Nothing untoward in political parties raising funds from business
Much has been made by the Democratic Alliance and the Inkatha Freedom Party as well as some commentators about the remarks made by the ANC President regarding its relationship with business. The ANC would not ordinarily respond to what seems like cheap political point scoring by a desperate opposition following a very successful conference and a January 8th Rally marking the birthday celebrations of our organization, however, given our commitment to the fight against corruption, we would like to dispel any notion of an ANC that promotes cronyism and patronage.
The ANC President remarks at a fundraising dinner of the ANC to the effect that it is in the interest of business to support the ANC are nothing new. As it is clear from the context, the statement was merely aimed at encouraging business to support the ANC, and thereby invest in the future of our country. We are unapologetic that a strong ANC is good for the economy of South Africa, and is ultimately good for business, in as much as it is good for all the sectors of the society.
It is a party that led the struggle for liberation that led a peaceful transition from apartheid, opened up the democratic space for civil society and political parties to participate in political processes, turned around a declining economy to a thriving one that is now part of the leading developing countries, and that continues to champion both growth and redistribution.
That statement was nothing new and never intended to change or announce any policy. Its elevation into a controversy that signals corruption must be dismissed as a red herring. It is unfortunate that some chose to take a statement made in jest to suggest that the ANC is corrupt. Those who were invited to the dinner, understand that their businesses will not, literally ‘double in size' because they support the ANC - but it was clear that they were invited to that dinner to listen to the programmes of the ANC as well as understand how they can continue to support it financially to achieve its mission.
The highly respected guests at the ANC birthday gala dinner understood that they need to contribute to South Africa' democracy by supporting a political party, the ANC. Those who make the loudest noise in scorn of this universal practice, are leading parties that enjoy financial support disproportionally large in view of their size from many across this society.
It is clear that the undue noise on this issue feeds the narrative of a corrupt ANC that would pursue things that are not prudent and proper where financial resources are concerned. It is therefore clear that there are those who would look for evidence - even where it hardly exists, to feed this narrative.
The truth is that the ANC has always made it clear that those who contribute to it do so and donate to the ANC, with no strings attached nor expectation of any untoward ‘quid pro quo' from the movement. To suggest otherwise is simple fabrication once again aimed at ensuring that the ANC is needlessly tainted by a practice of business donations practiced by all parties the world over.
The ANC was the first to place on the national agenda, the question of the funding of political parties. That is the constructive debate we must have rather than remarks made at a fundraising dinner obviously meant to raise funds from those gathered. Politically party funding is woefully inadequate and needs to be revisited as a matter of urgency - this way rules that place parties on an equitable footing in developing and sustaining the political programmes can be adopted by all and will avoid this needless nit picking each time a matter not even remotely relevant to the question of patronage by political parties is raised.
The ANC prides itself for being exceptionally transparent when it comes to how it raises its funding even in the absence of a law that forces us to be so. The existence, for many years now, of the Progressive Business Forum (PBF) is one such example of transparency. Business people sympathetic to the agenda of the ANC participate in its activities and mobilise financial resources for its continued existence. This is something for which as a ruling party we cannot be made to apologise and these business people who have stood by us in the darkest days must not be intimidated from continuing with their support.
It is crucial that there is no confusion about the intertwined linked between the private sector and the public sector. The ANC will continue to be a source of positive developments and creating an environment for business to thrive through our progressive policies. On the other hand, through our integrity commission that our conference has just approved how this is done in a manner that enhances good governance is a matter that will be at the top of our agenda of such a commission always ensuring that integrity in all our dealings with business is maintained at all times. The ANC is committed to this and will continue to demonstrate it in our current and future dealings with business.
Governments the world over need business to also plough its resources into the development agenda. Such an agenda cannot ignore that the building of democracy also means the strengthening of political parties. Ironically - political parties that are well funded will land themselves scantily to the blurring of lines and the fermenting of corrupt practices. It is clear from this red herring that is being raised that we are yet to have a serious debate about what model of funding will suit our political conditions in South Africa. Until that happens we are likely to continue speaking past one another in this crucial issue for our democracy.
Dr Zweli Mkhize is Treasurer General of the ANC
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