Parliament approves Political Party Funding Bill

The National Assembly has approved the Bill, which now has to be passed by the National Council of Provinces before it becomes law.

This would see private donations to political parties represented in the National Assembly made public.

The bill forbids and outlaws donations from foreign governments and their agencies, as well as donations from any government department or state-owned entity.

It also limits the amount individuals or entities can donate to any political party.

It is supposed to ensure greater transparency and accountability.

The African National Congress has hailed the bill as “historic”, the first serious attempt in 24 years to regulate party financing, and it was supported by most parties.

The Economic Freedom Fighters is opposed to the bill, saying it will do little to deal with the power imbalances between parties.

This is a developing story.

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