In preparation for the upcoming elections, political parties, ranging from major players to newcomers, are set to unveil their manifestos. The Electoral Commission (IEC) has already taken a proactive step in supporting these parties by allocating funds from the Multi-Party Democracy Fund to those represented in Parliament.
The African National Congress (ANC), being the largest party, is poised to receive the most substantial share of the R5 million fund. Although the amount may seem modest when divided among 13 parties, it is intended to cover their expenses for the initial three months of the year.
The ANC, as anticipated, secures the lion’s share of the financial support. These funds are expected to play a crucial role as parties gear up for the forthcoming elections, marking another pivotal moment in South Africa’s political landscape.
While Rise Mzansi, a political newcomer not currently represented in Parliament, is gearing up to be the first to launch its manifesto in Pretoria on Friday, other major players are following suit with their respective schedules. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) plan to unveil their manifesto in Durban on February 10, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) set to gather in Pretoria for their launch on February 17.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to officially launch the ANC’s manifesto on February 24, emphasizing the party’s strategic positioning in the electoral landscape. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is also in the lineup, planning its manifesto launch on March 10 in Durban.
As political parties across the spectrum embark on this journey toward the elections, the financial support from the Multi-Party Democracy Fund serves as a crucial resource to facilitate their campaigns and activities in the months to come.