By 
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is leading in the race of political donations ahead of the 2026/7 Local Government Elections. According to the Electoral Commission, three parties disclosed their political funding for the first fiscal quarter.
The IEC says the three parties, the DA, ANC and ActionSA have been consistent in disclosing their funding since the advent of the of the disclosure requirement for political donations, however, ActionSA defaulted in the third quarter of the previous financial year.
As the parties gear up for local elections, they are more aggressive in getting or raising funds. The disclosure report shows that the total political donations for the first quarter have more than double reaching a total of R40 410 474.29.
“This amount is more than double that reported in the last two quarters of the previous financial year. The total amounts disclosed in the last two quarters of the year were R14 186 594.00 and R18 364 505.19, respectively.
It is anticipated that this upward trend will continue in the lead-up to the 2026/27 Local Government Elections (LGE2026/27),” said Kate Bapela, the Spokesperson for the IEC.
The DA got the largest chunk of political donation of R32 229 474.29. According to the IEC, The party’s fundraising success is driven by a blend of institutional, international, and individual donors.
The most substantial donation, R15 million, was made by Fynbos Kapitaal (Pty) Ltd, a company linked to Capitec founder Michiel le Roux, on 24 June 2025. This was followed closely by another R10 million donation from Fynbos Ekwiteit (Pty) Ltd on the same date. While both entities appear to share the same ownership, they are distinct juristic persons and each therefore has its own applicable donation threshold.
A further R2 million came from Jufrapi Investment (Pty) Ltd on 23 June 2025, an entity owned by Petrus Johannes Mouton, who holds directorships at Capitec, CURRO Holdings, PSG Financial Services, and PSG Group.
The DA’s additional donations included:
▪ Main Street 1564 (Pty) Ltd – R1,465,265.00
▪ Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) – In-kind donation valued at R1,011,143.53 for training and skills development
▪ Michael Stekhoven – R1,000,000.00
▪ Estate of Melroy Sylvia Meyer – R570,208.05
▪ Rustdene Investments – R300,000.00
▪ Dalib Investments (Pty) Ltd – R250,000.00
▪ Discovery Central Services – R250,000.00
▪ Mrs Gina Liebenberg – R150,000.00
▪ Dr Mark John Burke – R132,856.71
▪ Mr Robert Breyer – R100,001.00
The ANC received the second largest donation of R7 661 000.00. The entire amount came from Chancellor House which is also a regular donor to the party.
ActionSA declared donations amounting to R520 000.00. The donations came from a single individual who is also the party leader, businessman, Mr Herman Mashaba.
“During the reporting quarter, the MPDF received a contribution of R250 000 from Discovery Central Services, which also donated the same amount to the DA. Following recent public engagement efforts, including a symposium in June 2025 and campaigns in early 2025. It is hoped that the fund will attract further contributions in the lead-up to the LGE2026/27,” explained Bapela.
On 20 May 2025, the National Assembly resolved, under section 24(1) of the Political Funding Act to amend the limits on political donations. In terms of the presidential gazette these revised limits are effective from 18 August 2025. The limits have been revised as follows:
• The minimum threshold for disclosure has been raised from R100 000 to R200 000
• The maximum annual allowable donation by a single donor has increased from R15 million to R30 million
