Public must join discussions on political donations: Committee

By Simon Nare

The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has recommended that the public should be involved in the determination of the amount of donations political parties should disclose.

During a house sitting, the committee unanimously resolved that a proposed draft motion to regulate the maximum amount of a donation that can be accepted and the threshold amount of donations that must be disclosed, must undergo a public participation process to ensure that it is reflective of the will and views of the people.
 
In a statement released by the committee, it highlighted the importance of public participation in line with Section 59 (1) of the Constitution that compels the National Assembly to facilitate involvement in its processes.

The committee said the draft motion tried to remedy a lacuna in the Electoral Matters Amendment Act of 2014 as confirmed by the Western Cape High Court judgment in the matter