Electoral Amendment Bill, My Vote Counts held a series of public hearings to give South Africans the opportunity to engage with elections and electoral reform in a more meaningful way. - [Nov/Dec 2022 Newsletter](https://myvotecounts.org.za/novdec-newsletter/) - What an incredibly eventful year it has been! Here’s a final look at what MVC has been up to before we ring out 2022. Road to ANC conference Earlier in December we hosted our second webinar on intra-party democracy. The webinar was set against the backdrop of the ANC’s December elective conference and the - [January Newsletter: Our First Newsletter on the Road to the 2024 Election](https://myvotecounts.org.za/january-newsletter-our-first-newsletter-on-the-road-to-the-2024-election/) - Our Executive Director, Minhaj Jeenah pens his thoughts on the year ahead amidst the current political crisis. Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his Churchillian State of the Nation Address (SONA). Like the rest of us, he attempted to articulate the deepening crisis in our democracy. His was lacklustre, uninspiring and out-of-touch. A few days - [Portfolio committee on Home Affairs promise to complete work on the Electoral Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/portfolio-committee-on-home-affairs-promise-to-complete-work-on-the-electoral-bill/) - [Delays with Electoral Amendment Bill a threat to IEC’s mandate](https://myvotecounts.org.za/opinion-delays-with-electoral-amendment-bill-a-threat-to-iecs-mandate/) - By Letlhogonolo Letshele The Constitutional Court has given an order granting parliament a further extension to finalise its process to pass and adopt the Electoral Amendment Bill. This is the second extension after parliament missed its initial deadline of June 10, 2022, which was set back in June 2020 by the Constitutional Court. Parliament was - [HOME AFFAIRS COMMITTEE FINALISES THE ELECTORAL AMENDMENT BILL WITH AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY NCOP](https://myvotecounts.org.za/home-affairs-committee-finalises-the-electoral-amendment-bill-with-amendments-proposed-by-ncop/) - [ELECTORAL AMENDMENT BILL: A strongly contested BILL that’s 8 days away from being passed](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-amendment-bill-contested-passed/) - [February Newsletter: Looming amendments to Party Funding Act ](https://myvotecounts.org.za/february-newsletter-looming-amendments-to-party-funding-act/) - It was recently reported that the ANC Treasurer-General, Gwen Ramakgopa submitted proposals to amend the disclosure thresholds and donation limits of the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA). The party has for years had issues paying staff salaries, for example, and have cited the PPFA as hampering its fundraising efforts. These finance problems arose way before - [Statement: Persistent cuts to the IEC's budget is an underfunding of our democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/persistent-cuts-to-the-iecs-budget-is-an-underfunding-of-our-democracy/) - My Vote Counts is deeply concerned over the persistent cuts to the Electoral Commission’s (IEC) budget by National Treasury. Last month’s Budget Speech confirmed Treasury’s plan to cut the Commission’s budget by R240-million this year. This may undermine the Commission’s mandate to hold free and fair elections. The 2023 Budget Speech follows National Treasury’s 2021 - [Group says IEC budget cut may threaten free and fair election](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-iec-budget-threat-to-free-fair-election/) - [OPINION | Tackling race issues as DA elects new leadership](https://myvotecounts.org.za/opinion-tackling-race-issues-as-da-elects-new-leadership/) - By Joel Bregman The DA continues to be a party that struggles with issues of race and identity. If the party wants to ever be able to truly contest for power and lead national government, it will need to do some deep introspection and rethink how it can appeal to a wider part of the - [How will next year’s elections work? It’s confusing](https://myvotecounts.org.za/how-will-next-years-elections-work-its-confusing/) - By Letlhogonolo Letshele The Electoral Amendment Bill currently on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s desk proposes major changes to the way we vote. But the Bill has serious flaws and should be referred back to Parliament or to the Constitutional Court. As we head to the 2024 national and provincial elections, the matter is urgent. The Bill - [March Newsletter: We Must Stop the use of Money to Influence our Politics ](https://myvotecounts.org.za/we-must-stop-the-use-of-money-to-influence-our-politics/) - It’s been a robust few weeks! At the end of last month, the ANC revived its campaign to amend the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA). Their newly elected treasurer-general, Gwen Ramakgopa told the party’s leadership that it must immediately launch the process to drastically expand the funding thresholds and limitations in the party funding act. The party’s - [The Electoral Amendment Bill Proposes](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-electoral-amendment-bill-proposes/) - [Discussion | IEC welcomes Electoral Amendment Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/discussion-iec-welcomes-electoral-amendment-act/) - [Civil society to challenge new electoral law in ConCourt](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-to-challenge-new-electoral-law-in-concourt/) - By Cliff Shiko Several civil society organisations have rejected the Electoral Amendment Bill in its current form, after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed it into law on Monday. The law allows independent candidates to stand in provincial and national elections in 2024. It also gives a space for independent candidates along regional lines, stipulating that in regions - [Newly Signed Electoral Amendment Bill Criticised](https://myvotecounts.org.za/newly-signed-electoral-amendment-bill-criticised/) - By Tashlan Naidoo Constitutional law expert Lawson Naidoo says the newly signed Electoral Amendment Bill is fundamentally and deeply flawed. On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the bill into law which will now allow independent candidates to contest provincial and national elections. This comes after the Constitutional Court ruled that the Electoral Act was unconstitutional because it - [Bodies to challenge signing of the Electoral Amendment Bill into law](https://myvotecounts.org.za/bodies-to-challenge-signing-of-the-electoral-amendment-bill-into-law/) - [Party funding law changes](https://myvotecounts.org.za/party-funding-law-changes/) - [April Newsletter: The new electoral system will not level out the playing field](https://myvotecounts.org.za/april-newsletter-the-new-electoral-system-will-not-level-out-the-playing-field/) - After much anticipation, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Electoral Amendment Bill (now the Electoral Amendment Act) this month. This now means that South Africans can contest in next year’s provincial and national elections as independent candidates. As you know, MVC had many issues regarding this entire process including the lack of sufficient public - [Civil Society Working Group on Party Funding Submission to NACAC](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-working-group-on-party-funding-submission-to-nacac/) - Money is an inextricable part of politics and democracy. We have seen through many examples — South Africa included — of the nature of money in politics. It can be destructive. We need only look at the most recent example of State Capture. However, a significant sphere of influence is with private donations to political - [My Vote Counts Launches Legal Challenge to Strengthen Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-launches-legal-challenge-to-strengthen-political-party-funding-act/) - Media Statement: My Vote Counts launches legal challenge to strengthen the Political Party Funding Act 16 May 2023 Today, we launch an application in the Western Cape High Court, challenging the constitutionality of aspects of the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA). The Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation since 1996 and - [MVC Challenge on Aspects of the Political Party Funding Act - Case WCHC 7360.23](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-founding-affidavit-ppfa-court-case-2023/) - On 16 May, we launched an application at the Western Cape High Court challenging aspects of the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA). We seek to have the following addressed: • All private donations be disclosed; effectively scrapping the R100 000 disclosure threshold. Having this disclosure threshold defeats the purpose of disclosure and in effect, defeats - [My Vote Counts Seeks Transparency on Political Party Funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-seeks-transparency-on-political-party-funding/) - [Court Bid to Reform Political Party Funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/court-bid-to-reform-political-party-funding/) - By Tania Broughton “We simply do not know if the ANC or the DA obtains the majority of its funds from small donors or the big corporates” says My Vote Counts. My Vote Counts has launched an application in the Western Cape High Court to reform the disclosure of funding by political parties. In the application - [IEC to Release Annual Report on Political Party Funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-to-release-annual-report-on-political-party-funding/) - [My Vote Counts Challenges Political Party Funding Act in Court](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-challenges-political-party-funding-act-in-court/) - By Siyabonga Mkhwanazi The Political Party Funding Act is facing a challenge in court, with some of its sections being questioned on their constitutionality. My Vote Counts has filed papers in the Western Cape High Court calling for the scrapping of the R100 000 limit that can be disclosed and that the R15 million donation - [My Vote Counts Heads to Court for More Transparency in Private Funding of Political Parties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-heads-to-court-for-more-transparency-in-private-funding-of-political-parties/) - By Jan Gerber My Vote Counts will ask the Western Cape High Court to declare the Political Party Funding Act invalid. The lobby group is concerned that the act does not provide adequate transparency for party funding as a guardrail against corruption. The ANC government, however, indicated that it wants to amend the act to - [OPINION | Motsoaledi's Proposals on Party Funding Serve his Party's Interests](https://myvotecounts.org.za/opinion-motsoaledis-proposals-on-party-funding-serve-his-partys-interests/) - By Joel Bregman and Minhaj Jeenah Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has used the enactment of the Electoral Amendment Bill to introduce proposals that, if adopted, will undermine the Political Party Funding Act. Last week in Parliament, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi gave life to his party’s campaign to undermine the progress made - ['Thresholds too high' — My Vote Counts challenges Political Party Funding Act in court](https://myvotecounts.org.za/thresholds-too-high-my-vote-counts-challenges-political-party-funding-act-in-court/) - By Kgothatso Madisa My Vote Counts has approached the high court to declare the threshold for disclosure and annual limit on the law that governs how political parties receive financial donations to be declared unconstitutional. The non-profit organisation (NPO) believes there is no reason disclosures should be made only on donations over R100,000. It wants - [NPO wants to make Political Party Funding Act more rigorous](https://myvotecounts.org.za/npo-wants-to-make-political-party-funding-act-more-rigorous/) - [Political Party Funding Act is being challenged](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-act-is-being-challenged/) - [Live | My Vote Counts calls for the strengthening of the political funding law](https://myvotecounts.org.za/live-my-vote-counts-calls-for-the-strengthening-of-the-political-funding-law/) - [Motsoaledi, IEC dragged court over donations to political parties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/motsoaledi-iec-dragged-court-over-donations-to-political-parties/) - By Molefe Seeletsa My Vote Counts wants sections of the Political Party Funding Act to be declared invalid. The Political Party Funding Act (PPFA) is facing a court challenge amid proposed amendments to the legislation by Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi. My Vote Counts has approached the Western Cape High Court, seeking an order to declare the law, - [My Vote Counts launches court challenge to Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-launches-court-challenge-to-political-party-funding-act/) - Mwangi Githahu Cape Town - Electoral funding advocacy group My Vote Counts has launched a legal challenge in the Western Cape High Court seeking to amend the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA). They want the act to provide for the disclosure of financial information related to all expenditure of private donations. In papers filed yesterday, - [Podcast | MY Vote Counts Challenges the Party funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-challenges-party-funding-act/) - Podcast stream by Fabrik.fm - ['Every cent must be accounted for': My Vote Counts on private political funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/every-cent-must-be-accounted-for-my-vote-counts-on-private-political-funding/) - [My Vote Counts goes to court over private funding of political parties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-goes-to-court-over-private-funding-of-political-parties/) - Radio Islam International · My Vote Counts goes to court over private funding of political parties - [My Vote Counts launches a court application to amend the Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-launches-a-court-application-to-amend-the-political-party-funding-act/) - [My Vote Counts goes to court over funding transparency](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-goes-to-court-over-funding-transparency/) - [Media Alert: IEC Commissioner Interviews to take place on June 27th 2023](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-commissioner-interviews-2023/) - The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) will lead a panel interviewing for a new IEC Commissioner. This comes after former Vice-Chairperson Janet Love’s term came to an end in April of this year. My Vote Counts is committed to ensuring a transparent and inclusive recruitment process as the IEC is an essential institution in - [IEC Commissioner interviews: Office of the Chief Justice to lead](https://myvotecounts.org.za/office-of-chief-justice-lead-iec-interviews/) - [OPINION | Lilitha Zulu: What new electoral law means for independents and voters](https://myvotecounts.org.za/new-electoral-law-for-independents-and-voters/) - By Lilitha Zulu A lack of clarity, consultation, and comprehensive reform measures undermines the credibility and integrity of the electoral system. We are about a year away from the 2024 general elections, and President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Electoral Amendment Bill into law, which includes amendments that allow for independent candidates to contest national - [May Newsletter: We are challenging aspects of the Party Funding Act in court](https://myvotecounts.org.za/we-are-challenging-aspects-of-the-party-funding-act-in-court/) - It has been a big month for My Vote Counts! On 16 May, we launched an application at the Western Cape High Court challenging aspects of the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA). Before its implementation on 1 April 2021, we spoke about the need to strengthen the Act and clear up any ambiguities. For MVC: - [Op-Ed | The few pros and many serious cons of a constitutional challenge to the new electoral law](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-few-pros-and-many-serious-cons-of-a-constitutional-challenge-to-the-new-electoral-law/) - By Letlhogonolo Letshele The most fundamental issue with South Africa’s new electoral law is the constitutional requirement of proportional representation. The electoral system gravely distorts proportional representation because it creates unequal competition between independent candidates and political parties. This is enough grounds for a challenge to the new law in the Constitutional Court. On 17 - [Media alert: IEC Commissioner interviews take place tomorrow](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-alert-iec-commissioner-interviews-take-place-tomorrow/) - 26 June 2023 Tomorrow, the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) will lead a panel that will interview 12 candidates for the position of IEC Commissioner. This comes after former Vice-Chairperson Janet Love’s term came to an end in April of this year. Ms Love is also a candidate. The interviews will - [Candidates for IEC grilled on their suitability for policing ‘difficult’ 2024 elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/candidates-for-iec-grilled-on-their-suitability-for-policing-difficult-2024-elections/) - The Independent Electoral Commission selection panel, chaired by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, warned candidates that being a commissioner was not a ‘side hustle’ and asked them tough questions about their understanding of the latest legal and technological developments that would affect elections. Candidates lobbying for a position on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) faced - [Whose Vote Counts? What two years of political funding disclosures say about politics in SA](https://myvotecounts.org.za/whose-vote-counts-2-years-of-political-funding/) - What you need to know about the biggest donors to political parties in South Africa - [Clarke: Electoral Commission needs a strong candidate](https://myvotecounts.org.za/clarke-electoral-commission-needs-a-strong-candidate/) - [IEC Commissioner interviews so far: Sheilan Clarke](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-commissioner-interviews-so-far-sheilan-clarke/) - [The Electoral Commission Interviews commence](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-electoral-commission-interviews-commence/) - [We should investigate potential legislation to manage conflict within coalition governments](https://myvotecounts.org.za/legislation-to-manage-conflict-in-coalitions/) - By Joel Bregman The public needs to make it clear to political parties that our, and not their interests are the priority. For coalitions to be in the people's best interest, we must ensure the utmost transparency in the agreements reached by parties. As South Africa approaches what many consider to be its most consequential elections - [MVC's position on Legal Challenges to the Electoral Law and Electoral Reform going Forward](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvcs-position-on-legal-challenges-to-the-electoral-law-and-electoral-reform-going-forward/) - On 17 April 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Electoral Amendment Bill into law. This came after waiting two months for the president to enact the law (the Bill was referred to the president after parliamentary process was finalized on 23 February 2023), following many delays with the process of amending the law. The signing - [July Newsletter: Road to 2024 elections...](https://myvotecounts.org.za/road-to-2024-elections/) - Two weeks ago, we convened what I hope will be a significant intervention as we move towards our most consequential election since 1994. We convened a small group of social movements, labour federations and NGOs to discuss the threats that the 2024 moment presents and explore collective strategies and tactics to take into the election - [[WEBINAR] The Need to Strengthen The Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/strengthen-party-funding-act-my-vote-counts/) - [New tool launched to monitor donations to political parties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-new-tool-to-monitor-party-donations/) - My Vote Counts on Thursday launched an online tool aimed at tracking private donations to political parties. The Political Party Funding Act (PPFA), which was introduced In 2021, forced political parties to disclose all donations of R100 000 and above. Speaking at the launch on Thursday, data journalist from Open Up, Adam Oxford, said the - [My Vote Counts launches online tool to track private political party donations ahead of elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-private-party-funding-tracker/) - In terms of the Political Party Funding Act, parties must disclose private donations above R100,000. File photo. Image: Alaister Russell My Vote Counts has launched an online tool aimed at tracking private donations to political parties ahead of next year's elections. The Political Party Funding Act (PPFA), introduced in 2021, states parties must disclose private donations - [Report: People’s Convening – Towards the 2024 Elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/peoples-convening-towards-the-2024-elections/) - In July 2023, My Vote Counts convened 55 representatives of social movements, trade union federations and NGO’s. The convening was rooted in people’s struggles for water, electricity, land and housing, jobs, education and sanitation. These struggles were linked to the state of democracy, as we move towards the 2024 general elections, which will be our - [ANALYSIS | Changing laws won't stabilise coalition governments](https://myvotecounts.org.za/laws-wont-stabilise-coalition-governments/) - By Joel Bregman Political parties have adopted an approach that views more laws and regulations as the solution for ensuring successful coalition governments. However, they are very conveniently glossing over how we arrived at this point, writes Joel Bregman. Government may consider its recently concluded Dialogue on Coalition Governments to be a successful initiative that - [Will changing our laws stabilise coalition governments?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/changing-law-wont-stabilise-coalitions/) - [Coalitions & rules with Joel Bregman](https://myvotecounts.org.za/coalitions-and-rules-with-joel-bregman/) - [August Newsletter: Tracking and assessing the relationships between political parties and donors](https://myvotecounts.org.za/august-newsletter-tracking-and-assessing-the-relationships-between-political-parties-and-donors/) - This was a big month for us as we launched our party funding tracking tool — Whose Vote Counts? This forms part of our commitment to accountability and transparency of political party funding. The tool takes the quarterly disclosures from the IEC and illustrates the various sectors donors come from and provides additional information on the CEOs - [September Newsletter: The business of money in politics needs stricter rules ](https://myvotecounts.org.za/september-newsletter-the-business-of-money-in-politics-needs-stricter-rules/) - We are just one year away from one of the most consequential elections in South Africa. While there are lots of important pre-election conversations happening around the new Electoral Amendment Act and the Electoral Commission’s (IEC) readiness to implement this, the topic of coalition governments has gained much more momentum than before given that the - [The People’s Convening – Towards the 2024 Elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-peoples-convening-towards-the-2024-elections/) - My Vote Counts held a 3-day convening in Franshoek, Western Cape in July 2023. The convening was attended by 50 representatives of social movements, labour federations and NGO’s, including: Abahlali baseMjondolo, South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), Equal Education, Mining Affected Communities United in Action, National Youth Coalition, and others. The aim was to - [STATEMENT: As the IEC welcomes its 5th Commissioner, we must continue to engage with its processes](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-5th-commissioner-we-must-engage-processes/) - My Vote Counts (MVC) congratulates Ms. Janet Love on her reappointment as Commissioner of the Electoral Commission. (IEC). Ms. Love’s reappointment comes at a crucial time for the Commission, as it prepares to implement changes to the Electoral Act and manage the 2024 election process amidst political uncertainty. President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Ms. Love 5 - [Shadin Alfadil: Lessons on Democracy in Sudan](https://myvotecounts.org.za/convening-shadin-alfadil-democracy-in-sudan/) - My Vote Counts held a 3-day convening in Franshoek, Western Cape in July 2023. The aim was to harness a clear commitment from civil society to play an active role in electoral politics leading up to the 2024 general elections; by being on the side of, and focusing on, the voters, and thereby energising them - [Faduma Hassan: Organising for Political Change in the UK](https://myvotecounts.org.za/organising-for-political-change-in-the-uk/) - My Vote Counts held a 3-day convening in Franshoek, Western Cape in July 2023. The aim was to harness a clear commitment from civil society to play an active role in electoral politics leading up to the 2024 general elections; by being on the side of, and focusing on, the voters, and thereby energising them - [Lloyd Pswarayi: Shrinking of Democratic Space in Zimbabwe](https://myvotecounts.org.za/shrinking-of-democratic-space-in-zimbabwe/) - My Vote Counts held a 3-day convening in Franshoek, Western Cape in July 2023. The aim was to harness a clear commitment from civil society to play an active role in electoral politics leading up to the 2024 general elections; by being on the side of, and focusing on, the voters, and thereby energising them - [Caio Tendolini: Lessons from Brazil](https://myvotecounts.org.za/caio-tendolini-lessons-from-brazil/) - My Vote Counts held a 3-day convening in Franshoek, Western Cape in July 2023. The aim was to harness a clear commitment from civil society to play an active role in electoral politics leading up to the 2024 general elections; by being on the side of, and focusing on, the voters, and thereby energising them - [LISTEN | Political Party Funding and the Road to the 2024 Elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-elections-2024/) - In the last three years, the IEC, through the Political Party Funding Act, has disclosed the donations and funding activities of political parties. We spoke to SAfm about navigating political funding and unpacked the big question: who is funding whom? - [Annual Report 2023](https://myvotecounts.org.za/annual-report-2023/) - We are happy to present to you our very first Annual Report. View our Annual Report for 2023 at the link. - [October Newsletter: Palestine will be Free ](https://myvotecounts.org.za/october-newsletter-palestine-will-be-free/) - Photo by: Altamish Khan We, like many other members of South African civil society with a single-issue focus, have been ambivalent in meaningfully responding to the current massacre of Palestinian people by the Israeli occupation. In the past 3 weeks, Israel has killed more than 8300 people, damaged 183,000 homes and 221 educational facilities, killed more - [Coalition governments are here to stay; here are proposals for making them work better](https://myvotecounts.org.za/how-to-make-coalition-governments-work-better/) - By Joel Bregman But even with the best proposals, without a shift in political culture coalition governments will be unstable. Much of the conversation about coalitions has focused on the municipal level. However, the upcoming 2024 general elections, in which the ANC is expected to fall below 50% of the vote, raises the prospect of coalition governments - [Letter to portfolio Committee on Home Affairs: Electoral Reform Panel and Electoral Matters Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/letter-to-portfolio-committee-on-home-affairs-electoral-reform-panel-and-electoral-matters-amendment-bill/) - Letter to Minister - [The Minister of Home Affairs must publicise Electoral Reform Progress Reports](https://myvotecounts.org.za/motsoaledi-must-publicise-progress-reports/) - [THE IEC HAS ALLOCATED R5 MILLION TO POLITICAL PARTIES IN PARLIAMENT UNDER THE MPDF](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-gives-r5-million-to-parties-in-parliament/) - [My Vote Counts Submission to Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs: Electoral Matters Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/submission-electoral-matters-amendment-bill/) - On 7 December 2023, the Minister of Home Affairs introduced the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill to the National Assembly, and Parliament called for public comments a week later. Because the Bill will bring various pieces of legislation in line with the Electoral Amendment Act of 2023, it must be adopted as a law before the - [Summary of Key Amendments in Electoral Matters Amendment Bill [B42 – 2023]](https://myvotecounts.org.za/summary-of-amendments-electoral-matters-bill/) - Most of the amendments in the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill simply bring independent candidates into the fold and merely consist of inserting those words into many sections of the laws being amended. There are, however, quite a few instances when this is not done, and there is disparity between the ways that parties, independent reps, - [Elections bring with it potential coalition governments](https://myvotecounts.org.za/possible-coalition-post-election/) - [MEDIA ALERT: My Vote Counts makes submission on Electoral Matters Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-alert-my-vote-counts-makes-submission-on-electoral-matters-amendment-bill/) - On 7 December 2023, the Minister of Home Affairs introduced the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill to the National Assembly, and Parliament called for public comments a week later. Because the Bill will bring various pieces of legislation in line with the Electoral Amendment Act of 2023, it must be adopted as a law before the - [As the IEC Voter Registration Weekend Wraps Up, what now?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/voter-registration-weekend-wrap-up/) - [TSELE: Puisano ka kgatlhego ya basha mo ditlhopong](https://myvotecounts.org.za/puisano-ka-kgatlhego-ya-basha-mo-ditlhopong/) - https://omny.fm/shows/sabc-news-podcasts-playlist/tsele-puisano-ka-kgatlhego-ya-basha-mo-ditlhopong - [President should not say how much parties can receive in donations, says My Vote Counts](https://myvotecounts.org.za/president-can-not-say-how-much-parties-can-get/) - My Vote Counts says the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill is opportunistic and would make political funding more secretive. The bill, which is being rushed through Parliament, would allow the president to determine how much money political parties and independent candidates may accept as donations. The bill is supposed to give effect to the changes required - [Motsoaledi defends presidential power grab to set party donation limits in new bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/motsoaledi-defends-power-to-set-donor-limits/) - The Electoral Matters Amendment Bill contains a clause that would give the president the power to determine the threshold for disclosures, and the cap for donations to political parties and independent candidates. A parliamentary legal advisor said this clause could be unconstitutional. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi defended this, claiming the proposed changes "are - [My Vote Counts calls the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill opportunistic](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-electoral-matters-amendments-opportunistic/) - The organization My Vote Counts has expressed its opposition to the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill. They released a statement on the eve of the last voter registration weekend across the country before the expected elections in May this year. My Vote Count says the Bill will make political funding even more secretive. The Bill allows - [Post #SONA Analysis: 30 Years of Democracy but how much has changed?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/sona-30-years-of-democracy-in-south-africa/) - [A Collective Civil Society Response to the Zondo Commission and the State Capture Report](https://myvotecounts.org.za/a-collective-civil-society-response-to-the-zondo-commission-and-the-state-capture-report/) - The collective civil society response is a reflection, by civil society organisations within the Civil Society Working Group on State Capture (CSWG), on the Zondo Commission and the State Capture report. It has been compiled from several civil society organisations’ perspectives and stands as a part of ongoing collective work by the CSWG and broader - [STATEMENT: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE PARTY FUNDING LAW ARE OPPORTUNISTIC AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL](https://myvotecounts.org.za/statement-proposed-amendments-to-the-party-funding-law-are-opportunistic-and-unconstitutional/) - Tomorrow, the National Assembly will vote on the far-reaching Electoral Matters Amendment Bill (EMAB). The EMAB was introduced by Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi in December 2023, ostensibly to bring several laws in line with the amended Electoral Act (2023). On 1 March 2024 the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs adopted the EMAB with some - [CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: CANDIDATES FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE CIVIL SOCIETY ELECTORAL REFORM PANEL](https://myvotecounts.org.za/call-for-nominations-candidates-for-appointment-to-the-civil-society-electoral-reform-panel/) - Electoral reform has been at the forefront of major debates leading up to the National Elections of 2024, marking 30 years of democracy in South Africa. However, reforming the electoral system has been on the national agenda for the past two decades. Central to this discussion is the degree to which low levels of political - [Litigation looms after ANC’s 'unconstitutional money grab' by passing electoral bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/litigation-looms-after-ancs-unconstitutional-money-grab-by-passing-electoral-bill/) - Opposition parties have threatened court action over the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill, which the National Assembly passed on Tuesday. The ANC denied their claims it smuggled in amendments to the party funding scheme that would see the ANC get more public money. News24's Manifesto Meter elections tool compares political party manifestos. Read more here. The ANC, - [Letter to the Select Committee on Security and Justice: The Unconstitutionality of the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/letter-to-the-select-committee-on-security-and-justice-the-unconstitutionality-of-the-electoral-matters-amendment-bill/) - 19 March 2024 Today you will vote on the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill (EMAB) and its related report. As members of civil society, we appeal to you to reject the Bill in its current form and send it back to the National Assembly for remedy because several of its proposed amendments are plainly unconstitutional. If - [Electoral matter amendment bill passed](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-matter-amendment-bill-passed/) - [Elections 2024: People, promises and power](https://myvotecounts.org.za/elections-2024-people-promises-and-power/) - [Reimagining Democracy by Reimagining the Vote in 2024](https://myvotecounts.org.za/reimagining-democracy-by-reimagining-the-vote-in-2024/) - This piece was written by Keamogetswe Seipato and Nthabiseng Lerotholi and is an analysis of political party manifestos in relation to popular demands. My Vote Counts will launch its party manifesto analysis in April 2024… We have heard all sorts of public statements and murmurs in different circles about how the 2024 elections are potentially - [Elections, transparency and things that matter](https://myvotecounts.org.za/elections-transparency-and-things-that-matter/) - The Electoral Matters Amendment Bill: The National Assembly (NA) passed the bill last week. The bill seeks to amend the Political Party Funding Act of 2018. Among its key objectives is to align various pieces of legislation with the Electoral Amendment Act of 2023, which enables independent candidates to contest elections for seats in the - [Electoral Matters Amendment Bill: ANC steamrolls bill set to undo party funding transparency gains](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-matters-amendment-bill-anc-steamrolls-bill-set-to-undo-party-funding-transparency-gains/) - The National Council of Provinces' (NCOP) Select Committee on Security and Justice has adopted the Electoral Amendment Matters Bill. This paves the way for the bill to adopted by the full House of the NCOP. Essentially, the bill seeks to change regulations that affect the funding of political parties. Hard-won gains in the declaration of - [Letter to President Ramaphosa: The Unconstitutionality of the Electoral Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/letter-to-president-ramaphosa-the-unconstitutionality-of-the-electoral-amendment-bill/) - We have written to President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill (B42-2023) (EMAB), which seeks to amend the Political Party Funding Act, 2018. Click on the link below to read our letter. Letter to the President on the EMAB - [My Vote Counts mulls legal action against bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/ramaphosa-urged-not-to-sign-electoral-matters-amendment-bill/) - [Ramaphosa urged not to sign Electoral Matters Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/ramaphosa-urged-not-to-sign-electoral-matters-amendment-bill-2/) - [My Vote Counts calls for the President to reject the unconstitutional Electoral Matters Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-calls-for-the-president-to-reject-the-unconstitutional-electoral-matters-amendment-bill/) - [Position Paper: Proposals to strengthen coalition government in South Africa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/positions-on-proposals-to-strengthen-coalition-government-in-south-africa/) - Despite coalitions being a common feature at the municipal/local level in South Africa since the mid-1990s, there has never been a coalition government at the national level. At the provincial level, coalitions have governed briefly in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Political analysts and pollsters have pointed to the possibility of coalition governments becoming a - [Follow-up letter to the office of the President](https://myvotecounts.org.za/follow-up-letter-to-the-office-of-the-president/) - On 27 March 2024, we wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill (B42-2023) (EMAB), which seeks to amend the Political Party Funding Act, 2018. The office of the President wrote us back on 02 April 2024, notifying us that our letter was not received by the President's office. Click on the - [Dear President Cyril Ramaphosa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/dear-president-ramaphosa-letter-my-vote-counts/) - Robyn Pasensie, Political Researcher for My Vote Counts, highlights the rebuttal made to the President's office following their notification that an urgent letter regarding the dangers of the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill was not received. - [SUMMARY | MVC's positions on coalition governments in South Africa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/summary-mvcs-positions-on-coalition-governments-in-south-africa/) - Click on the link below to read our 2024 position paper on coalitions. My Vote Counts – Positions on Coalitions (2024) - [INFORMATION REGULATOR OUTCOMES OF COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATED AND ASSESSMENTS CONDUCTED IN RELATION TO PAIA AND POPIA](https://myvotecounts.org.za/information-regulator-outcomes-of-complaints-investigated-and-assessments-conducted-in-relation-to-paia-and-popia/) - FINAL_MEDIA BRIEFING STATEMENT OF THE INFORMATION REGULATOR ON OUTCOMES ON COMPLAINTS ASSESSMENTS_ - [An accountable coalition government requires a shift in our political culture](https://myvotecounts.org.za/an-accountable-coalition-government-requires-a-shift-in-our-political-culture/) - MVC launches its position paper on coalition governments 19 April 2024 By Joel Bregman Since 2016 the debate on coalition government focused on their dysfunctionality, poor service delivery, and instability. But coalition government is not the root cause of the decay in many of our municipalities. Between 2000 and 2016, the number of municipalities that - [JOEL BREGMAN | We must interrogate why coalitions don’t work](https://myvotecounts.org.za/we-must-interrogate-why-coalitions-dont-work/) - Since 2016, the debate on coalition government focused on their dysfunctionality, poor service delivery and instability. But coalition government is not the root cause of the decay in many municipalities. Between 2000 and 2016, the number of municipalities that produced hung councils in the local government elections (LGEs) hovered between the high 20s and low - [People's interests, not politicians', should inform coalition legislation, says My Vote Counts](https://myvotecounts.org.za/peoples-interests-not-politicians-should-inform-coalition-legislation-says-my-vote-counts/) - As coalitions are set to become a more prevalent feature of South African politics, legislation for them has been mooted. NGO My Vote Counts drafted a policy paper intended to place the interests of the people above those of political parties. It does not support mooted provisions like limiting the number of motions of no confidence or an - [MY VOTE COUNTS WILL ENSURE THAT THE UNCONSTITUTIONAL ELECTORAL MATTERS AMENDMENT BILL DOES NOT UNDERMINE PARTY FUNDING TRANSPARENCY](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-will-ensure-that-the-unconstitutional-electoral-matters-amendment-bill-does-not-undermine-party-funding-transparency/) - 08 May 2024 Yesterday President Ramaphosa assented to the unconstitutional Electoral Matters Amendment Bill (EMAB). The Bill was introduced in December 2023 and was necessary to amend several pieces of legislation to allow independent candidates to contest national and provincial elections. But the Bill was also used opportunistically by the ANC to undermine political party - [MEDIA ALERT: MVC LAUNCHES URGENT APPLICATION TO DEFEND PARTY FUNDING TRANSPARENCY LAWS IN THE WESTERN CAPE HIGH COURT](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-alert-mvc-launches-urgent-application-to-defend-party-funding-transparency-laws-in-the-western-cape-high-court/) - 10 May 2024 Today at 14h00, MVC’s urgent application to defend our party funding transparency laws will be heard in the Western Cape High Court. The respondents cited in the matter are the President, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Acting Speaker of the National Assembly. Our - [Founding Affidavit: MVC's urgent application to defend party funding transparency](https://myvotecounts.org.za/founding-affidavit-mvcs-urgent-application-to-defend-party-funding-transparency/) - MVC’s urgent application to defend our party funding transparency laws will be heard in the Western Cape High Court on 10 May 2024. The respondents cited in the matter are the President, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Acting Speaker of the National Assembly. Our application asks - [The People's Analysis of Manifestos](https://myvotecounts.org.za/pam-the-peoples-analysis-of-manifestos-2024/) - In the very first offering of the My Vote Counts (MVC) 2024 newsletter, it is noted that President Ramaphosa, in his State of the Nation Address speech, failed to recognise that all the progress made around socio-economic issues in South Africa has been because people have had a say. South Africa is known for having - [STATEMENT: Parties declare R172 million in what may be the last disclosure under the PPFA before the implementation of the Electoral Matters Amendment Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/statement-parties-declare-r172-million-in-what-may-be-the-last-disclosure-under-the-ppfa-before-the-implementation-of-the-electoral-matters-amendment-act/) - We congratulate the Electoral Commission (IEC) for publishing the quarterly disclosures for the period 1 January to 31 March 2024 in terms of the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA). This timeous disclosure comes as the IEC prepares for the national elections on 29 May. It shows the IEC’s continued commitment to providing private funding information - [STATEMENT: Civil society launches People’s Analysis of Manifestos](https://myvotecounts.org.za/statement-civil-society-launches-peoples-analysis-of-manifestos/) - 21 May 2024 22 May / Live broadcast, SABC Studios, Sea Point / 20h00 – 22h00 My Vote Counts and civil society and community-based organisations have collaborated to produce a detailed analysis of the major political parties' 2024 election manifestos. The analysis focuses on several key issues and was developed through the lens of social - [WATCH | The People’s Analysis of Manifestos (PAM) Launch](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-peoples-analysis-of-manifestos-pam-launch/) - [MEDIA STATEMENT: MY VOTE COUNTS WILL ADDRESS THE CURRENT PERIOD OF PARTY FUNDING LAWLESSNESS](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-statement-my-vote-counts-will-address-the-current-period-of-party-funding-lawlessness/) - Last month, the Western Cape High Court ruled that the Electoral Matters Amendment Act (EMAA) has created a lacuna in the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA). This lacuna allows donors to give unlimited amounts to political parties without any obligation for either the donors or the parties to disclose this information. This entirely avoidable situation - [NEWSLETTER: COALITION AGREEMENTS BETWEEN POLITICAL PARTIES MUST BE MADE PUBLIC](https://myvotecounts.org.za/newsletter-coalition-agreements-between-political-parties-must-be-made-public/) - by Joel Bregman Tomorrow, the National Assembly will convene its first sitting. While parties have intensified their negotiations after the election results were announced when it became clear exactly where the chips had fallen, prior to 29 May, talks had already been underway. So, while our headlines are now dominated by the Government of National - [MVC’s urgent application on Constitutional Validity of Electoral Matters Amendment Act - Case WCHC No 10607.24](https://myvotecounts.org.za/western-cape-high-court-on-mvcs-urgent-application-on-constitutional-validity-of-emaa/) - On 27 May 2024, following the urgent application hearing on 17 May 2024, the Honourable Judge Thulare delivered his judgment in which he inter alia found that the EMAA is prima facie unconstitutional on account of the lacuna it created. My Vote Counts had launched an urgent application to defend our party funding transparency laws - [Supplementary Affidavit: MVC seeks to supplement May 2023 papers concerning Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/supplementary-affidavit-mvc-seeks-to-supplement-may-2023-papers-concerning-party-funding-act/) - On 27 May, the Western Cape High Court handed down its judgment and concurred with our position that there is a lacuna in the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA) and that it is prima facie unconstitutional, in relation to the amendments made to the Electoral Matters Amendment Act. Despite the Court agreeing that a lacuna - [Letter from My Vote Counts to members of the GNU regarding agreements](https://myvotecounts.org.za/letter-from-my-vote-counts-to-members-of-the-gnu-regarding-agreements/) - MVC has written to members of the Government of National Unity asking that they release the agreement/s reached both at the national level, and the respective agreements in the three provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Northern Cape, if there are indeed separate agreements. If the agreements are still being finalised, we request that parties - [OPINION | Money seeks a bedfellow and we need to know who’s sleeping with who](https://myvotecounts.org.za/opinion-money-seeks-a-bedfellow-and-we-need-to-know-whos-sleeping-with-who/) - by Robyn Pasensie Relative wealth: Business person Patrice Motsepe, who is also the brother-in-law of President Cyril Ramaphosa, is one of the country’s biggest donors to political parties. Photo: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images It is a truth universally acknowledged that a man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a political party - [My Vote Counts submission to COGTA: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill 2024](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-coalitions-bill-submission/) - My Vote Counts has made a submission to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs call for written submissions on the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill. We agree that there is a need for some legislation to provide a structure in which coalition governments can operate more effectively. However, this process cannot be - [Civil Society to launch a people-led Electoral Reform Panel at ConHill ](https://myvotecounts.org.za/6663-2/) - Civil Society to launch a people-led Electoral Reform Panel at ConHill The State has set up yet another panel to advise on broad electoral reform. The panel lacks civil society representation but includes current or former members of the Electoral Commission, as well as members of previous electoral reform panels. In efforts to demonstrate civil society’s - [STATEMENT: MY VOTE COUNTS OBJECTS TO ELEMENTS OF THE COALITION BILL THAT UNDERMINES DEMOCRACY](https://myvotecounts.org.za/statement-my-vote-counts-objects-to-elements-of-the-coalition-bill-that-undermines-democracy/) - Last week we made a submission on the ‘Coalitions Bill’. The Bill was introduced to deal with the instability and dysfunction that has, to some degree unfairly, been associated with local coalitions, and specifically several metros. We agree that there is a need for some legislation to provide a structure in which coalition governments can - [STATEMENT: MVC RETURNS TO COURT FOR CASE TO ADDRESS THE LACUNA IN THE POLITICAL PARTY FUNDING ACT](https://myvotecounts.org.za/statement-mvc-returns-to-court-for-case-to-address-the-lacuna-in-the-political-party-funding-act/) - 12 August 2024 For the past 3 months, we have been in a period of political party funding lawlessness. On 8 May 2024, the President brought the Electoral Matters Amendment Act (EMAA) into operation, which amended the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA). Crucially, when the EMAA came into effect, it removed the previous limits on - [My Vote Counts back in court over act that has created 'political funding free-for-all'](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-back-in-court-party-funding/) - Days before the national elections, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the controversial Electoral Matters Amendment Act. My Vote Counts says the act has created a vacuum on donations limits to political parties and independent cand idates. The matter is being heard in the Western Cape High Court on Monday. My Vote Counts, the Presidency, the justice, correctional services and - [UPDATE: JUDGMENT RESERVED IN POLITICAL FUNDING CASE TO ADDRESS LACUNA IN THE LAW](https://myvotecounts.org.za/update-judgment-reserved-in-political-funding-case-to-address-lacuna-in-the-law/) - 13 August 2024 On 12 August 2024, My Vote Counts (MVC) returned to the Western Cape High Court for the return date hearing in relation to the urgent application we brought in May 2024. For the past 3 months, we have been in a period of political party funding lawlessness since the President brought the - [STATEMENT: MVC RETURNS TO COURT FOR CASE TO ADDRESS THE LACUNA IN THE POLITICAL PARTY FUNDING ACT](https://myvotecounts.org.za/statement-mvc-returns-to-court-for-case-to-address-the-lacuna-in-the-political-party-funding-act-2/) - 9 August 2024 For the past 3 months, we have been in a period of political party funding lawlessness. On 8 May 2024, the President brought the Electoral Matters Amendment Act (EMAA) into operation, which amended the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA). Crucially, when the EMAA came into effect, it removed the previous limits on - [Judgement: MVC V President of RSA 16 August](https://myvotecounts.org.za/judgement-mvc-v-president-of-rsa-16-august/) - My Vote Count NPC v President of RSA 16 August 2024 - [STATEMENT | JUDGMENT CLOSES THE LACUNA IN OUR PARTY FUNDING LAW, REINSTATES THE ANNUAL DONATION CAP AND DISCLOSURE THRESHOLD](https://myvotecounts.org.za/statement-judgment-closes-the-lacuna-in-our-party-funding-law-reinstates-the-annual-donation-cap-and-disclosure-threshold/) - On 16 August Judge Thulare of the Western Cape High Court delivered judgment in the case of My Vote Counts NPC v President of the Republic of South Africa and Others. The Court ruled in My Vote Counts’ favour. This is a victory for transparency and accountability. While it does not advance our party funding - [Western Cape High Court plugs party funding gap](https://myvotecounts.org.za/wc-high-court-plugs-party-funding-gap/) - by Jan Gerber The Western Cape High Court reinstated the donation limit for political parties and independent candidates at R15 million and the disclosure threshold at R100 000. These regulations were removed when President Cyril Ramaphosa enacted the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill and meant parties could receive any amount in donations and would not have - [WATCH | Civil society launches its own electoral reform panel](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-launches-electoral-reform-panel/) - [WATCH | Civil Society Electoral Reform Panel (CSERP)](https://myvotecounts.org.za/cserp-developing-alternative-electoral-system/) - [Political Party Funding Act | Judgment reserved in My Vote Counts case](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-act-judgment-reserved-in-my-vote-counts-case/) - [Statement | IEC Issues first Political Funding Disclosures for 2024/25](https://myvotecounts.org.za/statement-iec-issues-first-political-funding-disclosures-for-2024-25-despite-the-lacuna-in-our-party-funding-laws-for-this-disclosure-period-there-has-been-compliance-with-the-pfa/) - DESPITE THE LACUNA IN OUR PARTY FUNDING LAWS FOR THIS DISCLOSURE PERIOD, THERE HAS BEEN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PFA Last Friday the Electoral Commission released the newest set of funding disclosures under the Political Funding Act (PFA). The disclosures cover the period from 1 April to 30 June 2024. This is the first set - [Media Alert | Civil Society Electoral Reform Panel Submission to Parliament's Panel](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-alert-civil-society-electoral-reform-panel-submission-to-parliaments-panel/) - 6 November 2024 The Civil Society Electoral Reform Panel (CSERP) has made a written submission to Parliament’s Electoral Reform Consultation Panel. Parliament must use this opportunity to consider electoral reform that enhances transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and fairness. Our submission highlights specific deficiencies and flaws with the current system that ultimately erode democracy. CSERP is - [Op-ed I A Shifting Electoral Landscape: Rethinking Democracy in Southern Africa’s 2024 Elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/op-ed-i-a-shifting-electoral-landscape-rethinking-democracy-in-southern-africas-2024-elections/) - 13 December 2024 Authors: Boikanyo Moloto and Keamogetswe Seipato 2024 has often been dubbed THE election year. More than half of the world’s population headed to polling stations to cast their votes in 72 countries[1]. A moment that calls upon global citizens to reflect on the strength and quality of the democracies they - [Media Statement I My Vote Counts Returns to Court to Strengthen the Political Funding Act  ](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-returns-to-court-to-strengthen-the-political-funding-act/) - Almost two years since we filed papers, our application challenging the constitutionality of the Political Funding Act (PFA) will be heard in the Western Cape High Court, on 17-19 February 2025. The Act, formerly the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA), is one of the most important pieces of legislation since 1996 and has gone a - [BJC Media release - Budget 2.0 2025](https://myvotecounts.org.za/bjc-media-release-budget-2-0-2025/) - [Strengthening South Africa’s political funding legislation is not a zero-sum game](https://myvotecounts.org.za/strengthening-south-africas-political-funding-legislation-is-not-a-zero-sum-game/) - By Lauren Gildenhuys and Joel Bregman On 17 and 18 February 2025, My Vote Counts’ application challenging the constitutionality of the Political Party Funding Act — now the Political Funding Act — was argued in the Western Cape Division of the High Court. The application has placed South Africa’s political funding regime firmly back in - [Op-ed I Using election manifestos to indicate prospective coalition partners](https://myvotecounts.org.za/using-election-manifestos-to-indicate-prospective-coalition-partners/) - By Nthabiseng Lerotholi At a time when locally, provincially, and nationally, coalitions are the order of the day, there is a need to keep voters and the public informed about these developments in South Africa’s political landscape. This will help create an environment where we have a better understanding of power-sharing as a viable form - [30 Years of Democracy Gathering - Day 1](https://myvotecounts.org.za/30-years-of-democracy-gathering-day-1/) -  - [30 Years of Democracy Gathering - Day 2](https://myvotecounts.org.za/30-years-of-democracy-gathering-day-2/) -  - [30 Years of Democracy Gathering - Day 3](https://myvotecounts.org.za/30-years-of-democracy-gathering-day-3/) -  - [Report: 30 Years of Democracy Gathering](https://myvotecounts.org.za/report-30-years-of-democracy-gathering/) - [LISTEN | The Civil Society Electoral Reform Panel launched in SA](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-electoral-reform-panel-sa/) - [WATCH | On Electoral Reform - Boikanyo Moloto](https://myvotecounts.org.za/watch-on-electoral-reform-boikanyo-moloto/) - [Civil Society Electoral Reform Panel (CSERP) Launch](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-electoral-reform-panel-launch/) - [Civil society launches its own electoral reform panel after Parliament's snub](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-launches-its-own-electoral-reform-panel-after-parliaments-snub/) - by Jan Gerber Civil society organisations formed their own panel on electoral reform. This comes after civil society was snubbed for a panel appointed by Parliament in May. While several reports have recommended a hybrid constituency/proportional system for South Africa, the previously ANC-dominated Parliament failed to move on it. A push to change how South - [30 Years of Democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/30-years-of-democracy/) - [Civil Society launching its own Electoral Reform Panel](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-launching-electoral-reform-panel/) - [CPLO Interview Series: Political Party Funding – What We Need to Know](https://myvotecounts.org.za/cplo-interview-series-political-party-funding-what-we-need-to-know/) - [Letter to Political Parties: Electoral Matters Amendment Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/letter-to-political-parties-electoral-matters-amendment-act/) - This week, our lawyers wrote to political parties to inform them that accepting any donation above R15 million and the failure to record and disclose any donation are both unlawful, any funds received in contravention of the upper limit will be required to be returned, and such donations are being accepted and spent at the - [REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: MVC seeks an Organisational Development Consultant](https://myvotecounts.org.za/request-for-proposals-mvc-seeks-an-organisational-development-consultant/) - My Vote Counts (MVC) emerged out of campaigns by South African civil society, in the early 2000s, to address corruption and the hollowing out of South Africa’s democracy. It was launched as a public campaign in 2012 with two main objectives. The first was to advocate for an electoral system that utilises both proportional representation - [NATIONAL ASSEMBLY VOTES ON THE ELECTORAL MATTERS AMENDMENT BILL WHICH LOOKS INTO THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDING OF POLITICAL PARTIES](https://myvotecounts.org.za/national-assembly-votes-on-the-electoral-matters-amendment-bill-which-looks-into-the-public-and-private-funding-of-political-parties/) - [‘Grave threat to our democracy’ — Parliament passes controversial electoral legislation](https://myvotecounts.org.za/grave-threat-to-our-democracy-parliament-passes-controversial-electoral-legislation/) - The National Assembly passed the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill on Tuesday, opening the door to litigation before the crucial general election. The National Assembly passed the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill during a hybrid plenary on Tuesday. The Bill seeks to amend the Political Party Funding Act of 2018 and align various pieces of legislation with - [Elections 2024 Unpacked with Keamogetswe Seipato](https://myvotecounts.org.za/elections-2024-unpacked-with-keamogetswe-seipato/) - [MEDIA ALERT: THE PRESIDENT MUST REJECT THE UNCONSTITUTIONAL ELECTORAL MATTERS AMENDMENT BILL](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-alert-the-president-must-reject-the-unconstitutional-electoral-matters-amendment-bill/) - 28 March 2024 This week the National Council of Provinces adopted the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill. Now, both houses of Parliament have adopted the Bill, despite being warned of its unconstitutionality. The Bill will now go to the President for consideration. Yesterday, we wrote to the President explaining why the Bill is plainly unconstitutional. Our - [CIVIL SOCIETY GROUP, MY VOTE COUNTS BEMOANS ADOPTION OF ELECTORAL MATTERS AMENDMENT BILL BY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-group-my-vote-counts-bemoans-adoption-of-electoral-matters-amendment-bill-by-national-assembly/) - [Newsletter: #30Years0fDemocracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-march-newsletter-30-years-of-democracy/) - A few weeks ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the 31st SONA by a democratically elected President. He centred his speech around a fallacious reflection of what he referred to as "30 years of freedom". To assert his analysis of the state of our democracy, Ramaphosa introduced a fictional character he called Tintswalo. The name is - [South Africans urged to register for the 2024 Election before Friday’s deadline](https://myvotecounts.org.za/south-africans-urged-to-register-for-the-2024-election-before-fridays-deadline/) - Time is running out for South Africans who wish to cast their votes in the upcoming national and provincial elections. The deadline to register for the Elections 2024 is set for Friday, 23 February, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. President Ramaphosa has designated May 29 as the polling date for the upcoming elections. For - [Children of Democracy reflect on 30 years of freedom ahead of polls](https://myvotecounts.org.za/democracy-children-30years-freedom-ahead-polls/) - [Rise Mzansi secures close to R17m in donations less than a year after its establishment](https://myvotecounts.org.za/rise-mzansi-secures-close-to-r17m-in-donations/) - Rise Mzansi lifted the lid on who was funding its operations ahead of the 2024 general election. The party received a donation of R15 million from Rebecca Oppenheimer. Party bosses said it did not receive taxpayer funding, like other parties in Parliament. Political newcomers Rise Mzansi secured close to R17 million in funding less than - [Salaamedia: Summary of key amendments in the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/salaamedia-summary-of-key-amendments-in-the-electoral-matters-amendment-bill/) - https://youtu.be/t1k9TZWDfP0 - [SA parties should do more to resonate with young people](https://myvotecounts.org.za/sa-parties-should-do-more-resonate-with-youth/) - [My Vote Counts makes submissions on the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-submission-electoral-matters-bill/) - [WATCH | Is it okay for politicians to lie to you?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/should-politicians-to-lie-we-the-nation/) - [My Vote Counts calls on the Minister of Home Affairs to publicise electoral reform progress reports](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-calls-on-the-minister-of-home-affairs-to-publicise-electoral-reform-progress-reports/) - 27 November 2023 The public must have access to adequate information related to the electoral system in order to be able to fully exercise their political rights. We, therefore, call on Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to publish the progress reports on the Electoral Reform consultation panel and the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill. - [October Newsletter: Palestine Will Be Free](https://myvotecounts.org.za/oct-newsletter/) - We, like many other members of South African civil society with a single-issue focus, have been ambivalent in meaningfully responding to the current massacre of Palestinian people by the Israeli occupation. In the past 3 weeks, Israel has killed more than 8300 people, damaged 183,000 homes and 221 educational facilities, killed more than 35 journalists, - [VACANCY | Research & Campaigns Intern](https://myvotecounts.org.za/vacancy-research-and-campaigns-intern-2024/) - Are you an advocate of democracy? Do you have an interest in using your skills to enhance social justice as we move to the 2024 General Elections? If you are looking for an opportunity to develop your skills and play a role in a young and dynamic organisation that will make South African politics fairer - [A CRITICAL REVIEW OF PARTY FUNDING: The first two years of the Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/a-critical-review-of-party-funding-the-first-two-years-of-the-political-party-funding-act/) - The roots of the PPFA can be found nearly 20 years ago when the Institute for Democratic Alternatives in South Africa (IDASA) launched a court application with the Western Cape High Court seeking an order that political parties should be required to disclose theirm private funding donations. This emerged from a campaign run by IDASA - [TUTORIAL | How to use the Whose Vote Counts Tool](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tutorial-how-to-use-the-whose-vote-counts-tool/) - In partnership with OpenUp, Whose Vote Counts? was designed to help voters, activists and journalists answer these questions. The interactive Tool allows users to interact with infographics that illustrate the sources of private political funding and their business interests. It shows, unsurprisingly, that around 41.4% (R115 million) of all private donations comes from the top - [Whose Vote Counts? explained](https://myvotecounts.org.za/whose-vote-counts-explained/) - My Vote Counts launched an interactive online tool — Whose Vote Counts? which aims to provide information about who private political donors are and what we know about their business interests. Since 2021, 22% (over R61 million) of all disclosed private funding donations has been from the mining industry followed by the energy industry at - [WATCH | Tracking the flow of private party funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tracking-the-flow-of-private-party-funding/) - On 3 August 2023, we launched our Whose Vote Counts? platform tracking the flow of private party funding. In the video below, our Head of Communications & Stakeholder Management, Sheilan Clarke, chats to News24 Editor, Qaanitah Hunter about party funding transparency and how this platform assists in sharing this essential information. - [How to see where political parties get their money](https://myvotecounts.org.za/gu-see-where-political-parties-get-their-money/) - My Vote Counts has launched a tool to visualize political party funding disclosures. An online app by My Vote Counts shows who has donated how much to each political party. The tracked donations are limited to amounts greater than R100,000. We examined the data. Here are three key takeaways: A Russian-linked mining company is the - [Statement: Launch of Whose Vote Counts? Party Funding Tracking Tool](https://myvotecounts.org.za/whose-vote-counts-funding-of-political-parties/) - We are live! We have launched our exciting new platform tracking the private funding of political parties called Whose Vote Counts? Since 2021, the Political Party Funding Act has forced political parties to disclose receiving more than R278 million rand from private donors. But who are these donors? What are the sources of their funds? - [Whose Vote Counts? - Private Political Party Funding Tracking Platform Launch](https://myvotecounts.org.za/launch-whose-vote-counts-funding-tracker/) - On 3 August 2023, we launched our private political party funding tracking platform — Whose Vote Counts? It was developed by Open Up to assist in tracking and assessing the relationships between donors and parties. Watch the webinar launch below. - [My Vote Counts launches political party funding tracking tool](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-party-funding-tracking-tool/) - [Meet the 3 biggest funders behind SA's political parties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-3-biggest-funders-behind-political-parties/) - Three billionaires are dominating the political party funding scene in South Africa. Top political parties in the country have all been given money by the same three people. Patrice Motsepe, Martin Moshal, and the Oppenheimer Family are the top donors. South Africa's top political parties may disagree on almost everything, but they have one thing - [Political Party Funding | My Vote Counts follows the money](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-follows-the-money/) - [My Vote Counts' virtual tool to track funding to political parties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-launches-whose-vote-counts-tool/) - [Political Party Funding Act: Stronger law on political party funding needed?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-act-stronger-law-on-political-party-funding-needed/) - [Why young people should go out in their numbers to vote](https://myvotecounts.org.za/why-young-people-should-go-out-in-their-numbers-to-vote/) - Written by Sonke Mzana and Sheilan Clarke Following the last voters registration weekend on 26 and 27 January 2019, 700 000 new voters turned up to register to vote. 81% of those new voters were under the age of 30 years old. This is encouraging considering how for years there seemed be this sense of - [eNCA’s The Fix: The new Political Party Funding Act and its implications](https://myvotecounts.org.za/encas-the-fix-the-new-political-party-funding-act-and-its-implications/) - https://youtu.be/JzWqpoAMKBg - [702 Radio: The new Political Party Funding Act and its implications](https://myvotecounts.org.za/702-radio-the-new-political-party-funding-act-and-its-implications/) - [PRESS RELEASE: MVC WELCOMES THE SIGNING OF THE POLITICAL PARTY FUNDING BILL](https://myvotecounts.org.za/press-release-mvc-welcomes-the-signing-of-the-political-party-funding-bill/) - President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Political Party Funding Bill into law. The signing of this Bill is a truly historic event in South Africa’s political history. When implemented it will drastically enhance the transparency, accountability and inclusiveness of our country’s political and electoral system. Since 2012, My Vote Counts (MVC) has advocated for and consistently - [What young South Africa thought of the year that was](https://myvotecounts.org.za/what-young-south-africa-thought-of-the-year-that-was/) - 2018 was a lot to digest. Corruption has weakened the South African economy. The mismanagement of state resources and misusing of taxpayers money have lead citizens to lose trust in political leaders and in many cases, empathetic to politics and elections. We decided to get the views of young South Africans on what they thought - [Op-Ed: The role of youth in South African leadership](https://myvotecounts.org.za/op-ed-the-role-of-youth-in-south-african-leadership/) - The following is an opinion piece by MVC intern Sonke Mzana. Views expressed may not necessarily reflect that of MVC. It is no secret that we live on a continent with leaders who are power-hungry. Presidents serving for 30 or 40 years and well past an age where they need assistance with almost every turn. - [Top Five Stories of 2018 in Politics](https://myvotecounts.org.za/top-five-stories-of-2018-in-politics/) - If we had sufficient legislation in place: all the corruption that has happened could have been prevented. The Political Party Funding Bill, State Capture Inquiry, SARS Commission of Inquiry, VBS bank heist and Vincent Smith are our top political stories for this year. Political Party Funding Bill The Political Party Bill was passed in Parliament - [Election season brings the conflation of party and state](https://myvotecounts.org.za/election-season-brings-the-conflation-of-party-and-state/) - Election season is upon us and so is the probability that political parties in government may use tax-payers’ money to boost their election campaigns. Based on our history, this period will probably be marked by the misuse and abuse of state resources. Allegations of this have been countless. In 2014, Jacob Zuma, then the president, - [Reflections - The IEC Commissioner Appointment Process 2018](https://myvotecounts.org.za/reflections-the-iec-commissioner-appointment-process-2018/) - The second term of office for Vice Chairperson, Terry Tselane and the first term of office for Reverend Bongani Finca and Judge Thami Makhanya came to an end this year as Independent Electoral Commissioners. This resulted in three vacancies arising at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The vacancies needed to be filled with urgency as - [Parties have a duty to reveal their donors](https://myvotecounts.org.za/parties-have-a-duty-to-reveal-their-donors/) - DEMOCRACY Over the past two years, civil society has witnessed significant gains in the fight for more transparency about political party private funding. This year, in particular, civil society celebrated a favourable Constitutional Court judgment on the matter between My Vote Counts vs the Minister of Justice, delivered in MVC’s favour. The court confirmed political - [Why the Political Party Funding Bill needs to be signed urgently](https://myvotecounts.org.za/why-the-political-party-funding-bill-needs-to-be-signed-urgently/) - Let’s face it — political corruption in South Africa has reached epidemic proportions. Every day we are finding out just how our elected leaders have been shamelessly taking what is rightfully ours. If anything, the State Capture Inquiry reveals, but yet also confirms, our fears of theft and bribery which some say nearly cost the - [Young people can be leaders too](https://myvotecounts.org.za/young-people-can-be-leaders-too/) - Did you know that people aged between 20 and 44 make up 57% of the world’s population but only 26% of the world’s MPs? Why are there so few people in this age bracket in positions of power? Is it the lack of civic education? Age bias? Or is it simply that young people are not - [Sign Our Petition asking President Ramaphosa to Enact the Party Funding Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/sign-our-petition-asking-president-ramaphosa-to-enact-the-party-funding-bill/) - MVC and Right To Know have set up a petition that asks the President to sign the Political Party Funding Bill before the 2019 elections. It is our democratic right to not just vote but to make an informed vote. The information of political parties’ private donor information is required to make an informed vote at - [Party Funding School Debate - Highlights](https://myvotecounts.org.za/party-funding-school-debate-highlights/) - [Party Funding School Debate - Vox Pops](https://myvotecounts.org.za/party-funding-school-debate-vox-pops/) - [An update on the IEC Commissioner appointment process](https://myvotecounts.org.za/an-update-on-the-iec-commissioner-appointment-process/) - With the 2019 elections less than a year away, we still have three IEC Commissioners that need to be appointed. While we await the National Assembly to formally recommend the three candidates to the President for appointment, we’ll take a look back at the process so far and who the Portfolio Committee of Home Affairs - [SABC: Activists gave political parties deadline to disclose funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/sabc-activists-gave-political-parties-deadline-to-disclose-funding/) - [Inkatha Freedom Party Response to Party Funding Request](https://myvotecounts.org.za/new-post/) - 07 sept 18 Inkatha Freedom Party Response to Party Funding Request - [Vox Pops: Youth Participation in Elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/vox-pops-youth-participation-in-elections/) - [Encouraging youth to vote in elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/encouraging-youth-to-vote-in-elections/) - [Democratic Alliance Response to Party Funding Request](https://myvotecounts.org.za/new-post-11/) - 30-aug 18 Democratic Alliance Response to Party Funding Request - [Letter to Parties Requesting Party Funding Information](https://myvotecounts.org.za/new-post-2/) - 14 aug 18 Letter to Parties Requesting Party Funding Information - [IEC Commissioner Interview Report](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-commissioner-interview-report/) - Interviews for the nominated candidates who are to be appointed as Commissioners at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) were held on 26-27 June 2018. The Panel was comprised of Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, Public Protector Advocate Mkhwebane, Deputy Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality, Ms Mathebula and Commissioner Makwetla from the South African Human - [[WATCH] Terry Tselane on his legacy and supporting new commissioners](https://myvotecounts.org.za/watch-terry-tselane-on-his-legacy-and-supporting-new-commissioners/) - With a career spanning close to 20 years, outgoing IEC Commissioner and Vice-Chairperson, Terry Tselane says he's proud with his achievements at the Commission. The IEC veteran has been involved in countless elections including four national and provincial elections, four municipal elections and hundreds of by-elections. This making him a record holder for most elections - [Terry Tselane's Legacy Part 3](https://myvotecounts.org.za/terry-tselanes-legacy-part-3/) - [Terry Tselane's Legacy Part 2](https://myvotecounts.org.za/terry-tselanes-legacy-part-2/) - [[WATCH] Interview with SA Human Rights Commissioner: Angie Makwetla](https://myvotecounts.org.za/watch-interview-with-sa-human-rights-commissioner-angie-makwetla/) - Recently MVC sat down with South African Human Rights Commissioner, Ms Angie Makwetla during the IEC Commissioner candidate interviews in Midrand. Commissioner Makwetla and her panel members which also included Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Deputy Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality, Tamara Mathebula interviewed 23 shortlisted candidates hoping to - [Terry Tselane's Legacy - Part 1](https://myvotecounts.org.za/terry-tselanes-legacy-part-1/) - [IEC Commissioner Panel Interviews: Interview with Commissioner Angie Makwetla](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-commissioner-panel-interviews-interview-with-commissioner-angie-makwetla/) - [SABC: Political party funding discussion](https://myvotecounts.org.za/sabc-political-party-funding-discussion/) - https://youtu.be/oQVI8R_RvNI - [Political Party Funding Bill: A closer look at the loopholes](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-bill-a-closer-look-at-the-loopholes/) - Political Party Funding Bill: A closer look at the loopholes [Opinion piece] By: Zahira Grimwood, Party Funding Researcher at My Vote Counts The Political Party Funding Bill is before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). Criticism on the Bill in its current form should be invited. If Parliament approves amendments to the Bill, amending the - [Progress report on our current campaigns](https://myvotecounts.org.za/progress-report-on-our-current-campaigns/) - In the mist of all the developments happening with our Party Funding and IEC Commissioner campaigns, we thought we'd keep you up to speed by highlighting what has happened up until now. Political Party Funding Bill The Party Funding Bill is currently before the Ad Hoc Committee for Funding of Political Parties in the National Council - [Report on IEC Commissioner Candidates Released](https://myvotecounts.org.za/report-on-iec-commissioner-candidates-released/) - My Vote Counts and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) have compiled a comprehensive report on the 26 shortlisted candidates who have been shortlisted for interview for the three vacancies as Commissioners for the Electoral Commission (IEC). A panel consisting of Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, the Chairperson of the Human - [Written submission to NCOP Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/written-submission-to-ncop-ad-hoc-committee-on-the-funding-of-political-parties/) - Click on the link below to download the pdf report 2018.06.08 - Written submission to NCOP Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties - [Road to Commissioner: Glen Mashinini and Janet Love](https://myvotecounts.org.za/road-to-commissioner-glen-mashinini-and-janet-love/) - By Farai Savanhu The IEC Commissioner shortlist is out boasting 26 candidates to fill the three vacancies. The public has until 11 June to make the comments on the candidates. In the meantime, we'll take a look at how this process unfolded in 2015, the context then was eerily similar to the current one, it - [26 shortlisted candidates for IEC commissioner posts](https://myvotecounts.org.za/26-shortlisted-candidates-for-iec-commissioner-posts/) - The Office of the Chief Justice has released the 26 shortlisted names for the three vacant commissioner posts at the IEC. Current Commissioner, Rev Bongani Finca is among the long list of candidates. The public has until 11 June to comment and these can be sent to Mr Sello Chiloane at chiloane@concourt.org.za and alternatively Ms Tebogo Phaahlamohlaka on tphaahlamohlaka@judiciary.org.za - [CALL FOR WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS on Party Funding Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/call-for-comment-on-party-funding-bill/) - A call for public written submissions on the Political Party Funding Bill is open. This follows the first meeting by the new Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). On 27 March, the National Assembly (NA) had passed the Bill after intense deliberations as part of - [The ANC and AZAPO's submission for the proposed Political Party Funding Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-ancs-submission-for-the-proposed-political-party-funding-bill/) - With all the debate about the Political Party Funding Bill among civil society and the general public, what exactly does the ruling party think of the Bill? We've put together an infographic that details what the African National Congress as well as Azanian People's Organisation (AZAPO) proposes for the Draft Political Party Funding Bill. Click - [PRESS RELEASE: IEC COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENT PROCESS KICKS OFF 19 March 2018](https://myvotecounts.org.za/press-release-iec-commissioner-appointment-process-kicks-off-19-march-2018/) - PRESS RELEASE: IEC COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENT PROCESS KICKS OFF 19 March 2018 The Office of the Chief Justice has initiated the process to fill the vacancies for three Electoral Commissioners during 2018. A call for nominations has been published with a closing date - [Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng at PAIA Hearing](https://myvotecounts.org.za/chief-justice-mogoeng-mogoeng-at-paia-hearing/) - [Get to know the IEC Commissioner Appointment Process](https://myvotecounts.org.za/get-to-know-the-iec-commissioner-appointment-process/) - A total of three commissioner vacancies are up for grabs at the Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa and the appointment process is currently underway. The many roles these commissioners play include ensuring every election is free and fair, compiling and maintaining the voters' roll and ensuring the roll out of voter education among many - [Political Party Funding Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/policy-brief-an-in-depth-look-at-the-draft-political-party-funding-bill/) - Up until recently, political parties have been mostly united in their opposition to transparency of their private funding. On 27 March 2018, the National Assembly adopted the Political Party Funding Bill. Twelve out of thirteen political parties represented in Parliament were in support of adopting the Bill. It now has to go to the National - [WATCH | Political Party Funding Hearing in ConCourt (Full)](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-hearing-in-con-court-full-2/) - [What exactly is the Political Party Funding Bill?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/what-is-in-the-political-party-funding-bill/) - Everyone is talking about the Political Party Funding Bill but what exactly is it? To make the Bill more easy to digest, we packaged the main points from the Bill in the below infographic. Have a read and let us know what you think. - [IEC COMMISSIONER CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF!](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-commissioner-campaign-kicks-off/) - MVC has started a nationwide campaign to monitor the appointment process of new IEC Commissioners. There are three vacancies that need to be filled this year. This is due to the end of the second term of office of one Commissioner, Mr Terry Tselane (Vice-Chairperson) and the end of the first term of office of - [IEC Commissioner Candidates Report 2018](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-commissioner-candidates-report/) - My Vote Counts (MVC) and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) have compiled a comprehensive report on the 26 candidates that have been shortlisted for interviews for three vacancies at the Electoral Commission (IEC). The vacancies are for the position of IEC Commissioner. 26 candidates have been shortlisted as a - [IEC Commissioner Candidate Considerations](https://myvotecounts.org.za/iec-commissioner-candidate-considerations/) - Click on the link below to download the pdf report 2018 - IEC Commissioner Candidate Considerations - [PRESS RELEASE: PARTY FUNDING COMES TO CONSTITUTIONAL COURT ON TUESDAY](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-to-appear-in-concourt-confirmation-hearing-on-tuesday-13-march-2018/) - Press Release: PARTY FUNDING COMES TO CONSTITUTIONAL COURT ON TUESDAY On 13 March 2018, My Vote Counts (MVC), will appear at the Constitutional Court for the confirmation hearing of the Cape Town High Court Judgement on the constitutionality of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) as it pertains to access to information about - [Minutes of oral submission presented to National Assembly Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/minutes-of-oral-submission-presented-to-national-assembly-ad-hoc-committee-on-the-funding-of-political-parties/) - Click on the link below to download the pdf report 2017.11.08 - Minutes of oral submission presented to National Assembly Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties - [SABC: My Vote Counts’ reacts to court ruling on political parties funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/sabc-my-vote-counts-reacts-to-court-ruling-on-political-parties-funding/) - [MVC submission to Parliament on Political Party Funding - July 2017](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-submission-to-parliament-on-political-party-funding-july-2017/) - My Vote Counts has submitted comments to Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties. The submission is focused on the principles that should underlie any model for party funding regulation, the need for transparency in party funding income and expenditure, and important considerations for the Ad Hoc Committee in their attempt to - [Written submission to NA Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/written-submission-to-na-ad-hoc-committee-on-the-funding-of-political-parties/) - My Vote Counts NPC (MVC) welcomes the call for written comment by the Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties (Ad Hoc Committee). This document serves as MVC’s formal written submission to the Ad Hoc Committee in response to the call for comment. MVC’s mission is to improve the accountability, transparency and inclusiveness - [Political Party Funding and Corruption and the need for Legislative Reform in South Africa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/research-brief-political-party-funding-and-corruption-and-the-need-for-legislative-reform-in-south-africa/) - The level of corruption and related scandals in South African politics has reached critical levels, with media reports detailing new scandals every other day. It is, therefore, unsurprising that party finance and political corruption have become the subject of extensive public discourse, which has raised the need for political party finance reform. Since electoral and - [Democracy in the Democratic Alliance](https://myvotecounts.org.za/democracy-in-the-democratic-alliance/) - Intra-party democracy (IPD) is a topic within political theory that examines the way in which a party manages its internal affairs and processes, and whether these are democratic. IPD aims to develop participation and inclusivity within decision-making processes, and accountability within a party. Regarding the most important elements, the literature on IPD places the greatest - [How Many Rands for your Vote 2020](https://myvotecounts.org.za/how-many-rands-for-your-vote-2020/) - Public funding to political parties is the central theme of this report. My Vote Counts’ (MVC) research aims to: 1) Inform the public of how the law regulates public funding; 2) Illustrate the need for a single piece of legislation to allocate, record and disclose records of public funding; and 3) Highlight the barriers to - [Statement: The Assassination of Abahlali baseMjondolo Leader, Lindokhule Mnguni, is an Assualt on Our Democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/statement-the-assassination-of-abahlali-basemjondolo-leader-lindokuhle-mnguni-is-an-assault-on-our-democracy/) - 23 August On Saturday, 20 August 2022, the Chairperson of eKhenana Commune, Lindokuhle Mnguni was assassinated by hitmen in his home. It’s clear that the assassination was part of the sustained use of violence to suppress the shack dwellers’ movement, Abahlalili baseMjondolo. The movement takes direct action to ensure people’s rights to housing, land, food, - [OUTA Insights: Why you should know who donates to political parties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/you-must-know-who-donates-to-political-parties/) - [Failure of four political parties to declare their funding: Sheilan Clarke](https://myvotecounts.org.za/failure-of-four-political-parties-to-declare-their-funding-sheilan-clarke/) - [Changes to the party funding law: What does this mean and how does it affect you?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/changes-to-the-party-funding-law-what-does-this-mean-and-how-does-it-affect-you/) - By Robyn Pasensie On the second anniversary of the implementation of the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA), the ANC, claiming that this law is the cause of its deep-seated, long-standing, financial woes, is already seeking amendments to the Act which opened up party financing to public scrutiny. In early 2022, its leadership made recommendations to expand - [Electoral Act | What does it mean for you?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-act-what-does-it-mean-for-you/) - [Regulation of intra-party processes will strengthen our democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/regulation-of-intra-party-processes-will-strengthen-our-democracy-2/) - By Dr Ralph Mathekga Political analyst, Dr Ralph Mathekga argues that a change in our electoral system that regulates the inner workings of political parties, including their internal funding, could help strengthen voter confidence, and build a stronger democracy. South Africa is in dire need of electoral reform. Politics in our country has ground to - [Private Political Party Funding Disclosures 2021/2022](https://myvotecounts.org.za/private-political-party-funding-disclosures-2021-2022/) - [How Many Rands Booklet 2020](https://myvotecounts.org.za/5061-2/) - Public funding to political parties is the central theme of this report. We aim to inform the public of how the law regulates public funding, illustrate the need for a single piece of legislation to allocate, record and disclose records of public funding, as well as highlight the barriers to South Africans knowing how much - [COVID-19: Corruption and Malfeasance Report](https://myvotecounts.org.za/2021-covid-19-corruptin-and-malfeasance-report/) - This report names just some of the individuals and institutions involved in Covid-19 corruption and malfeasance, as well as a description of the allegations. Click on the link below to download the pdf report. COVID-19: Corruption and Malfeasance Report - [Covid-19: Ensuring Free and Fair Local Government Elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/elections-during-covid-19/) - The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the way elections have been and will be conducted worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. In response to the pandemic and the implementation of lockdown to prevent its spread, the Electoral Commission (IEC) approached the Electoral Court. The Electoral Court ruled that the by-elections be - [Introductory Document - Intra-Party Democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/introductory-document-intra-party-democracy/) - On the 23rd of January 2019, MVC sent a questionnaire titled, “How Democratic Are You: An Intra-party democracy (IPD) Questionnaire” to all political parties represented in the National Assembly. The questions were informed by intra-party democracy (IPD) benchmarks. These benchmarks are indicators which can allow one to measure to what extent political parties’ own rules, - [Research Findings - Intra-Party Democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/research-findings-intra-party-democracy/) - As part of our research, we sent a questionnaire titled, “How Democratic Are You: An Intra-party democracy (IPD) Questionnaire”, to every political party represented in the National Assembly (NA). The questions were informed by IPD themes which include membership audits, intra-party elections, accountability, policy-making and party constitutions, as well as disciplinary procedures among others. Although - [Intra-party Democracy: How democratic are political parties?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/intra-party-democracy-how-democratic-are-political-parties/) - Political parties are reluctant to share information or liaise on how they operate internally. In a democratic country such as South Africa, it is important that this information be made available to the public as evidence that parties are in fact democratic within themselves. This or lack thereof may be seen as an indication - [Internal Democracy in the African National Congress](https://myvotecounts.org.za/research-paper-internal-democracy-in-the-african-national-congress/) - Intra-party democracy (IPD) is a topic within political theory that examines the way in which a party manages its internal affairs and processes, and whether these are democratic. IPD aims to develop participation and inclusivity within decision-making processes, and accountability within a party. Regarding the most important elements, the literature on IPD places the greatest - [Position Paper: Public Funding to Political Parties in South Africa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/public-funding-position-paper/) - Besides citizens’ declining trust, post-democratic South Africa has been rocked by many scandals, not least of which are those under the banner of State Capture. Central to the scandals of State Capture, and others, have been the misappropriation of state funds, corruption at all levels of government and fraud, to name a few. This may - [IPD: An intervention to deepen democracy and accountability in South African politics](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-intra-party-democracy-research-report/) - MVC anticipates that its research on intra-party democracy will help foster a conversation and develop interest in its importance for accountability, transparency, and democracy in South Africa. By beginning to analyse important policy decisions through the lens of intra-party democracy, such as the ANC’s step-aside policy, we will be in a better position to consider - [How Many Rands Booklet 2022](https://myvotecounts.org.za/how-many-rands-booklet-2022/) - In 2020, My Vote Counts released a report unpacking the public funding of South Africa’s political parties. Since then, there have been fundamental changes to the legislation that governs public funding. This report seeks to provide a background and comment on recent developments and changes to the law, followed by an overview of how political - [Policy Brief on Intra-Party Democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/policy-brief-intra-party-democracy/) - Proponents of intra-party democracy (IPD) argue that the level of commitment to uphold democratic governance by a political party can be determined by inspecting to what extent the political party upholds democratic governance within the party. Overly centralised power and the abuse of power within political parties in various countries, including South Africa, is a - [Should Foreign Funding to Political Parties be Banned in South Africa?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/policy-brief-should-foreign-funding-to-political-parties-be-banned-in-south-africa/) - Money is essential for democratic politics. However, there is a risk of the abuse of money in politics if donations are shrouded in secrecy. Private funding is unregulated in South Africa, leaving foreign donors to contribute large amounts into the coffers of political parties in secret. Political contributions from foreign interests that are not carefully - [Guiding Principles for Political Party Funding Reform in South Africa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/policy-brief-guiding-principles-for-political-party-funding-reform-in-south-africa/) - There is a political culture of secrecy in the South African political finance system, particularly in relation to private donations to political parties, that is inconsistent with a constitutional multi-party democratic system founded on principles of accountability, responsiveness and openness. The absence of reform and lack of regulation of private political finances pose severe institutionalised - [OPINION | A ‘one member, one vote’ system could help ANC deepen its internal democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/one-member-one-vote-deepen-internal-democracy/) - Joel Bregman If the ANC decides to adopt the 'one member, one vote' system, it will see the party do away with its delegate system. Joel Bregman argues this is incredibly significant for the ANC's internal democracy and for proponents of intra-party democracy. Last month, the ANC concluded its 55th national conference. Taking place every - [Funding conundrum: ANC can have its cake and eat it — as long as the party pays for it](https://myvotecounts.org.za/funding-crisis-anc-can-have-its-cake-eat-it/) - By Khaya Sithole The president of the ANC — Cyril Ramaphosa — has previously referred to the party as ‘accused number one’ in the country’s corruption crisis. An admission such as this undoubtedly affected the ruling party’s relationship with the donor community. It also explains the ANC’s growing hostility towards the Party Political Funding Act. - [STATEMENT: The ANC will defy its mandate in its attempt to undermine the Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-anc-will-defy-its-mandate-in-its-attempt-to-undermine-the-party-funding-act-2/) - Yesterday, the IEC published the political party funding disclosures covering October – December 2022. Significantly, the ANC disclosed R32 million, from just three donors. This makes up 80% of the total donations parties disclosed and is expected, considering the party held its 55th National Conference in the period. The disclosures also came a few days - [ANC bid to increase funding threshold disclosures an attempt to evade transparency](https://myvotecounts.org.za/anc-increase-funding-threshold-transparency/) - My Vote Counts said the ANC's amendment of the Political Party Funding Act "defied" resolutions made at the party's national conference. The organisation said this went against transparency and threatened the independence of parties. The ANC wants the R15 million cap from individual donors removed. My Vote Counts (MVC) has blasted the ANC's "attempt to - [ANC evades accountability on Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/anc-accountability-political-party-funding-act/) - [Political Party Funding | ANC gets lion's share of donations](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-act-anc-donations-mvc/) - [THE ANC WILL DEFY ITS MANDATE IN ITS ATTEMPT TO UNDERMINE THE PARTY FUNDING ACT](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-anc-will-defy-its-mandate-in-its-attempt-to-undermine-the-party-funding-act/) - 1 March 2023 Yesterday, the IEC published the political party funding disclosures covering October – December 2022. Significantly, the ANC disclosed R32 million, from just three donors. This makes up 80% of the total donations parties disclosed and is expected, considering the party held its 55th National Conference in the period. The disclosures also came - [Democracy within parties crucial for a healthy political system, says My Vote Counts researcher](https://myvotecounts.org.za/democracy-within-parties-crucial-for-a-healthy-political-system-says-my-vote-counts-researcher/) - One of the interventions needed to deepen democracy is intra-party democracy, says Joel Bregman, a senior researcher at My Vote Counts. The ANC has taken revolutionary measures to strengthen its internal processes as a way to rebuild public trust, according to Joel Bregman, a senior researcher at My Vote Counts. Bregman spoke as a member - [South Africa on the threshold of a new electoral dispensation](https://myvotecounts.org.za/south-africa-on-the-threshold-of-a-new-electoral-dispensation/) - By Ernest Molo South Africa is poised to enact a new Electoral Act that is likely to be a hybrid of the Proportional Representation (PR) model and the Constituency-Based system. All things considered this will happen anytime from the 10th of December 2022 barring any last-minute changes that could be necessitated by the ongoing process - [Discussion | Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/discussion-political-party-funding-act/) - [6th set of party funding disclosures highlights continued weaknesses in the PPFA](https://myvotecounts.org.za/6th-set-of-ppfa-disclosures/) - We welcome the timeous publication of the political party funding disclosures, which covers the period 1 July to 30 September 2022. During this quarter four parties, ActionSA, ANC, DA and the EFF, disclosed a cumulative amount of over R60 million. This is the highest amount of donations disclosed for a single quarter. Concerningly, the Multi-Party - [The EFF’S Statements Follow a Pattern of Closing Democratic Space](https://myvotecounts.org.za/eff-statements-close-democratic-space/) - 24 October 2022 The statements by the EFF during Parliament’s debate on the Electoral Amendment Bill are undemocratic and an attempt to silence any form of criticism. They must be seen in the context of other authoritarian attempts by the political elite to suppress activism and close democratic space. The prepared statement was made in a submission by EFF - [STATEMENT: THE EFF’S STATEMENTS FOLLOW THE TRADITION OF CLOSING DEMOCRATIC SPACE](https://myvotecounts.org.za/statement-the-effs-statements-follow-the-tradition-of-closing-democratic-space/) - 21 October 2022 The statements by the EFF during Parliament’s debate on the Electoral Amendment Bill are undemocratic and an attempt to silence any form of criticism. They must be seen in the context of other authoritarian attempts by the political elite to supress activism and close democratic space. The prepared statement was made in a submission by EFF - [Towards public funding of political parties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/towards-public-funding-of-political-parties/) - [Analyzing Donor Funding in South African Politics](https://myvotecounts.org.za/analyzing-donor-funding-in-south-african-politics/) - [Executive Ethics Code ruling a win for transparency](https://myvotecounts.org.za/executive-ethics-code-ruling-a-win-for-transparency/) - My Vote Counts welcomes the Constitutional Court judgement handed down on 20 September 2022 deeming the Executive Ethics Code unconstitutional and invalid as it falls short of the standards of transparency and openness. In its current form, the Code does not require members of the executive to disclose: "donations made to campaigns for their election - [ConCourt's ruling on the Executive Ethics Code: Robyn Pasensie](https://myvotecounts.org.za/concourts-ruling-on-the-executive-ethics-code-robyn-pasensie/) - [Only four parties declare political funding, with DA the biggest beneficiary](https://myvotecounts.org.za/only-four-parties-declare-political-funding-with-da-the-biggest-beneficiary/) - https://soundcloud.com/radioislam/only-four-parties-declare-political-funding-with-da-the-biggest-beneficiary?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fradioislam%252Fonly-four-parties-declare-political-funding-with-da-the-biggest-beneficiary - [The billionaires that fund SA's political parties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-billionaires-that-fund-sas-political-parties/) - [My Vote Counts welcomes 5th set of PPFA Disclosures](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-welcomes-5th-set-of-ppfa-disclosures/) - 30 August 2022 We welcome the timeous publication of the political party funding disclosures, which covers the period 1 April to 30 June 2022. During the quarter only four parties, ActionSA, ANC, DA and Patriotic Alliance, disclosed a cumulative disclosure amount of over R27 million. Notably, the ANC disclosed an amount of R10 million from - [Who's gaining and who is losing in public support stakes?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/whos-gaining-and-who-is-losing-in-public-support-stakes/) - [Unpacking Intra-Party Democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/unpacking-intra-party-democracy/) - [Civil society groups threaten Parliament with legal action over Electoral Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-groups-threaten-parliament-with-legal-action-over-electoral-amendment-bill/) - Civil society groups threaten Parliament with legal action over Electoral Amendment Bill Civil society organisations are considering legal action against the Electoral Amendment Bill in its current form. They are unhappy that the majority recommendation by a ministerial advisory committee has been ignored. The committee, nearing the end of its work on the bill, has - [Webinar: How Democratic Are Our Political Parties?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/webinar-how-democratic-are-our-political-parties/) - [Directly electing our president does not guarantee accountability](https://myvotecounts.org.za/directly-electing-our-president/) - In the final part of the State Capture Report, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo recommended that for stronger accountability, the country’s President should be directly elected by the people. However, academic and political analyst, Professor Steven Friedman argues that this move may not be in the interest of voters after-all. - [Regulation of intra-party processes will strengthen our democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/regulation-of-intra-party-processes-will-strengthen-our-democracy/) - Political analyst, Dr Ralph Mathekga argues that a change in our electoral system that regulates the inner workings of political parties, including their internal funding, could help strengthen voter confidence, and build a stronger democracy. - [Electoral Reform: Requirements for independent candidates](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-reform-requirements-for-independent-candidates/) - [Discussion | How many rands for your vote?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/discussion-how-many-rands-for-your-vote/) - [How political parties get their hands on public funds](https://myvotecounts.org.za/how-political-parties-get-their-hands-on-public-funds/) - [Civil society organisations are rallying together to ensure state capture never happens again](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-organisations-are-rallying-together-to-ensure-state-capture-never-happens-again/) - [MEDIA ALERT: How much public funding do political parties receive? ](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-alert-how-much-public-funding-do-political-parties-receive/) - Keeping in line with My Vote Counts’ work focusing on uncovering the private funding of political parties, we have released second a report called How Many Rands for Your Vote?, which explores the avenues of the public funding political parties receive. Since the first report in 2020, there has been fundamental changes to the legislation that governs - [State Capture & the Party Funding Act: Our Commitment](https://myvotecounts.org.za/state-capture-the-party-funding-act-our-commitment/) - CIVIL SOCIETY WILL WORK COLLECTIVELY TO GUARD AGAINST THE ABUSE OF POLITICAL PARTY FUNDING 14 July 2022 The final Zondo Commission Report has laid bare the extent to which money has been used to influence the South African state, in favour of unscrupulous private interests. The President has advised Parliament to act on the findings of the - [MVC and SANEF Request Proactive Party Funding Disclosures](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-and-sanef-request-proactive-party-funding-disclosures/) - MVC & SANEF letter to IEC - [Concern raised over Parliament’s two-month break after Electoral Bill extension](https://myvotecounts.org.za/concern-raised-over-parliaments-two-month-break-after-electoral-bill-extension/) - Starting Wednesday until mid-August, MPs will be on recess. Parliament’s two-month break has sparked some concern on whether the Electoral Amendment Bill will be finalised in time after being given an extension. Last Friday, the National Assembly was granted a six-month extension by the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) in order to amend the Electoral Act 73 - [STATEMENT: Electoral Amendments Need Meaningful Participation](https://myvotecounts.org.za/statement-electoral-amendments-need-meaningful-participation/) - We welcome the Constitutional Court’s Order granting Parliament an extension from 10 June to 10 December 2022 to finalise the Electoral Amendment Bill. In its current form, the Amendment Bill is flawed, because its process has been marred by delays and a shallow public participation process. Parliament requested the extension in April 2022, after realising that - [Political Party Funding Act has more work to do](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-act-has-more-work-to-do/) - Political Party Funding Act has more work to doAlthough the act is working, we still do not know the full extent of private funding and are far from limiting the toxic relationship between money and politics. Amajor milestone can be sweet, especially when it’s the first of something. We look forward to it. Celebrate it. - [My Vote Counts calls for the tightening of the Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/5039-2/) - [One Year in: Party Funding Legislation Needs to be Strengthened](https://myvotecounts.org.za/one-year-in-party-funding-legislation-needs-to-be-strengthened/) - We applaud the Electoral Commission (IEC) for timeously publishing the 4th and final set of disclosures of the first financial year since the promulgation of the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA). The disclosures, thus far, have given us crucial insight into who funds and influences our politics. However, they have also laid bare loopholes in the legislation, - [Coming soon: All SA political parties will have to account for every cent received](https://myvotecounts.org.za/coming-soon-all-sa-political-parties-will-have-to-account-for-every-cent-received/) - [U-turn on disclosure hypocritical](https://myvotecounts.org.za/u-turn-on-disclosure-hypocritical/) - U-turn on disclosure hypocritical By Joel Bregman The recent report from the ANC’s National Working Committee (NWC) to the National Executive Committee (NEC) recommending that the ruling party lobby political parties in Parliament to amend the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA) is irresponsible, short-sighted, self-serving, and morally reprehensible. The ANC NWC wants to increase the - [Letter to President on one year anniversary of PPFA signing](https://myvotecounts.org.za/new-post-3/) - 21 jan 20 Letter to President on one year anniversary of PPFA signing - [Letter to President regarding the promulgation of PPFA and PAIA Amendments](https://myvotecounts.org.za/new-post-7/) - 22-dec 2020 Letter to President regarding the promulgation of PPFA and PAIA Amendments - [Ukwehliswa kwe sabelo zimali esikhungweni esizimele sokhetho i-IEC kungaba nomthelela ongemuhle kwi ntando yeningi](https://myvotecounts.org.za/ukwehliswa-kwe-sabelo-zimali-esikhungweni-esizimele-sokhetho-i-iec-kungaba-nomthelela-ongemuhle-kwi-ntando-yeningi/) - My Vote Counts RSA · My Vote Counts - IEC Budget Cuts Interview on Vuma FM - [Leaks are Avoidable; Prioritise Party Funding Transparency](https://myvotecounts.org.za/leaks-are-avoidable-prioritise-party-funding-transparency/) - Under apartheid, journalists and other whistle-blowers risked their lives to expose information that would have otherwise been inaccessible to the public; secrecy was used as a form of control. Fortunately, we are now governed by a Constitution that unequivocally provides for access to information. So, why is it that access to political parties’ private funding - [Where are we with electoral reform?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/where-are-we-with-electoral-reform/) - Soon amendments to the Electoral Act will finally be made to include provisions allowing independent candidates to run in provincial and national elections. Judging by how well independents have fared in this year’s local government elections, it is clear that South African voters are ready for this amendment. - [Valli Moosa - “My vote must actually count”](https://myvotecounts.org.za/valli-moosa-my-vote-must-actually-count/) - As Parliament gets underway with the amendments to the Electoral Act, Valli Moosa, former cabinet minister and chairperson of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Electoral Act, says that the current draft before Parliament poses many worrying factors. - [Independents call for amendments to party funding act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/independents-call-for-amendments-to-party-funding-act/) - The act has come under fire as it favours parties and not independent candidates who are expected to be eligible to contest elections in 2024. Independent candidates, expected to be eligible to contest national and provincial elections by 2024, have called for the amending of the legislation that regulates donor funding to political parties to - [Parliament requests extension to finalise the amendment to the Electoral Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/parliament-requests-extension-to-finalise-the-amendment-to-the-electoral-act/) - [Discussion | Reflecting on 28 years of democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/discussion-reflecting-on-28-years-of-democracy/) - [Political parties have declared donations made during the third quarter of 2021/2022](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-parties-have-declared-donations-made-during-the-third-quarter-of-2021-2022/) - [Political Party Funding Act | My Vote Counts warns against amendments](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-act-my-vote-counts-warns-against-amendments/) - [There are calls for the Political Party Funding Act to be amended](https://myvotecounts.org.za/there-are-calls-for-the-political-party-funding-act-to-be-amended/) - [Relationship between parties, private donors should not be shrouded in secrecy - civil groups](https://myvotecounts.org.za/relationship-between-parties-private-donors-should-not-be-shrouded-in-secrecy-civil-groups/) - Civil society groups have accused the ANC of weakening the country's democracy after the ruling party proposed several amendments to key parts of the Political Party Funding Act. The ANC proposals have been labelled as attempts to allow politics to be further beholden to private interests. The statement on Friday was endorsed by the Helen - [ANC’s Political Party Funding Act proposal ‘a threat to our democracy’ — civil society organisations](https://myvotecounts.org.za/ancs-political-party-funding-act-proposal-a-threat-to-our-democracy-civil-society-organisations/) - It has been a year since President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA) into law. But already the governing party, the ANC, is proposing the act be amended so that the party funding disclosure threshold is increased. The ANC has proposed that: The current R100,000 threshold be increased to R250,000 or R500,000 a - [Discussion | Political Party Funding Act | ANC proposes amendments](https://myvotecounts.org.za/discussion-political-party-funding-act-anc-proposes-amendments/) - [Civil Society Working Group on State Capture Statement - Response to the Zondo Report](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-working-group-on-state-capture-statement-response-to-the-zondo-report/) - Click image to read full statement. - [My Vote Counts endorses the following press release by Imali Yethu](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-endorses-the-following-press-release-by-imali-yethu/) - Click image to read full statement. - [CIVIL SOCIETY REJECTS ATTEMPTS TO UNDERMINE THE POLITICAL PARTY FUNDING ACT](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-rejects-attempts-to-undermine-the-political-party-funding-act/) - As Parliament begins to reopen and we approach the deadline for the third set of political party funding disclosures to be published, we are deeply concerned by political party attempts to undermine or repeal the ground-breaking Political Party Funding Act (PPFA). These attempts are not in the interest of the people. They are attempts to - [The corruption potential created by absence of political party funding regulation is laid bare by Zondo](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-corruption-potential-created-by-absence-of-political-party-funding-regulation-is-laid-bare-by-zondo/) - Written by Awonke Baba The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, better known as the Zondo Commission, has after four years since its establishment finally released the first part of its long-awaited report.Its findings and recommendations come as no surprise to the public. Equally unsurprisingly, parts of it are being highly criticised - [A strong rule of law needs strong enforcement](https://myvotecounts.org.za/a-strong-rule-of-law-needs-strong-enforcement/) - Whenever a rule or law is broken, there are consequences. There is also an enforcer or watchdog to ensure that people abide by the rules and/or face consequences. What happens when we have laws that are not enforced to the fullest? What happens when an entity is unable to execute the mandate of the law? - [Key indicators to look out for in this municipal poll](https://myvotecounts.org.za/key-indicators-to-look-out-for-in-this-municipal-poll/) - [You’ve voted, what now?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/youve-voted-what-now/) - [My Vote Counts on your vote and electoral accountability](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-on-your-vote-and-electoral-accountability/) - [2021 Municipal elections | Poor local governance leads to poverty](https://myvotecounts.org.za/2021-municipal-elections-poor-local-governance-leads-to-poverty/) - [Local Government in Crisis: What are the alternatives?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/local-government-in-crisis-what-are-the-alternatives/) - [Should 'none of the above' be an option on the ballot paper?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/should-none-of-the-above-be-an-option-on-the-ballot-paper/) - [Political Party funding — does it matter who is funding your party?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-does-it-matter-who-is-funding-your-party/) - [[WEBINAR] Local Government in Crisis: What do Local Government Elections Present?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/local-government-in-crisis-what-do-local-government-elections-present/) - [Parties must be honest in their party funding declarations](https://myvotecounts.org.za/op-ed-parties-must-be-honest-in-their-party-funding-declarations/) - With less than a month to go before South Africans head to the polls to elect new district and metropolitan councils (that will represent them for the next five years), political parties are hard at work as they campaign for votes across the country. Contesting elections is a very expensive exercise. However, this year’s elections - [My Vote Counts launched in Cape Town](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-campaign-launched/) - On 28 July 2012 the My Vote Counts campaign was launched at the District Six Museum in Cape Town. The article below, written by organising committee member Fritz Schoon and appearing on GroundUp, reports on the event and introduces the campaign. The original article, published on 1 August 2012, can be viewed on GroundUp's website - [[PODCAST] Youth and Politics: Political Education – is it necessary?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/podcast-youth-and-politics-political-education-is-it-necessary/) - In the run-up to the 2021 local government elections, we teamed up with Radio786 to host a 3-part debate series on youth and political education. Our Executive Director, Minhaj Jeenah spoke to various guest speakers on the role of young people in our politics. Young people played a particularly important role in the anti-apartheid struggle. - [2021 Municipal Elections | Community members vow not to vote](https://myvotecounts.org.za/2021-municipal-elections-community-members-vow-not-to-vote/) - [[WEBINAR] Local Government in Crisis: What does the crisis mean for local economies?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/webinar-local-government-in-crisis-what-does-the-crisis-mean-for-local-economies/) - [Unpacking the need to amend the Electoral Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/unpacking-the-need-to-amend-the-electoral-act/) - [My Vote Counts: Electricity crisis ‘is part of bigger problem of governance’](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-electricity-crisis-is-part-of-bigger-problem-of-governance/) - The electricity crisis is reflective of a “general crisis of the working class in South Africa,” said Dr Trevor Ngwane of the Soweto Electricity Crisis Committee. Ngwane and Dr Tracy Ledger from the Public Affairs Research Institute spoke at a webinar on Thursday hosted by My Vote Counts about how communities respond to crises, with - [[WEBINAR] Local Government in Crisis: How do communities respond?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/webinar-local-government-in-crisis-how-do-communities-respond/) - [[WEBINAR] Local Government in Crisis: Why are municipalities failing?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/webinar-local-government-in-crisis-why-are-municipalities-failing/) - [Municipal government crisis: The solution lies far beyond November polls](https://myvotecounts.org.za/municipal-government-crisis-the-solution-lies-far-beyond-november-polls/) - In the first of a series of webinars examining the crisis in local government ahead of the elections on 1 November, activists said there was no doubt that many municipalities were on the verge of collapse. They said the system to deliver services needs a redesign to benefit residents and not politicians. There is no - [International Right to Know Day Statement: Do voters have the right to know where the political parties get their money from?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/international-right-to-know-day-statement-do-voters-have-the-right-to-know-where-the-political-parties-get-their-money-from/) - Written by Busi Mtabane (Right To Know) on behalf of the Coalition on Party Funding. Today we are commemorating the International Right to Know Day, also known as the Universal Access to Information Day. The day aims to increase public awareness about people’s right to access government information while promoting freedom of information as essential - [WEBINAR SERIES: Local Government in Crisis](https://myvotecounts.org.za/webinar-series-local-government-in-crisis/) - Every year, the Auditor General’s municipal audit paints a picture of the municipal crisis. The most recent audit shows that this crisis is deepening. It reveals that only 27 of South Africa’s 257 municipalities received a clean audit. This is 10 less than the 2018/19 municipal audit. It also shows that there was R26 billion - [Message to political parties: To attract donors, get your house in order](https://myvotecounts.org.za/message-to-political-parties-to-attract-donors-get-your-house-in-order/) - Has the ANC been so reliant on funding from dubious sources and involved in pay-for-play to the extent that when this tap started to dry because of the Party Political Funding Act, its impact has been as devastating as it claims? When the ANC, and to a lesser extent other political parties, place the blame for their alleged - [How SA can entrench political transparency](https://myvotecounts.org.za/how-sa-can-entrench-political-transparency/) - OPINION: For the first time in South Africa, we now have access to information about the private funding of our political parties. It is a momentous occasion that will serve to change our democracy, writes Robyn Pasensie. The first set of private funding disclosures under the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA) debuted with much excitement - [Anxious private donors: An unintended consequence of the new political party funding law?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/anxious-private-donors-an-unintended-consequence-of-the-new-political-party-funding-law/) - The Political Party Funding Act has recently made headlines for its supposed adverse effects on the ability of political parties to cover their running costs. But is this really the problem? Recently the African National Congress (ANC) has had issues paying its staff and has identified the PPFA as one of the contributing factors for - [Political party funding: the role of business, legal reforms and the slow pace of change](https://myvotecounts.org.za/za-political-party-funding-the-role-of-business-legal-reforms-and-the-slow-pace-of-change/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz_9l6iSbwA - [Submission to the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Electoral System](https://myvotecounts.org.za/submission-to-the-ministerial-advisory-committee-on-the-electoral-system/) - Click on the link below to download the pdf report 2021.04.30 – Submission to the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Electoral System - [My Vote Counts reaction to the first private funding disclosures](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-reaction-to-the-first-private-funding-disclosures/) - [The Special Focus with Zahid Jadwat: Unpacking the Political Party Funding Act.](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-special-focus-with-zahid-jadwat-unpacking-the-political-party-funding-act/) - [Civil society launches coalition to keep tabs](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-launches-coalition-to-keep-tabs/) - [2021 Municipal elections | Above R100,000 party donors announced](https://myvotecounts.org.za/2021-municipal-elections-above-r100000-party-donors-announced/) - [Only three parties declared their donations to IEC](https://myvotecounts.org.za/only-three-parties-declared-their-donations-to-iec/) - ['Political parties must declare funders' - Robyn Pasensie weighs in](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-parties-must-declare-funders-robyn-pasensie-weighs-in/) - [Party Funding: Time to kiss and tell](https://myvotecounts.org.za/party-funding-time-to-kiss-and-tell/) - [Is it time for SA to change its electoral system?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/is-it-time-for-sa-to-change-its-electoral-system/) - [Electoral Systems Officer at My Vote Counts reacts to the IEC's decision on elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-systems-officer-at-my-vote-counts-reacts-to-the-iecs-decision-on-elections/) - [Political Party Funding Act to be implemented on 1 April](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-act-to-be-implemented-on-1-april/) - [Political Party Funding Act: What's the impact on party finance regulations?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-act-whats-the-impact-on-party-finance-regulations/) - [LISTEN: POLITICAL PARTY FUNDING THRESHOLD SHOULD BE CUT TO R10 000](https://myvotecounts.org.za/listen-political-party-funding-threshold-should-be-cut-to-r10-000/) - [Civil Society has launched a watchdog on Political Party funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-has-launched-a-watchdog-on-political-party-funding/) - [Moseneke Inquiry recommends that the October local government elections be postponed](https://myvotecounts.org.za/moseneke-inquiry-recommends-that-the-october-local-government-elections-be-postponed/) - [Electoral accountability to be discussed now, not right before elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-accountability-to-be-discussed-now-not-right-before-elections/) - Twenty-four countries across the continent of Africa are holding elections this year. These transitions in leadership provide an opportunity to entrench democratic political systems and to gauge the effectiveness of institutions mandated to safeguard our democracies. Free and fair elections are an essential means of accountability and are the cornerstone of a democracy. Unfortunately, many - [Women must lead, the rest will follow](https://myvotecounts.org.za/women-must-lead-the-rest-will-follow/) - GENDER Equal representation lies at the very heart of democracy. Research suggests that a society becomes more secure and economically prosperous as gender equality improves, together with public trust and political stability. So why do political parties, which arguably set the direction for national policy objectives, still have such low rates of women in top - [Our legislation should no longer aid and abet corruption](https://myvotecounts.org.za/our-legislation-should-no-longer-aid-and-abet-corruption/) - Unlike those who can afford to donate money, cars, expensive alcohol and braai packs in exchange for access to political party and government officials, the average South African's influence is limited to the elections, writes Lelethu Masangwana. For over a year, state capture revelations have continuously shocked the nation with allegations of corruption and the - [Where are constituency offices in a crisis?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/where-are-constituency-offices-in-a-crisis/) - The coronavirus crisis is the moment where our elected officials should be showing relevance and leadership through constituency offices. Most people do not even know who their member of parliament (MP) or member of provincial legislature (MPL) is, or where their MP’s constituency offices are situated. Even though the election was in May last year, - [The pandemic will change the electoral process](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-pandemic-will-change-the-electoral-process/) - Covid-19 has changed the way political parties develop their election campaigns. But just how significant is this change and, more importantly, how will upcoming by-elections and local government elections be scheduled? In response to the pandemic, the Electoral Court ruled in June that by-elections be postponed to a later date despite the infringement of the - [Making voices heard: Freedom of expression and intra-party democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/making-voices-heard-freedom-of-expression-and-intra-party-democracy/) - In this third article in the My Vote Counts (MVC) series on intra-party democracy (IPD) we focus on freedom of expression within the political parties. This freedom is not unique to IPD; rather it is a fundamental human right enshrined in our constitution. That said, freedom of expression is crucial to political parties because it - [Understanding intra-party democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/understanding-intra-party-democracy/) - As the work of the Zondo Commission makes abundantly clear, addressing the gross abuse of political power is an urgent need. To that end, greater accountability and discipline within political parties must be part of the solution. Intra-party democracy (IPD) is essential to decentralise power within political parties, and not only to allow fair and - [Political parties move online but risk losing inclusivity](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-parties-move-online-but-risk-losing-inclusivity/) - In article two of the My Vote Counts (MVC) series on Intra-Party Democracy (IPD) the focus shifts towards decentralised and inclusive party elections and policy-making. Covid-19 restrictions caused an unprecedented shift to digital platforms that could ensure remote working and learning. Just as students and workers had to adjust to online working, so too did - [Anti-corruption, the Constitution and the case for intraparty democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/anti-corruption-the-constitution-and-the-case-for-intraparty-democracy/) - There is a failure within the governing party — over a period of many years — to uphold and promote the democratic culture and values enshrined in our Constitution and to hold its own accountable. The news cycle of the past few weeks — before the unrest — was dominated by the legal wrangling of - [PowerFM: PAIA Amendment Bill adoption a victory for South Africa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/powerfm-paia-amendment-bill-adoption-a-victory-for-south-africa/) - [PowerFM: National Assembly adopts PAIA Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/powerfm-national-assembly-adopts-paia-amendment-bill/) - [Coalition on Party Funding - Launch Video](https://myvotecounts.org.za/coalition-on-party-funding-launch/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzI_IW2OYLc - [Political Party Funding Act must be entrenched in our political culture and democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-act-must-be-entrenched-in-our-political-culture-and-democracy/) - The recent social unrest has shaken the foundation of the post-1994 democratic project in South Africa. In recognising that ineffective governance and deepening inequality cannot continue, we must ask: What can we do to change this? The allegations of corruption laid bare at the Zondo Commission into State Capture have exposed countless examples of - [Make you voice heard in the fight for Party Funding transparency](https://myvotecounts.org.za/make-you-voice-heard-in-the-fight-for-party-funding-transparency/) - On 3 August 2021, we launched a Coalition on Party Funding. The creation of a coalition of civil society organisations and activists, supported by the work of journalists, has been prompted by an interest in and commitment to deepening our democracy and holding leaders of political parties to account. The purpose of the Coalition on - [ANALYSIS | Letlhogonolo Letshele: Weighing up the options of postponing an election](https://myvotecounts.org.za/analysis-letlhogonolo-letshele-weighing-up-the-options-of-postponing-an-election/) - Former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke has handed over the final report to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on the findings into the feasibility of free and fair elections amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Justice Moseneke recommended that local government elections be postponed until February 2022 for elections to be regarded as free and fair due to the - [Written Submission to the Justice and Correctional Services Department on Draft Amendment to the Regulations of PAIA](https://myvotecounts.org.za/written-submission-to-the-justice-and-correctional-services-department-on-draft-amendment-to-the-regulations-of-paia/) - Click on the link below to download the pdf report 2020.03.20 - Written Submission to the Justice and Correctional Services Department on Draft Amendment to the Regulations of PAIA - [Political Party Funding Act now in effect, parties must keep records of donations](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-act-now-in-effect-parties-must-keep-records-of-donations/) - In a first for our democracy, political parties will be mandated to keep proper financial records of all private donations as per the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA) which is in effect as of 1 April 2021. This comes after My Vote Counts and other civil-society organisations had for years advocated for party funding information - [Letters to the Editor: August 10 to 16](https://myvotecounts.org.za/letters-to-the-editor-august-10-to-16/) - Sign party fund Bill, Cyril Dear President Cyril Ramaphosa, We write this open letter to you as civil society organisations working in the interest of upholding democracy and improving our political system through greater transparency. The gap in political party financial disclosure and monitoring regulation in South Africa’s political system is a danger to the - [25 years of the IEC](https://myvotecounts.org.za/25-years-of-the-iec/) - South Africa was on the brink of change in the 1990s. Five decades of apartheid, a system of institutionalised racial segregation, was finally coming to an end. The release of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners had been ordered by President FW de Klerk in 1990. Bilateral talks had taken place between the National Party - [Rape: Whose problem is it anyway?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/rape-whose-problem-is-it-anyway/) - The lack of seriousness with which rape is treated shows a disregard for victims. As long as there is no political will to handle sexual violence as the national crisis that it is, survivors will suffer in silence, writes Lelethu Masangwana. We have reached another Women's Month and still, rape and sexual offences are at - [Measures provincial legislatures have taken amidst this pandemic](https://myvotecounts.org.za/measures-provincial-legislatures-have-taken-amidst-this-pandemic/) - Legislatures must ensure there is monitoring and public reporting of the response of the constituency office system during this period as an important element of oversight work. From Whatsapp groups, to provincial task teams and virtual meetings; we have seen provinces being innovative in their response to Covid-19. It is no secret that South Africa - [Tracking, tracing and transparency](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tracking-tracing-and-transparency/) - As South Africa has moved to lower lockdown levels restrictions on movement have lessened, and with it has come the documentation of personal information for Covid-19 tracking and tracing. Businesses are now required to keep a record of persons entering their establishments. But what are the implications of this on our constitutional right to privacy? - [ANALYSIS | Party funding in focus: Difference between the PAIA Amendment Act and PPFA](https://myvotecounts.org.za/analysis-party-funding-in-focus-difference-between-the-paia-amendment-act-and-ppfa/) - While there is an overlap between the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA) and the Promotion of Access to Information Amendment Act (PAIA), there are a number of differences. Robyn Pasensie breaks down the two acts. It is crucial to have both transparency and a regulated environment for the funding of political parties to ensure a fair playing field, - [Two Acts linked to political party funding have not been promulgated](https://myvotecounts.org.za/two-acts-linked-to-political-party-funding-have-not-been-promulgated/) - Among the upheaval of 2020 it may have gone unnoticed that President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a key piece of legislation, the Promotion of Access to Information Amendment Act (PAIA Amendment Act), into law on 5 June, which provides for access to information on political funding. This legislation was drafted to align with another new law - [ANALYSIS | Political Party Funding Act: What it means for South Africans](https://myvotecounts.org.za/analysis-political-party-funding-act-what-it-means-for-south-africans/) - On Friday, 22 January 2021, the Presidency determined that the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA) will come into operation on 1 April 2021. The unprecedented proclamation is a victory for transparency and accountability in South Africa, since the PPFA will ensure that political party funding is regulated and easily accessed. There were no laws previously - [New funding laws will revolutionise upcoming local elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/new-funding-laws-will-revolutionise-upcoming-local-elections/) - In this year’s local government elections, the public and the media will have access to more information which they could potentially use to connect the dots between dubious payments and political decisions taken. Amid the merriment of April Fools’ Day this year there was perhaps not enough fanfare around a historic moment for party funding - [Civil Society Coalition Launches As Watchdog Over Political Party Funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/civil-society-coalition-launches-as-watchdog-over-political-party-funding/) - Recent history in South Africa has laid bare how money and narrow interests have captured the state, influenced our politics, derailed service delivery, weakened our institutions, and threatened our democracy. We have recently faced one of the greatest moments of upheaval in our country since the dawn of democracy. The protests in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu - [Power struggle: The consequences of the ANC’s step-aside resolution](https://myvotecounts.org.za/power-struggle-the-consequences-of-the-ancs-step-aside-resolution/) - Former eThekwini mayor, Zandile Gumede has recently agreed to the African National Congress’ (ANC) step aside rule and stepped down from her official duties. Gumede along with 21 others face more than 2 000 counts of fraud, corruption and money laundering linked to an eThekwini municipality contract valuing R430 million. With the ongoing contestation of ideas - [The Promotion of Access to Information Amendment Act is operational](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-promotion-of-access-to-information-amendment-act-is-operational/) - Issued by My Vote Counts and Corruption Watch On 1 April 2021, we welcomed the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA) as a victory for transparency and accountability. The act has the potential to enhance transparency, deter corruption, allow us to better hold political parties accountable and, ultimately, deepen democracy. On the very same day, the related Promotion - [Could South Africans be voting electronically in the future?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/could-south-africans-be-voting-electronically-in-the-future/) - With discussions around electoral reform gaining momentum in the country, we explore some of the most pertinent considerations of electronic voting and how it could look like in a South African context. What is electronic voting (e-voting)? There are multiple definitions of e-voting and some definitions are more broad than others. It is important to - [MVC is moving and we are selling some of our furniture!](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvc-is-moving-and-we-are-selling-some-of-our-furniture/) - MVC is moving offices and is in need of selling some office items as soon as possible. The office equipment on sale include desks, office chairs, bookshelves and filing cabinets. To view what's on sale, you can visit these links: https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-other-furniture/observatory/cabinet-+-ad-posted-by-isammvc/1009205804850912829561909?activateStatus=adEdited&fbclid=IwAR2PKi0MsT-T4Sh74ltTBbKE9gzSoJmHSWdLCLhT0IA9rRckF3IIc8jS8E4 https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-office-equipment-furniture/observatory/office-equipment-for-sale/1009188619390912829561909?fbclid=IwAR1zTqmCnbXc2ZuqbkBZOH6OCjPyINMwZ-6_ZNxtHLgvaV6UcsjmNUdnYA0 https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-couches/observatory/couch-for-sale/1009198605370912829561909?fbclid=IwAR1ibdWypAl9NdpQJOsK0q04fQLpVIitinahM50e9Mlw-D5J87DCwKgjHbo Interested individuals can contact Isäm via email: isam@myvotecounts.org.za or Sheilan: communications@myvotecounts.org.za - [PRESS RELEASE: PPFA Finally in Effect](https://myvotecounts.org.za/press-release-ppfa-finally-in-effect/) - The Political Party Funding Act: A victory for transparency and accountability! 1 April 2021My Vote Counts welcomes the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA) coming into operation. After more than 2 years of campaigning by civil society, the implementation of the Act can be crucial to advance our democracy.In 2018, we successfully litigated in the Constitutional Court, leading - [Spotlight back on independent candidates](https://myvotecounts.org.za/spotlight-back-on-independent-candidates/) - My Vote Counts has been busy doing work around independent candidates and their role in South Africa’s multi-party democracy. Here’s a quick run-down of two of our most recent engagements on independent candidates and our electoral system. On 11 June 2020, the Constitutional Court ruled that the Electoral Act 73 of 1998 is unconstitutional as - [Should cryptocurrency be regulated as part of the upcoming Party Funding laws?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/should-cryptocurrency-be-regulated-as-part-of-the-upcoming-party-funding-laws/) - With the emergence of cryptocurrency as an alternative source of funding for political parties around the world, how will this impact the upcoming Political Party Funding Act? The Political Party Funding Act (PPFA) is set to come into operation on 1 April 2021 and will signify the first time in history that the private - [Young South Africans accessing information during the Covid-19 health emergency](https://myvotecounts.org.za/young-south-africans-accessing-information-during-the-covid-19-health-emergency/) - From news reports, “family meetings”, WhatsApp groups to apps, there are various ways in which information about Covid-19 can be accessed. We also need this information in a quick and accurate way in order to help curb the spread of the respiratory infection and reduce the infection rate. In South Africa, the right to access - [Intra-party democracy: How political parties can allow for greater accountability](https://myvotecounts.org.za/intra-party-democracy-how-political-parties-can-allow-for-greater-accountability/) - Corruption, state capture and party funding are phrases that have dominated the South African political space over the years. In 2020 more questions were raised about the depth of collusion, inappropriate financial transactions and less than ideal political dealings that come to light in the Zondo Commission. Political parties such as the African National Congress - [A look at youth apathy: why the low youth voter turnout?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/a-look-at-youth-apathy-why-the-low-youth-voter-turnout/) - Despite the electoral process being marred by internet shutdowns, extreme political violence and concerns of vote rigging, over two-thirds of Uganda’s registered voters were younger than 30. While between 52%-55% of voters in the United States were young people. Looking at these trends versus voter turnout during South Africa’s 2019 election, the youth demographic in - [Political parties move online but risk losing inclusivity](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-parties-move-online-but-risk-losing-inclusivity-2/) - In article two of the My Vote Counts (MVC) series on Intra-Party Democracy (IPD) the focus shifts towards decentralised and inclusive party elections and policy-making. Covid-19 restrictions caused an unprecedented shift to digital platforms that could ensure remote working and learning. Just as students and workers had to adjust to online working, so too did - [Political Party Funding Act to be in effect from 1 April](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-act-to-be-in-effect-from-1-april/) - A victory for transparency and accountability! Today the Presidency announced that the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA) will come into operation on 1 April 2021. My Vote Counts (MVC) welcomes this genuinely historic advancement towards greater transparency and accountability in our politics and for our democracy. This law will fundamentally improve and deepen our ability - [[OP-ED] Understanding intra-party democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/op-ed-understanding-intra-party-democracy/) - Written by: Isäm Bartlett, Zaakir Jardine and Robyn Pasensie As the work of the Zondo Commission makes abundantly clear, addressing the gross abuse of political power is an urgent need. To that end, greater accountability and discipline within political parties must be part of the solution. Intra-party democracy (IPD) is essential to decentralise power within - [Two Acts linked to political party funding have not been promulgated](https://myvotecounts.org.za/two-acts-linked-to-political-party-funding-have-not-been-promulgated-2/) - By: Robyn Pasensie Among the upheaval of 2020 it may have gone unnoticed that President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a key piece of legislation, the Promotion of Access to Information Amendment Act (PAIA Amendment Act), into law on 5 June, which provides for access to information on political funding. This legislation was drafted to align with - [Party funding in focus: Difference between the PAIA Amendment Act and PPFA](https://myvotecounts.org.za/analysis-party-funding-in-focus-difference-between-the-paia-amendment-act-and-ppfa-2/) - By: Robyn Pasensie It is crucial to have both transparency and a regulated environment for the funding of political parties to ensure a fair playing field, to deter corruption and to mitigate the undue influence of private interests in our politics. This is something that many countries around the world have developed and in recent - [The pandemic will change the electoral process](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-pandemic-will-change-the-electoral-process-2/) - By: Letlhogonolo Letshele Covid-19 has changed the way political parties develop their election campaigns. But just how significant is this change and, more importantly, how will upcoming by-elections and local government elections be scheduled? In response to the pandemic, the Electoral Court ruled in June that by-elections be postponed to a later date despite the - [Tracking, tracing and transparency](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tracking-tracing-and-transparency-2/) - Written by: Robyn Pasensie and Isam Bartlett As South Africa has moved to lower lockdown levels restrictions on movement have lessened, and with it has come the documentation of personal information for Covid-19 tracking and tracing. Businesses are now required to keep a record of persons entering their establishments. But what are the implications of - [Measures provincial legislatures have taken amidst this pandemic](https://myvotecounts.org.za/measures-provincial-legislatures-have-taken-amidst-this-pandemic-2/) - By: Letlhogonolo Letshele and Sheilan Clarke Legislatures must ensure there is monitoring and public reporting of the response of the constituency office system during this period as an important element of oversight work. From Whatsapp groups, to provincial task teams and virtual meetings; we have seen provinces being innovative in their response to COVID-19. It - [ANC proposes new party-funding model](https://myvotecounts.org.za/anc-proposes-new-party-funding-model/) - The ANC has come out proposing that South Africans will have to pay more in order to fund political parties. Our Communications Officer, Sheilan Clarke speaks to Radio 702 for reaction to ANC spokesperson, Pule Mabe's comments about the party's canvassing for more funds from the public. - [Where are constituency offices in a crisis?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/where-are-constituency-offices-in-a-crisis-2/) - Written by: Letlhogonolo Letshele The coronavirus crisis is the moment where our elected officials should be showing relevance and leadership through constituency offices. Most people do not even know who their member of parliament (MP) or member of provincial legislature (MPL) is, or where their MP’s constituency offices are situated. Even though the election was - [#DearJudgeZondo: Corruption is Not a Victimless Crime](https://myvotecounts.org.za/dearjudgezondo-corruption-is-not-a-victimless-crime/) - On the 12th of October 2019, a Civil Society Working Group on State Capture consisting of more than 20 organisations, including My Vote Counts (MVC), held the People’s Hearing on State Capture on Constitutional Hill Johannesburg. The hearing held at the Women’s Jail, saw these organisations and ordinary citizens gather to share the direct impact - [[OP-ED] Our Legislation Should No Longer Aid and Abet Corruption ](https://myvotecounts.org.za/op-ed-our-legislation-should-no-longer-aid-and-abet-corruption/) - For over a year, State Capture revelations have continuously shocked the nation with allegations of corruption and the buying of undue influence over politicians and public officials by private businesses and businesspeople. However, the recordal, preservation and disclosure of information on the private funding of political parties and independent candidates could go a long way - [Amendments to PAIA are underway](https://myvotecounts.org.za/amendments-to-paia-are-underway/) - In June 2018, the Constitutional Court confirmed the ruling by the Western Cape High Court which found that the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) was not constitutional. This was because PAIA did not provide for the disclosure of political parties’ private funding information. The Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng ruled that the appropriate amendment - [Too Many Options: Electoral Systems and Their Implications Part ⅠⅠ](https://myvotecounts.org.za/too-many-options-electoral-systems-and-their-implications-part-ⅠⅠ/) - Electoral systems are ways used to determine the outcome of an election. The system used and how it is used varies in each country. What voters know about the system has an impact on how they vote or who they vote for. In the last of the two-part explanation of electoral systems, we unpack - [Too Many Options: Electoral Systems and Their Implications Part Ⅰ](https://myvotecounts.org.za/too-many-options-electoral-systems-and-their-implications-part-Ⅰ/) - Electoral systems are methods and rules used to determine the outcome of an election. The system used and how it is used varies in each country. What voters know about the system can have an impact on how they vote or who they vote for. We can categorise these into four “families”, namely Proportional Representation, - [OP-ED: Women must lead, the rest will follow](https://myvotecounts.org.za/op-ed-women-must-lead-the-rest-will-follow/) - Written by Amanda April for My Vote Counts Equal representation lies at the very heart of democracy. Research suggests that a society becomes more secure and economically prosperous as gender equality improves, together with public trust and political stability. So why do political parties, which arguably set the direction for national policy objectives, still have - [OPINION: Rape – whose problem is it anyway?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/opinion-rape-whose-problem-is-it-anyway/) - We have reached another Women's Month and still, rape and sexual offences are at alarming levels in the country and have been so for the past decade. The regulations relating to Sexual Offences Courts (SOC) await the go-ahead from Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. These regulations are part of ensuring that survivors do not experience secondary - [A New Dawn](https://myvotecounts.org.za/a-new-dawn/) - In President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address, he addressed the nation on his plans to bring about his “New Dawn”. Can we have a “New Dawn” without the implementation of the Political Party Funding Act, as South Africans remain in the dark of who funds political parties? Cartoonist: Jeff Rankin of www.africartoons.com Africartoons - [Young and Powerful: Who are the new young members of Parliament?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/young-and-powerful-who-are-the-new-young-members-of-parliament/) - A number of young people have assumed roles as Members of Parliament and Members of the Provincial Legislatures after the elections. Most of these young politicians were leading activists in the #FeesMustFall protests between 2015 and 2016 and continue to advocate for free education and youth empowerment. For this youth month, we take a look - [Khayelitsha residents on elections, service delivery and more](https://myvotecounts.org.za/khayelitsha-residents-on-elections-service-delivery-and-more/) - On Tuesday the 30th of April, MVC in partnership with the Democracy Development Program and Social Justice Coalition held a community-focused discussion at the Isivivana Centre in Khayelitsha. About 50 participants mostly from informal settlements joined us in a sobering discussion about elections and the significance of voting. Living informal settlements and faced with - [The IEC: 25 Years Later](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-iec-25-years-later/) - South Africa was on the brink of change in the 1990s. Five decades of apartheid, a system of institutionalised racial segregation, was finally coming to an end. The release of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners had been ordered by President F.W de Klerk in 1990. Bi-lateral talks had taken place between the National Party - [Election promises: How strong is the political will to keep them?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/election-promises-how-strong-is-the-political-will-to-keep-them/) - Every five years, politicians fill the streets in their numbers making promises to better the lives of South Africans. Voters consequently take to their respective voting stations in the hope that these promises will indeed be fulfilled and their lives will improve one way or another. In order for this to happen, politicians need - [How does Eshowe experience our democracy ahead of the elections?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/how-does-eshowe-experience-our-democracy-ahead-of-the-elections/) - This is the time for elaborate and well-timed photo-ops. We will be inundated with public engagements often in areas where service delivery protests are most publicised. With such an important elections just days away, political parties are scrambling to try and sway the electorate to vote for them; most notably in and around the - [SAVE THE DATE! Intra-Party Democracy: How Democratic Are You?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/save-the-date-intra-party-democracy-how-democratic-are-you/) - SAVE THE DATE - 24 April Please join My Vote Counts for the launch of our new campaign: "Intra-party democracy: How Democratic are You?" As part of My Vote Counts' (MVC) mission to enhance and promote accountability, transparency and inclusivity in South Africa's political system, we are launching our campaign, "Intra-Party Democracy (IPD): - [Voting is your right, don’t waste it](https://myvotecounts.org.za/voting-is-your-right-dont-waste-it/) - 25 years ago, South Africa held its first democratic elections. Democracy meant power to the people and the first step to exercising that power was voting in free and fair elections – a right that the majority of South Africans had been excluded from participating in for generations. Casting those votes after hours of standing - [March 2019 Newsletter](https://myvotecounts.org.za/march-2019-newsletter/) - MVC News We bring to you what has been brewing at MVC and in political and electoral spaces more broadly in the last few months. Please share this newsletter with your friends and colleagues. What's new... Political Party Funding Act On 22 January 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa finally signed the Political Party Funding Bill. The - [5 things the President should highlight during the State of the Nation Address](https://myvotecounts.org.za/5-things-the-president-should-highlight-during-the-state-of-the-nation-address/) - On the 7th of February 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa will be delivering his speech on the State Of The Nation Address. The whole world will be listening attentively to the speech and expecting some solutions to the problems that faces our country. Here are some I expect to hear from his address. STATE CAPTURE INQUIRY - [Open Letter To President Cyril Ramaphosa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/open-letter-to-president-cyril-ramaphosa/) - Dear President Cyril Ramaphosa We write to you as civil society organisations working in the interest of upholding democracy and improving our political system through greater transparency. The gap in political party financial disclosure and monitoring regulation in South Africa’s political system is a danger to the democratic stability of our political and electoral systems. - [Behind The Scenes](https://myvotecounts.org.za/behind-the-scenes/) - [et_pb_section bb_built="1"][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.0.64" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" border_style="solid"] On Wednesday 22nd of March 2017, the Western Cape Provincial Cabinet took the decision to sell the Tafelberg property to the Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School. This is very disappointing for the many civil society organisations and activists that have advocated so resiliently against this. For the comrades - [My Vote Counts launches new court case on private political party funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-launches-new-court-case-on-private-political-party-funding/) - On 28 July 2016, MVC held a press briefing to announce that it has applied to the Cape Town High Court for an order to declare that PAIA is invalid and unconstitutional insofar as and to the extent that it fails to make provision for the continuous and systematic recording and disclosure of information regarding - [MVC's response to the Constitutional Court judgment today](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mvcs-response-to-the-constitutional-court-judgment-today/) - MVC has noted the Constitutional Court judgment with a measure of disappointment but remains resolute in its campaign to fight secrecy. Although the majority dismissed the application it provided a clear route forward. All along it has been our contention that the Constitutional right of access to information and the right to vote place a - [Media summary of MVC Constitutional Court case: judgment handed down at 10am today!](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-summary-of-mvc-constitutional-court-case-judgment-handed-down-at-10am-today/) - CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA My Vote Counts NPC v Speaker of the National Assembly and Others CCT121/14 Date of hearing: 10 February 2015 ________________________________________________________________________ MEDIA SUMMARY ________________________________________________________________________ The following explanatory note is provided to assist the media in reporting this case and is not binding on the Constitutional Court or any member - [My Vote Counts Press Statement: Constitutional Court Litigation](https://myvotecounts.org.za/my-vote-counts-press-statement-constitutional-court-litigation/) - My Vote Counts v The Speaker of Parliament & Others will be heard at the Constitutional Court, Johannesburg, on 10 February 2015. The right to vote envisaged in the Constitution is the right to cast an informed vote. The right to make political choices is the right to make informed political choices. MVC has asked the - [INVITATION​: Roundtable Discussion on ​​"The possibilit​ies & limits of electoral reform" - 22 May 2014](https://myvotecounts.org.za/invitation​-roundtable-discussion-on-​​the-possibilit​ies-limits-of-electoral-reform-22-may-2014/) - Dear all, MY VOTE COUNTS INVITES YOU TO A DISCUSSION ON The possibilities & limits of electoral reform. *There will be wine, snacks and insightful, if not entertaining remarks from our panelists.* DATE: 22 May 2014 TIME: 17h30 for 18h00 VENUE: ICIC AUDITORIUM - 71 WATERKANT STREET (opposite Hemelhuijs) PARKING: Street Parking free after 5pm. RSVP: ntsiki.mvc@gmail.com We have the good - [Press Alert: My Vote Counts wants government to open the books and keep party funding transparent!](https://myvotecounts.org.za/public-discussion-on-party-funding/) - Let’s fix our democracy – with electoral and party funding reform Do you think citizens should be able to hold their MPs to account? Do you know who funds political parties in South Africa? Who funds the ANC? Who funds the DA? What favours are they doing for those funders? How much do political campaigns - [An Agenda for Action - A Joint Submission by the Civil Society Working Group on State Capture](https://myvotecounts.org.za/an-agenda-for-action-a-joint-submission-by-the-civil-society-working-group-on-state-capture/) - Click on the link below to download the pdf report2020.02 - An Agenda for Action - A Joint Submission by the Civil Society Working Group on State Capture - [Submission with R2K to IEC on Draft Regulations for Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/submission-with-r2k-to-iec-on-draft-regulations-for-political-party-funding-act/) - Click on the link below to download the pdf report 2019.03.21 - Submission with R2K to IEC on Draft Regulations for Political Party Funding Act - [Oral Submission on the Draft Regulations of the Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/oral-submission-on-the-draft-regulations-of-the-political-party-funding-act/) - Click on the link below to download the pdf report 2019.08 - Oral Submission on the Draft Regulations of the Political Party Funding Act - [Written Submission to the Portfolio Committe on Justice and Correctional Services on PAIA Draft Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/written-submission-to-the-portfolio-committe-on-justice-and-correctional-services-on-paia-draft-amendment-bill/) - Click on the link below to download the pdf report 2019.08.31 - Written Submission to the Portfolio Committe on Justice and Correctional Services on PAIA Draft Amendment Bill - [ Oral Submission to the Committee of Justice _ Correctional Services on the PAIA Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/oral-submission-to-the-committee-of-justice-_-correctional-services-on-the-paia-amendment-bill/) - Click on the link below to download the pdf report 2019.09.18 - Oral Submission to the Committee of Justice _ Correctional Services on the PAIA Amendment Bill - [Written Submission to the Select Committee on Security and Justice on the PAIA Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/written-submission-to-the-select-committee-on-security-and-justice-on-the-paia-amendment-bill/) - Click on the link below to download the pdf report 2019.11.22 - Written Submission to the Select Committee on Security and Justice on the PAIA Amendment Bill - [The role of independent candidates in South African democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-role-of-independent-candidates-in-south-african-democracy/) - Click on the link below to download the pdf report The role of independent candidates in South African democracy 16-03-2021 - [Letter to President Re Political Party Funding Act Review](https://myvotecounts.org.za/new-post-4/) - 21 may 19 Letter to President Re Political Party Funding Act Review - [ Letter to Julius Malema Re Political Party Funding Disclosure](https://myvotecounts.org.za/new-post-5/) - 22 july 19 Letter to Julius Malema Re Political Party Funding Disclosure - [Letter to Mmusi Maimane Re Political Party Funding Disclosure ](https://myvotecounts.org.za/new-post-6/) - 22 july 19 Letter to Mmusi Maimane Re Political Party Funding Disclosure - [ Letter to President Ramaphosa Political Party Funding Disclosure](https://myvotecounts.org.za/new-post-8/) - 22-july 19 Letter to President Ramaphosa Political Party Funding Disclosure - [Letter to Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on Party Funding Disclosure](https://myvotecounts.org.za/new-post-9/) - 23-aug 19 Letter to Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on Party Funding Disclosure - [Mmusi Maimane Response to Political Party Funding Disclosure 23 July 2019.](https://myvotecounts.org.za/new-post-10/) - 23-july 19 Mmusi Maimane Response to Political Party Funding Disclosure 23 July 2019 - [Political Funding Bill Infographic](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-funding-bill-infographic/) - [Monitoring the IEC Commissioner Appointment Process Infographic](https://myvotecounts.org.za/monitoring-the-iec-commissioner-appointment-process-infographic/) - [What is Intra-Democracy - Infographic](https://myvotecounts.org.za/what-is-intra-democracy-infographic/) - [How is taxpayers' monies allocated to political parties? Infographic ](https://myvotecounts.org.za/how-is-taxpayers-monies-allocated-to-political-parties-infographic/) - [Proportional representation system - Infographic](https://myvotecounts.org.za/proportional-representation-system-infographic/) - [Plurality systems - Infographic](https://myvotecounts.org.za/plurality-systems-infographic/) - [Mixed systems - Infographic](https://myvotecounts.org.za/mixed-systems-infographic/) - [Majority Systems - Infographic](https://myvotecounts.org.za/majority-systems-infographic/) - [Other Systems - Infographic](https://myvotecounts.org.za/other-systems-infographic/) - [Political Party Funding In South Africa - How It Started](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-in-south-africa-how-it-started/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDqh272eInI - [Political Party Funding Transparency - What We Know Pt 1](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-transparency-what-we-know-pt-1/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cds1rrH74XI - [Political Party Funding Transparency - What We Know Pt 2](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-transparency-what-we-know-pt-2/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruEIJOBn3R8 - [Political Party Funding Act and PAIA: Where Are We Now?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-act-and-paia-where-are-we-now/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_84JdSuZzRo - [The Pros and Cons of the Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-pros-and-cons-of-the-political-party-funding-act/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcVBwhpUk5g - [Electoral Accountability: What does it mean?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-accountability-what-does-it-mean/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67JF-PRq_U4 - [Electoral Accountability: Eskom - Inkatha Freedom Party](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-accountability-eskom-inkatha-freedom-party/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqqCsIFFwtQ - [Electoral Accountability: National Health Insurance (NHI) - Inkatha Freedom Party](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-accountability-national-health-insurance-nhi-inkatha-freedom-party/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUBNr80QJ9k - [Electoral Accountability: Education and the Fourth Industrial Revolution Democratic Alliance](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-accountability-education-and-the-fourth-industrial-revolution-democratic-alliance/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEqw2ZmyzyU - [Electoral Accountability: Gender-based Violence - Democratic Alliance](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-accountability-gender-based-violence-democratic-alliance/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFPGSMAbXvc - [Electoral Accountability: Skills Shortage African Christian Democratic Party](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-accountability-skills-shortage-african-christian-democratic-party/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PegwycwDzvs - [Electoral Accountability: Gender-Based Violence (African Christian Democratic Party)](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-accountability-gender-based-violence-african-christian-democratic-party/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgQqsDLvIAc - [Political Party Funding in Focus](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-in-focus/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOR_z7mHSWQ - [The Role of Independent Candidates in South Africa's Multi-Party Democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-role-of-independent-candidates-in-south-africas-multi-party-democracy-2/) - https://youtu.be/-GKmvRDt1Pg - [Political party funding: the role of business, legal reforms and the slow pace of change](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-the-role-of-business-legal-reforms-and-the-slow-pace-of-change/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nidJLGC6naM - [In Conversation with Terry Tselane: The State of our Democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/in-conversation-with-terry-tselane-the-state-of-our-democracy/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKH82efvnp4 - [In Conversation with Terry Tselane: Slabbert Report Findings](https://myvotecounts.org.za/in-conversation-with-terry-tselane-slabbert-report-findings/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSEFXSNGmW8 - [In Conversation with Terry Tselane: More on Slabbert Report Findings](https://myvotecounts.org.za/in-conversation-with-terry-tselane-more-on-slabbert-report-findings/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miX2N-B7eQE - [In Conversation with Terry Tselane: Full Video](https://myvotecounts.org.za/in-conversation-with-terry-tselane-full-video/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86xCLM480ak - [In Conversation with Terry Tselane: Democracy or Demo-crazy?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/in-conversation-with-terry-tselane-democracy-or-demo-crazy/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZvwPPUA2MY - [Elections dialogue in Khayelitsha](https://myvotecounts.org.za/elections-dialogue-in-khayelitsha/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj90R7nU3I8 - [Elections Dialogue in Khayelitsha - Vox Pops 1](https://myvotecounts.org.za/elections-dialogue-in-khayelitsha-vox-pops-1/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cop2e7p2PiY - [Elections Debate in Khayelitsha. Vox pops 2](https://myvotecounts.org.za/elections-debate-in-khayelitsha-vox-pops-2/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkkLUwRyQZ4 - [Vox Pops: What changes do you want to see?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/vox-pops-what-changes-do-you-want-to-see/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJFR3i37mGs - [Vox Pops: Do you know which party to vote for?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/vox-pops-do-you-know-which-party-to-vote-for/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmdDD2zXfnE - [What is intra-party democracy? - Dr Zwelethu Jolobe](https://myvotecounts.org.za/what-is-intra-party-democracy-dr-zwelethu-jolobe/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TxqjJeXojQ - [What is intra-party democracy? - Pierre de Vos](https://myvotecounts.org.za/what-is-intra-party-democracy-pierre-de-vos/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn3Z3ryhbks - [Intra-party democracy and factionalism - Dr Zwelethu Jolobe](https://myvotecounts.org.za/intra-party-democracy-and-factionalism-dr-zwelethu-jolobe/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jV_axvLOA0 - [The level of intra-party democracy in our political parties - Dr Zwelethu Jolobe](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-level-of-intra-party-democracy-in-our-political-parties-dr-zwelethu-jolobe/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E52qeLPb6Q - [A look at Intra-Party Democracy in South Africa - Pierre de Vos](https://myvotecounts.org.za/a-look-at-intra-party-democracy-in-south-africa-pierre-de-vos/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiBIJsCZXrU - [PowerFM: Political Party Funding Act comes into effect from 1 April 2021](https://myvotecounts.org.za/powerfm-political-party-funding-act-comes-into-effect-from-1-april-2021/) - [MyVoteCounts Demands Answers from President on Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/myvotecounts-demands-answers-from-president-on-political-party-funding-act/) - https://soundcloud.com/channelislam/20-01-21-myvotecounts-demands-answers-from-president-on-political-party-funding-act - [PowerFM: MVC demands answers from President regarding delays in implementation of Party Funding laws](https://myvotecounts.org.za/powerfm-mvc-demands-answers-from-president-regarding-delays-in-implementation-of-party-funding-laws/) - [702: ANC proposes new party-funding model](https://myvotecounts.org.za/702-anc-proposes-new-party-funding-model/) - [Salaam Media: Impact of Covid19 and the Local Government Elections ](https://myvotecounts.org.za/salaam-media-impact-of-covid19-and-the-local-government-elections/) - Click on the link below to listen onlinehttps://www.pscp.tv/salaamedia/1vOxwkyZzygxB - [eNCA: IEC will hold public hearings into Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/enca-iec-will-hold-public-hearings-into-political-party-funding-act/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38Cp8OzZjHc - [702: Should internal party campaign funding be disclosed?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/702-should-internal-party-campaign-funding-be-disclosed/) - [eNCA: Electoral accountability summit about to begin](https://myvotecounts.org.za/enca-electoral-accountability-summit-about-to-begin/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWBjtLtY8Vc - [Cape Talk: Are Independent Candidates in the future of SA’s Electoral System?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/cape-talk-are-independent-candidates-in-the-future-of-sas-electoral-system/) - [eNCA’s Madam’s Speaker: What can we deem as fair electioneering?](https://myvotecounts.org.za/encas-madams-speaker-what-can-we-deem-as-fair-electioneering/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM2vH3L75S8 - [eNCA: Transparency of political funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/enca-transparency-of-political-funding/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtVfA3-XYhg - [eNCA: Non-Profit Organisation, My Vote Counts releases political party funding report](https://myvotecounts.org.za/enca-non-profit-organisation-my-vote-counts-releases-political-party-funding-report/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS7Mq6Q1JfM - [Radio702: Historical Party Funding Report 1](https://myvotecounts.org.za/radio702-historical-party-funding-report-1/) - [Radio702: Historical Party Funding Report 2](https://myvotecounts.org.za/radio702-historical-party-funding-report-2/) - [Jacaranda: Political Party Funding Act implementation delay by IEC](https://myvotecounts.org.za/jacaranda-political-party-funding-act-implementation-delay-by-iec/) - https://iono.fm/e/673367 - [The Forum@8 – SAFM: Political Party funding and its role in fostering a constitutional democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-forum8-safm-political-party-funding-and-its-role-in-fostering-a-constitutional-democracy/) - [ SABC News: MVC insists political parties must divulge their donors](https://myvotecounts.org.za/sabc-news-mvc-insists-political-parties-must-divulge-their-donors/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5pWmi-CZ2E - [News24: MVC on Information Act and how political parties are funded](https://myvotecounts.org.za/news24-mvc-on-information-act-and-how-political-parties-are-funded/) - https://youtu.be/nBJEjuWwEWU - [News24: 3 reasons SA political parties aren’t revealing where their money comes from](https://myvotecounts.org.za/news24-3-reasons-sa-political-parties-arent-revealing-where-their-money-comes-from/) - https://youtu.be/jDj7vABxMPA - [SABC 2 Morning Live: Workshop on political party funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/sabc-2-morning-live-workshop-on-political-party-funding/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYbMmajgeLE - [SABC Digital News: Shadrack Gutto analysis a bid to unmask political party funders issue](https://myvotecounts.org.za/sabc-digital-news-shadrack-gutto-analysis-a-bid-to-unmask-political-party-funders-issue/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTGCYF1ErLM - [eNCA: LIVE – Constitutional Court ruling on political party funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/enca-live-constitutional-court-ruling-on-political-party-funding/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLupmofQwYY - [SABC Digital News: Political Party Funding Disclosure](https://myvotecounts.org.za/sabc-digital-news-political-party-funding-disclosure/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsMFrrPdnz0 - [SABC Digital News: Concourt to hear arguments in the case brought by MVC](https://myvotecounts.org.za/sabc-digital-news-concourt-to-hear-arguments-in-the-case-brought-by-mvc/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBdR3k3LkZQ - [eNCA Judge For Yourself: S11E10 – Should political parties disclose their funders? (Segment 1)](https://myvotecounts.org.za/enca-judge-for-yourself-s11e10-should-political-parties-disclose-their-funders-segment-1/) - https://youtu.be/PZkrYBsuJ5s - [eNCA Judge For Yourself: S11E10 – Should political parties disclose their funders? (Segment 2)](https://myvotecounts.org.za/enca-judge-for-yourself-s11e10-should-political-parties-disclose-their-funders-segment-2/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLZOhiEp4Wc - [eNCA Judge For Yourself: S11E10 – Should political parties disclose their funders? (Segment 3)](https://myvotecounts.org.za/enca-judge-for-yourself-s11e10-should-political-parties-disclose-their-funders-segment-3/) - https://youtu.be/jRbJgFzzyY0 - [SABC Morning Live: Political party funding in South Africa (Part 1)](https://myvotecounts.org.za/sabc-morning-live-political-party-funding-in-south-africa-part-1/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLBPwRgetVU - [SABC Morning Live: Political party funding in South Africa (Part 2)](https://myvotecounts.org.za/sabc-morning-live-political-party-funding-in-south-africa-part-2/) - https://youtu.be/KO57-UdVFPs - [Creamer Media PolitySA: My Vote Counts – Accountability and openness in SA democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/creamer-media-politysa-my-vote-counts-accountability-and-openness-in-sa-democracy/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9ubL4dL338 - [Creamer Media PolitySA: Political party funding – analysis](https://myvotecounts.org.za/creamer-media-politysa-political-party-funding-analysis/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8vyUofpSw0 ## Pages - [My Vote Counts Home](https://myvotecounts.org.za/) - Political SystemsPolitical SystemsMVC works towards ensuring that mechanisms within the electoral system ensure deeper accountability READ MOREMoney In PoliticsMoney In Politics MVC works towards understanding the relationships between money, influence and politics and removing the use of money to buy influence in politics READ MOREInter- & Intra-party DemocracyInter- & Intra-party Democracy MVC works towards ensuring - [Newsletters & Media Statements Archives](https://myvotecounts.org.za/newsletters-media-statements-archives/) - Media Statements Archives 15/06/2026 Civil Society launches the National Campaign to Confront Xenophobia 10/06/2026 COGTA must ensure meaningful public participation in the Coalitions Bill 08/06/2026 Civil Society calls for urgent government action on NACAC anti-corruption proposals 04/06/2026 Political funding disclosures reveal secrecy and noncompliance 03/06/2026 Judgement in MVC’s appeal of costs order reaffirms crucial Biowatch - [Who We Are](https://myvotecounts.org.za/who-we-are/) - Vision Our TeamOur BoardOur FundersVision and PrinciplesWe strive for a democracy where every person has equal influence in all the decisions that affect them. Democracy: We believe in a democracy where every adult has equal power to influence decisions that affect them. Transparency and Accountability: We believe that the electorate should have access to all - [Whose Vote Counts? | Political Party Donations in South Africa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/whose-vote-counts/) - Please note: This dashboard is not optimised for mobile and may be easier to use on a laptop or desktop computer https://myvotecounts.org.za/whose-vote-counts/ - [Audited Financial Statements](https://myvotecounts.org.za/who-we-are/annual-audited-financial-statements/) - Audited Financial Statements FY 2025 Audited Financial Statements FY 2024 Audited Financial Statements FY 2023 Audited Financial Statements FY 2022 Audited Financial Statements FY 2021 - [popup](https://myvotecounts.org.za/popup/) - [Shop](https://myvotecounts.org.za/shop/) - 30 Years of Democracy Hoodie(limited edition) Linocut artwork by Kanaldorp Press Price: R600Description The bold linocut design by Kanaldorp Press celebrates South Africa’s 30 years of democracy and the people’s movements that shaped it. The limited-edition hoodie was created for My Vote Counts, with all proceeds supporting our work to deepen democracy in South Africa. Features Premium - [Media Coverage](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-coverage/) - Political Party Funding Act | Judgment reserved in My Vote Counts caselelethu@myvotecounts.org.za2025-04-07T11:17:55+02:0028/08/2024|Media interviews, Litigation, Money in Politics| WATCH | On Electoral Reform – Boikanyo Molotolelethu@myvotecounts.org.za2025-03-25T15:42:11+02:0021/08/2024|Media interviews, Access To Information, Civil Society Electoral Reform Panel, Political Systems| LISTEN | The Civil Society Electoral Reform Panel launched in SAlelethu@myvotecounts.org.za2025-03-25T15:42:12+02:0021/08/2024|Media interviews, Civil Society Electoral Reform Panel, Political Systems| - [Money in Politics](https://myvotecounts.org.za/political-party-funding-act/) - My Vote Counts started out as a campaign in 2012 looking into the private funding of political parties. We tried using the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to gain this information but found we couldn’t do so. We then approached the courts as we felt this was something that needed to be rectified. - [Political Systems](https://myvotecounts.org.za/electoral-systems/) - Political Systems On 11 June 2020, the Constitutional Court in a landmark judgment ruled that the Electoral Act is unconstitutional to the extent that it requires that adult citizens may stand for, and be elected to, the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures only through their membership of political parties. The ConCourt ruled that the Electoral - [Democracy from Below](https://myvotecounts.org.za/democracy-from-below/) - [The Electoral Commission (IEC)](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-electoral-commission-iec/) - [The Right To Recall](https://myvotecounts.org.za/the-right-to-recall/) - [Democracy Dialogues](https://myvotecounts.org.za/democracy-dialogues/) - [Tactical Voting](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tactical-voting/) - [MVC's journey towards a democratised party funding system](https://myvotecounts.org.za/timeline/) - [People’s Analysis of Manifestos](https://myvotecounts.org.za/peoples-analysis-of-manifestos/) - Why this matters and how we did itAt the heart of South Africa’s democracy lies an undeniable truth that the ‘people shall govern’. The People’s Analysis of Manifestos is a process aimed at recentering our political discourse around the people’s needs, aspirations, and voices. This document is crucial as it attempts to shift the needle, - [Contact Us](https://myvotecounts.org.za/contact-us/) - Contact InformationTel: +27 21 447 2950 Email: info@myvotecounts.org.za My Vote Counts Address Inyathelo, Buchanan Square 160 Sir Lowry Road Woodstock Cape Town 7925 Send us a message Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) × - [Podcasts](https://myvotecounts.org.za/democracy-dissected/) - As we are committed to a deepened democracy where every adult citizen has an equal say in all the decisions which affect them, we decided to partner up with Cape Town-based community radio station, Radio 786 (100.4 FM) to discuss topics and events as a means to share information and facilitate debate. Using this platform, - [test](https://myvotecounts.org.za/test/) - [Accountability Corner](https://myvotecounts.org.za/accountability-corner/) - lelethu@myvotecounts.org.za2025-04-07T12:15:09+02:00A Collective Civil Society Response to the Zondo Commission and the State Capture Reportlelethu@myvotecounts.org.za2024-01-25T09:55:10+02:00WATCH | Is it okay for politicians to lie to you?lelethu@myvotecounts.org.za2025-04-07T14:17:33+02:00Lloyd Pswarayi: Shrinking of Democratic Space in Zimbabwe - [Media Statements](https://myvotecounts.org.za/media-statements/) - [Resources](https://myvotecounts.org.za/resources/) - Educational Videos Civil Society launches the National Campaign to Confront Xenophobia Civil Society launches the National Campaign to Confront Xenophobia General News Civil Society launches the National Campaign to Confront Xenophobia COGTA must ensure meaningful public participation in the Coalitions Bill. COGTA must ensure meaningful public participation in the Coalitions Bill. General News, Submissions COGTA ## Timeline Express Announcements - [Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties established](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/ad-hoc-committee-on-the-funding-of-political-parties-established/) - National Assembly establishes the Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties to enquire into the funding of political parties represented in national and provincial legislatures. - [IEC releases first private funding disclosures](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/iec-releases-first-private-funding-disclosures/) - Watch our reaction - [My Vote Counts Launches Legal Challenge to Strengthen Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/my-vote-counts-launches-legal-challenge-to-strengthen-political-party-funding-act/) - On 16 May, 2023, we launch an application in the Western Cape High Court, challenging the constitutionality of aspects of the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA). Our court application seeks to amend the PPFA, so that it provides for: the disclosure of all private donations, not only those above R100 000; the reduction of the - [One Year in: Party Funding Legislation Needs to be Strengthened](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/one-year-in-party-funding-legislation-needs-to-be-strengthened/) - One year after the first disclosures, we still do not know the full extent of private funding and are far from limiting the toxic relationship between money and politics. The PPFA does force political parties to disclose Audited Financial Statements to the IEC by 30 September 2022 and this will give us deeper insight into - [Civil Society Reject Attempts to Undermine the Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/civil-society-reject-attempts-to-undermine-the-political-party-funding-act/) - The ANC’s leadership wants to lobby other parties represented in Parliament to support their plans to amend the Act. Among other changes, the ruling party wants to expand the annual threshold for disclosure from R100,000 to R250,000 or R500,000. If successful, this will mean that only donations above R250,000 or R500,000 in a year will - [Civil Society Coalition Launches As Watchdog Over Political Party Funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/civil-society-coalition-launches-as-watchdog-over-political-party-funding/) - The purpose of the Coalition on Party Funding is to advocate for a transparent and accountable political funding space through collective action. This is to deter corruption and inept governance that has historically been shown to be a consequence of unregulated private money in politics. The Coalition’s purpose is to demand accountability and take steps - [MVC launched a high court application](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/mvc-launched-a-high-court-application/) - MVC launched application in WC High Court requesting PAIA to be declared unconstitutional and ineffective in accessing private political funding information. - [Opposition](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/opposition-2/) - Democratic Alliance files notice of intention to oppose. - [Opposition](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/opposition/) - Minister of Justice and Correctional Services files notice of intention to oppose. - [Reminder of due affidavits](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/reminder-of-due-affidavits/) - MVC writes to the lawyers representing the Democratic Alliance and the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services reminding them that their affidavits were due on 20 and 26 September 2016 respectively, and that should these not be received 17 January 2017 MVC approach the Court for appropriate relief. - [Extension requested](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/extension-requested/) - MVC receives a letter from the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services requesting an extension until the ‘end of January’ 2017 to file their answering papers. - [Extension granted](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/extension-granted/) - MVC writes to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services agreeing to an extension to allow the Minister to file answering papers by 31 January 2017. - [Notifcation of request for relief](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/notifcation-of-request-for-relief/) - MVC writes to the Democratic Alliance and the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services indicating that we cannot wait any longer for the answering papers and will be approaching the High Court for appropriate relief. - [Public hearings](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/public-hearings/) - Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties holds public hearings on review of the Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Act, No.103 of 1997. - [PAIA case heard](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/paia-case-heard/) - WC High Court hears MVC’s PAIA case. - [Written comments](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/written-comments/) - Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties invites written comments on Draft Political Party Funding Bill. - [PAIA ruled unconstitutional](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/paia-ruled-unconstitutional/) - WC High Court rules in favour of MVC, declares PAIA unconstitutional and gives parliament 18 months to rectify defects. - [Public hearings](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/public-hearings-2/) - Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties holds public hearings on Draft Political Party Funding Bill. The 2 day public hearings heard arguments from MVC, Centre for the Advancement of the South African Constitution, the South African Local Government Association and SANEF to name a few. - [National Assembly adopts Political Party Funding Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/funding-bill-adopted/) - Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties in the National Assembly adopts the Political Party Funding Bill. - [MVC makes oral submission to NCOP](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/mvc-makes-oral-submission-to-ncop/) - MVC and other organisations make present oral arguments for the bill before the NCOP ad-hoc committee. To read our submission made before the NCOP ad-hoc committee, you can click this link: MVC NCOP Oral Submission - [Constitutional Court rules in favour of MVC](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/constitutional-court-rules-in-favour-of-mvc/) - The Constitutional Court rules in favour of My Vote Counts regarding the invalidity of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) with regards to the access of private donor information of political parties. To read the full judgement, you can click the link: PAIA Constitutional Court Judgement 2018 - [NCOP adopts Political Party Funding bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/ncop-adopts-political-party-funding-bill/) - In a historic victory for the South African democracy, the National Council of Provinces have adopted the Political Party Funding Bill with no amendments. The bill is now sent to the President to be signed into law. - [President signs bill into law](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/president-signs-bill-into-law/) - President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Bill into law. Although we welcome the signing of this historic piece of legislation, we are disappointed that political parties will only be compelled to disclose their private funding information after the 2019 elections. - [Both Political Party Funding Act and Promotion of Access to Information Amendment Act comes into effect](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/both-political-party-funding-act-and-promotion-of-access-to-information-amendment-act-comes-into-effect/) - From this day forward, political parties and independent candidates will be compelled by law to keep record and publicly disclose their private funding information. - [Party Funding Bill still to be signed](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/party-funding-bill-still-to-be-signed/) - In October 2018, we had given President Ramaphosa a deadline of end November to sign the Political Party Funding Bill. The reason for this was that if signed by the end of November, it would have been enough time for it to come into effect before the elections. The time-frame for processes and mechanisms required - [MVC sends lawyers letter to President](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/mvc-sends-lawyers-letter-to-president/) - On 22 December 2020, MVC, through our legal representatives Webber Wentzel, wrote a formal letter to the President urgently requesting reasons for the unjustifiable delays in the promulgation and implementation of the PPFA, as well as the Promotion of Access Information Amendment Act. We also asked for an indication of when these laws would come - [DA requests extension](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/da-requests-extension/) - MVC receives a letter from the Democratic Alliance requesting an extension until 03 February 2017 to file their answering papers. - [Deliberations in Ad-Hoc committee in NCOP commences](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/deliberations-in-ad-hoc-committee-in-ncop-commences/) - The Ad-Hoc committee for the Funding of Political Parties in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) kicks off today. The NCOP process will be similar to the one in the National Assembly with a total of six meetings. Click here for detailed meeting minutes and information on the committee members. - [Dept of Justice requests another extension](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/dept-of-justice-requests-another-extension/) - MVC receives a letter from the Minister of Justice requesting a further extension to 07 February 2017 to file their answering papers. - [Draft bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/draft-bill/) - Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties produces a Committee Draft Political Party Funding Bill. - [FINALLY! The Political Party Funding Act has been promulgated](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/finally-the-political-party-funding-act-is-implemented/) - After years of campaigning, various workshops, emails, phonecalls, office visits and lawyers letters, the President has finally gazetted the implementation date for the Political Party Funding Act. The Act will come into effect on 1 April 2021. This law will fundamentally improve and deepen our ability to exercise our political rights from an informed position. - [First committee meeting](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/first-committee-meeting/) - Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties meets for the first time to elect a Chairperson (Vincent Smith). - [MVC and R2K Submission on the Draft Regulations for the Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/mvc-and-r2k-submission-on-the-draft-regulations-for-the-act/) - The Electoral Commission (IEC) opened up comments relating to the Draft Regulations for the new Political Party Funding Act which the IEC plans to start implemeting in phases from 1 April 2019. The deadline for submission was 21 March 2019. Together with Right 2 Know, we have put together our comments and submitted them - [MVC files Heads of Argument](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/mvc-files-heads-of-argument/) - [MVC files responding affidavit](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/mvc-files-responding-affidavit/) - [Coalition on Political Party Funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/coalition-on-political-party-funding/) - MVC has established a Coalition on Party Funding. The Coalition’s purpose is to demand accountability and take steps to ensure it. It will focus on ensuring that the political party funding regulatory framework created by the Act will facilitate the transparency and accountability that it promises. The Coalition will work alongside the Act to engender - [Call for public comment](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/call-for-public-comment/) - Ad Hoc Committee on the Funding of Political Parties calls for public comments on review of the Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Act, No.103 of 1997. - [Answering papers filed by Dept of Justice](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/answering-papers-filed-by-dept-of-justice/) - Minister of Justice and Correctional Services files their answering papers. - [Answering papers filed by DA](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/answering-papers-filed-by-da/) - Democratic Alliance files their answering papers. - [Ad-Hoc Committee in National Assembly adopts Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/announcement/ad-hoc-committee-in-national-assembly-adopts-bill/) - The Ad-Hoc committee in the National Assembly unanimously adopts the Political Party Funding Bill. Twelve out of the thirteen parties voted in support of the bill. As part of the Parliamentary process on a Section 75 bill, this bill will now go to the National Council of Provinces. ## Categories - [General News](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/general-news/) - [Opinion Pieces](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/opinion-pieces/) - [Submissions](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/submissions/) - [Research Reports](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/research-reports/) - [Infographics](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/infographics/) - [Videos](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/mvc-videos/) - [Media interviews](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/media-interviews/) - [Media Statements](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/media-statements/) - [Webinars & Seminars](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/webinars/) - [Podcasts](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/podcasts/) - [Political Systems](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/political-systems/) - [Intra-Party Democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/intra-party-democracy/) - [General](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/general/) - [Uncategorized](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/uncategorized/) - [Videos](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/videos/) - [Access To Information](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/accessing-information/) - [Money in Politics](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/money-in-politics/) - [Accountability Corner](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/accountability-corner/) - [Our Opinions](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/our-opinions/) - We are committed to a deepened democracy, to one where every adult has an equal say in all the decisions which affect them. This page will provide critique and analysis of our political moment and will reimagine the future of our democracy. - [Democracy from Below](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/democracy-from-below/) - [Civil Society Electoral Reform Panel](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/civil-society-electoral-reform-panel/) - [Media statements & Newsletters](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/media-statements-newsletters/) - [Litigation](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/litigation/) - [Tactical Voting](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/tactical-voting/) - [The Electoral Commission (IEC)](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/the-electoral-commission-iec/) - [Coalitions](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/coalitions/) - [national dialogue process](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/national-dialogue-process/) - [People's Analysis of Manifestos](https://myvotecounts.org.za/category/peoples-analysis-of-manifestos/) ## Tags - [corruption](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/corruption/) - [covid-19](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/covid-19/) - [Funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/funding/) - [Coalition on Party Funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/coalition-on-party-funding/) - [Party Funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/party-funding/) - [Political Party Funding Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/political-party-funding-act/) - [Electoral Reform](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/electoral-reform/) - [Elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/elections/) - [Independent Electoral Commission](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/independent-electoral-commission/) - [elections postponement](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/elections-postponement/) - [democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/democracy/) - [ANC](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/anc/) - [Constitutional Court](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/constitutional-court/) - [DA](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/da/) - [EFF](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/eff/) - [judgement](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/judgement/) - 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[Electoral Commission](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/electoral-commission/) - [report](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/report/) - [South Africa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/south-africa/) - [Commission for Gender Equality](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/commission-for-gender-equality/) - [IEC Commissioner](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/iec-commissioner/) - [Mogoeng Mogoeng](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/mogoeng-mogoeng/) - [National Treasury](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/national-treasury/) - [Public Protector](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/public-protector/) - [SAHRC](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/sahrc/) - [jobs](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/jobs/) - [My Vote Counts](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/my-vote-counts/) - [SA Human Rights Commission](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/sa-human-rights-commission/) - [Terry Tselane](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/terry-tselane/) - [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/cyril-ramaphosa/) - [elections 2019](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/elections-2019/) - [IEC Commissioners](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/iec-commissioners/) - [National Assembly](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/national-assembly/) - [Office of the Chief Justice](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/office-of-the-chief-justice/) - [President Ramaphosa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/president-ramaphosa/) - [Bogolo Kenewendo](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/bogolo-kenewendo/) - [Botswana](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/botswana/) - [Hlomela Bucwa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/hlomela-bucwa/) - [Joana Mamombe](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/joana-mamombe/) - [leadership](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/leadership/) - [youth](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/youth/) - [YouthLab](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/youthlab/) - [Zimbabwe](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/zimbabwe/) - [Parliament of RSA](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/parliament-of-rsa/) - [State capture](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/state-capture/) - [Economy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/economy/) - [Education](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/education/) - 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[research](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/research/) - [campaigns](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/campaigns/) - [Elections2019](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/elections2019/) - [Housing](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/housing/) - [Land](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/land/) - [Informal settlements](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/informal-settlements/) - [Khayelitsha](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/khayelitsha/) - [SA Elections 2019](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/sa-elections-2019/) - [Service delivery](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/service-delivery/) - [SAElections2019](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/saelections2019/) - [Young politicians](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/young-politicians/) - [Youth day](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/youth-day/) - [department of women](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/department-of-women/) - [rape crisis](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/rape-crisis/) - [SAPS](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/saps/) - [women](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/women/) - [women's month](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/womens-month/) - [women in politics](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/women-in-politics/) - [Electoral systems](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/electoral-systems/) - [Representation](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/representation/) - [Voting systems](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/voting-systems/) - [Judge Zondo](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/judge-zondo/) - [political party funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/political-party-funding/) - [Ralph Mathekga](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/ralph-mathekga/) - [civil society](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/civil-society/) - [constituency offices](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/constituency-offices/) - [Local Government Elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/local-government-elections/) - [pandemic](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/pandemic/) - [money and politics](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/money-and-politics/) - [Transparency](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/transparency/) - [private donors](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/private-donors/) - [accountability](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/accountability/) - [disciplinary](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/disciplinary/) - [accessibility](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/accessibility/) - [Covid-19 era](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/covid-19-era/) - [virtual conference](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/virtual-conference/) - [youth apathy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/youth-apathy/) - [Zondo Commission](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/zondo-commission/) - [access to information](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/access-to-information/) - [Information](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/information/) - [Misinformation](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/misinformation/) - [Electoral Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/electoral-act/) - [electoral system](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/electoral-system/) - [independent candidates](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/independent-candidates/) - [Mmusi Maimane](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/mmusi-maimane/) - [Pearl Pillay](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/pearl-pillay/) - [Tessa Dooms](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/tessa-dooms/) - [private funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/private-funding/) - [electronic voting](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/electronic-voting/) - [step-aside policy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/step-aside-policy/) - [money in politics](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/money-in-politics/) - [covid19](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/covid19/) - [Local Government Elections 2021](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/local-government-elections-2021/) - [local government](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/local-government/) - [vacancy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/vacancy/) - [coalitions](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/coalitions/) - [paryt funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/paryt-funding/) - [appointment process](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/appointment-process/) - [Electoral Amendment Act](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/electoral-amendment-act/) - [Valli Moosa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/valli-moosa/) - [SANEF](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/sanef/) - [advocacy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/advocacy/) - [Equality](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/equality/) - [Press release](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/press-release/) - [Media Statements](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/media-statements/) - [austerity measures](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/austerity-measures/) - [Budget](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/budget/) - [Austerity](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/austerity/) - [factions](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/factions/) - [public funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/public-funding/) - [Electoral Amendment Bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/electoral-amendment-bill/) - [Dr Sithembile Mbete](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/dr-sithembile-mbete/) - [Prof Steven Friedman](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/prof-steven-friedman/) - [African National Congress](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/african-national-congress/) - [Digging Deeper](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/digging-deeper/) - [governance](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/governance/) - [party politics](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/party-politics/) - [Internal democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/internal-democracy/) - [political killings](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/political-killings/) - [abahlali basemjondolo](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/abahlali-basemjondolo/) - [money and influence](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/money-and-influence/) - [PPFA](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/ppfa/) - [patrice motsepe](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/patrice-motsepe/) - [Disclosures](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/disclosures/) - [influence](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/influence/) - [Electoral Reform Indaba](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/electoral-reform-indaba/) - [independents](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/independents/) - [public participation](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/public-participation/) - [electoral amendtment bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/electoral-amendtment-bill/) - [votingsystems](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/votingsystems/) - [voting system](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/voting-system/) - [free and fair elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/free-and-fair-elections/) - [rivonia circle](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/rivonia-circle/) - [2024](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/2024/) - [general elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/general-elections/) - [Executive Ethics Code](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/executive-ethics-code/) - [CR17](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/cr17/) - [amaBhungane](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/amabhungane/) - [money in politics3](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/money-in-politics3/) - [public political funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/public-political-funding/) - [Paul Mashatile](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/paul-mashatile/) - [public party funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/public-party-funding/) - [parties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/parties/) - [paerties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/paerties/) - [NGOs](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/ngos/) - [zondo](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/zondo/) - [state capture commission](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/state-capture-commission/) - [freedom of speech](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/freedom-of-speech/) - [democratic debate](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/democratic-debate/) - [ActionSA](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/actionsa/) - [Leaderhship](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/leaderhship/) - [Radio 786](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/radio-786/) - [Democracy Dissected](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/democracy-dissected/) - [south african elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/south-african-elections/) - [OUTA](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/outa/) - [home affairs committee](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/home-affairs-committee/) - [the anc](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/the-anc/) - [IEC budget](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/iec-budget/) - [budget cuts](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/budget-cuts/) - [2024 elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/2024-elections/) - [ANC funding crisis](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/anc-funding-crisis/) - [free fair elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/free-fair-elections/) - [internal elections](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/internal-elections/) - [foreign funding](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/foreign-funding/) - [legislative reform](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/legislative-reform/) - [party democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/party-democracy/) - [voting reform](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/voting-reform/) - [concourt](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/concourt/) - [2020 judgement](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/2020-judgement/) - [Democratic Alliance](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/democratic-alliance/) - [ramaphosa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/ramaphosa/) - [new voting system](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/new-voting-system/) - [p](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/p/) - [PARTY FUNDING ACT](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/party-funding-act/) - [political party funding acty](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/political-party-funding-acty/) - [court case](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/court-case/) - [mvc case](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/mvc-case/) - [my vote counts case](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/my-vote-counts-case/) - [court](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/court/) - [MVC court case](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/mvc-court-case/) - [my vote counts court case](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/my-vote-counts-court-case/) - [interviews](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/interviews/) - [chief justice](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/chief-justice/) - [IEC Commissioner interviews](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/iec-commissioner-interviews/) - [party funding bill](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/party-funding-bill/) - [government](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/government/) - [opposition](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/opposition/) - [opposition parties](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/opposition-parties/) - [inter-party democracy](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/inter-party-democracy/) - [legal challenge](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/legal-challenge/) - [party funding court case](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/party-funding-court-case/) - [mvc tool](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/mvc-tool/) - [my vote counts tool](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/my-vote-counts-tool/) - [whose vote counts](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/whose-vote-counts/) - [party funding tool](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/party-funding-tool/) - [party funding tracker](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/party-funding-tracker/) - [party funding explorer](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/party-funding-explorer/) - [mvc data explorer](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/mvc-data-explorer/) - [funding explorer](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/funding-explorer/) - [funding data tracker](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/funding-data-tracker/) - [News24](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/news24/) - [South African politics](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/south-african-politics/) - [Open Up](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/open-up/) - [openup](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/openup/) - [private funding tracker](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/private-funding-tracker/) - [voter behavior](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/voter-behavior/) - [election24](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/election24/) - [national governemnt](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/national-governemnt/) - [coalition government](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/coalition-government/) - [coalitions sa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/coalitions-sa/) - [coalitions south africa](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/coalitions-south-africa/) - [coalition governments](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/coalition-governments/) - [peoples power](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/peoples-power/) - [organising](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/organising/) - [activism](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/activism/) - [elections 2024](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/elections-2024/) - [elections24](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/elections24/) - [hiring](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/hiring/) - [vacancies](https://myvotecounts.org.za/tag/vacancies/) - 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