S. Africa's National Assembly approves Political Party Funding Bill

CAPE TOWN, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The National Assembly on Tuesday approved the Political Party Funding Bill aimed at strengthening the country's constitutional democracy and improving transparency, accountability and fairness in political party funding.

The approval is the culmination of extensive public consultation, involving written submissions and public hearings, Parliament Spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said.

The Bill proposes, among others, regulating and making transparent private donations to political parties represented in Parliament and the Provincial Legislatures.

In June 2017, the National Assembly resolved to establish a multi-party ad hoc committee to inquire into and make recommendations by November 30, 2017 on introduction of amending legislation on political party funding, if required.

The Bill is expected to address concerns about over-reliance by political parties on private donations as well as the secrecy that clouds political party financing.

It will now go to the National Council of Provinces for consideration. Enditem