In the past, political leaders have raised the issue of funding in an attempt to discredit civil society organisations committed to the struggle for social justice but critical of the government and other power structures in the private sector. Dear Honourable Amos Masondo,In the interviews for the new public protector on Thursday August 11 you asked Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh, executive director of the Southern African Litigation Centre, several questions regarding the sources of the centre's funding.She answered the questions excellently within the scope of the public protector interview process. The information is also available on our website, www.SALC.org.In the past, political leaders have raised the issue of funding in an attempt to discredit civil society organisations committed to the struggle for social justice but critical of the government and other power structures in the private sector.The fact is, civil society organisations disclose information about their funding and finances but political parties, with rare exceptions, do not."The My Vote Counts" campaign has been forced to go to court in recent weeks because none of the major political parties is willing to disclose the sources of [its] funding - including your party, the ANC.As an MP, you represent a political party that has consistently refused to disclose its funders. This is despite the fact that political parties play a vital role in the functioning of South Africa's democracy. We therefore request that you answer the same questions asked of Ramjathan-Keogh:Who are the funders of your organisation?Who are the funders of those funders?Are any of the funders of your organisation foreign governments? If so, name them;Are any of the funders of your organisation foreign private corporations or individuals? If so, name these corporations or their agents;Since there is no regulation of political party funding, and parties may be receiving funding from foreign governments, is your organisation foreign-controlled and foreign-run?We respectfully suggest that you focus your attention on convincing your colleagues in parliament to do the right thing and limit the influence that money has on our politics.We are sure you will agree that the voters who elected you should count more than the rich who funded your election campaign.Yours sincerely,Janine L OgleNational co-ordinatorMy Vote Counts..