'Let's haunt those who fund under table,' says ANC treasurer-general Gwen Ramokgopa

ANC treasurer-general Gwen Ramokgopa has again emphasised the importance of political parties disclosing their sources of funding.

She made the remarks during the ANC's Presidential Golf Day in Cape Town, which is part of the ANC's activities to mark its 113th anniversary.

Speaking to eNCA on the sidelines of the event, Ramokgopa stressed that such transparency would prevent covert or illicit financial dealings that might influence political decisions.

“We must declare and disclose political funding. That is important because we don't want under-the-table dealings. We don’t want corruption. We don’t want brown envelopes,” said Ramokgopa.

She said political donations should be made public to avoid any hidden agendas that might undermine democratic processes.

She lauded those willing to disclose their funding sources, adding those who do should not face harassment for their transparency

“Let's haunt those who fund under the table because we don't know what their intentions are. We must declare and disclose and it is OK to do so, and those who declare and disclose should also not be harassed,” she said.

Ramokgopa acknowledged that some individuals or organisations might shy away from supporting parties financially, fearing backlash or damage to their reputations.

“For instance, now many companies are saying, 'Oh, we fund you, the next thing our names will be all over the media — it hurts our brand.'”

Ramokgopa urged South Africans to recognise and support those who fund political parties transparently.

“It doesn’t matter whether they fund any other party. You must also applaud those who fund openly and transparently,” she said.

The ANC has been engaging with communities in the Western Cape in the lead-up to the party's 113th anniversary celebrations in Cape Town on Saturday.

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