ANC Deputy President Calls for Radical Transparency in Party Campaign Funding
Analysis: Paul Mashatile’s proposal to legalize and regulate internal campaign financing could reshape South African politics ahead of a pivotal 2027 conference.
In a move that could fundamentally alter the internal dynamics of the African National Congress (ANC), Deputy President Paul Mashatile has publicly advocated for the party to formally permit—and strictly regulate—the use of private money in leadership campaigns. Speaking on the sidelines of the ANC’s National General Council in Boksburg, Mashatile argued that the party must confront the unavoidable reality of modern political finance rather than continue to deny its existence.
The End of Idealism: Acknowledging the Role of Money
Mashatile’s comments, reported by TimesLIVE, mark a significant departure from the ANC’s historical stance. He framed the issue as one of “realpolitik,” acknowledging that contemporary politics globally is intertwined with materialism. He pointed to the practical necessities of campaigns—transport, accommodation, branded materials, and public events—all of which require substantial financial backing.
“Resources and money play a very big role in politics,” Mashatile stated, adding that the ANC is now thrust into this reality and can no longer avoid the discussion.
Transparency as the Proposed Antidote
The core of Mashatile’s proposal is not simply to allow spending, but to enforce unprecedented transparency as a guard against corruption. His model would require contenders for top positions, such as Secretary-General or the party presidency, to fully disclose their funders and open their campaign accounts to party scrutiny.
“We should open it up, make it transparent, don’t fight it. Don’t fight the use of money, make it transparent,” Mashatile said. “Just say, ‘you want to contest to be Secretary-General of the ANC? Let’s see who your funder is.’”
— Paul Mashatile, ANC Deputy President
This approach aims to move shadowy financial dealings into the light, theoretically preventing situations where candidates might be beholden to undisclosed interests, including those linked to “irregular tenders.”
Building on the “Motlanthe Rules” and the Ghost of CR17
Mashatile’s intervention is not entirely novel but revives and expands upon recommendations from the ANC’s electoral committee, led by former deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe, ahead of the 2022 conference. The so-called “Motlanthe rules” were a direct response to the controversy surrounding President Cyril Ramaphosa’s CR17 campaign, where leaked financial statements revealed millions in undisclosed donations.
Those rules allowed for limited, regulated spending on specific items like debate venues. Mashatile is now pushing for a more comprehensive framework, arguing that partial measures are contradictory. “If you say the use of money is a problem [yet you] campaign, you are contradicting yourself,” he asserted.
Strategic Timing and the 2027 Succession Race
The timing of this proposal is politically charged. With the ANC’s next national conference scheduled for 2027—where Mashatile is widely expected to be a leading contender to succeed President Ramaphosa—the debate over campaign rules is inherently linked to the succession battle. The party has officially tried to muzzle early succession talk, but Mashatile positions his call as a necessary procedural discussion that must be settled before the campaign season begins in earnest.
By advocating for clear, transparent rules now, Mashatile may be seeking to level the playing field or pre-emptively legitimize the financial infrastructure that any serious national campaign will require. It is a move that blends pragmatic governance with clear political foresight.
Broader Implications for South African Democracy
This internal debate has ramifications beyond the ANC. As the dominant political force in South Africa, the party’s internal health directly impacts national governance. A system of transparent internal campaign financing could, in theory, reduce factional corruption and make leaders more accountable. However, it also risks further entrenching the advantage of wealthy individuals and those with access to deep-pocketed networks, potentially sidelining candidates with strong grassroots support but limited funds.
Mashatile acknowledges this tension, noting that while money is a factor, a candidate’s alignment with ANC policy, history, ethics, and integrity must also “count.” The challenge will be ensuring those ideals are not drowned out by financial firepower, even in a regulated system.
As the ANC’s NGC deliberates, Mashatile has placed a critical and uncomfortable issue squarely on the table. His call to “open it up” represents a potential watershed moment, signaling a shift from the party’s liberation-era culture to a system grappling openly with the expensive realities of modern democratic contestation. The party’s response will be a key indicator of its willingness to reform itself from within.
Primary Source: This analysis is based on reporting from TimesLIVE.