Party financing must be open to the public – ANC

POLITICAL party finances must be open to public scrutiny and must support transparency, accountability, and strengthening democracy, ANC treasurer general Zweli Mkhize said yesterday. The ANC had, in line with the invitation of the parliamentary ad hoc committee on the funding of political parties, made a submission to parliament on matters relating to the review and strengthening of political party funding, Mkhize said. “In our submission and in accordance with the ANC’s 52nd and 53rd national conference resolutions, the ANC calls for the regulation of private financing of political parties, financial transparency of political parties, and enhanced public funding for activities that promote and support democracy,” he said. Transparency was necessary to increase public confidence in the democratic system, he said. – ANA