Questions have emerged over whether the African National Congress (ANC) is receiving funds from ethical sources following claims by controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi. Speaking to the SABC this week, Mogotsi revealed that he has helped raise money for the ruling party, sparking a renewed debate about transparency in political donations.
Mogotsi, who insists he remains an ANC member until his membership expires at the end of October, said it was common for businesspeople to step in and assist with party logistics.
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“The January 8 function, the ANC itself cannot transport all the people, so if there is any businessman who is ready to assist, they can,” he said.
He further claimed that during the party’s 8 January celebrations, ANC officials travelled together from Cape Town to Robben Island — except for Fikile Mbalula, who allegedly used a luxury boat owned by a foreign company.
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“It is Fikile Mbalula alone who came with a luxurious boat owned by a foreign national company. Do we have to question him? And did he declare it? What should we say?” Mogotsi asked.
He added that donations for the event often came from multiple sources. “In the 8 January celebrations, you will get donations and you will be assisted by different people; it does not necessarily mean that when you assist, you are a cartel,” he said.
Business Links Raise Ethical Concerns
Mogotsi’s comments have reignited scrutiny due to his links with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, another controversial businessman named in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told Parliament that Matlala and businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe were among a “Big Five” of alleged cartels who amassed fortunes through criminal activities.
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“We did not put their [the other three businesspeople’s] names because we did not want to implicate people before they appear in court,” Mkhwanazi said.
Political analyst Professor Theo Neethling from the University of the Free State said South African political parties need to take greater responsibility when vetting donors.
“If South African parties are serious about ethical governance, they must go beyond mere legal compliance,” he said. “This means establishing internal vetting systems for donors and adopting clear ethical guidelines on which contributions to accept or reject.”
He emphasised that the integrity of South Africa’s political system depends on whether parties prioritise ethical funding over financial convenience.
Analysts Call for Stricter Political Funding Oversight
Neethling pointed out that although the Political Party Funding Act of 2021 has brought transparency to party finances, many questions remain about where the money comes from.
“The lingering influence of business interests and patronage networks means that financial contributions often raise questions about accountability and undue influence. Moreover, this issue is compounded when political parties experience financial strain, as the ANC currently appears to do,” he said.
Political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast echoed these concerns, stating that it is difficult for parties to completely avoid funds from questionable sources.
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“This would be very difficult, because upfront they may see a legitimate businessman, but this is not only concerning for the ANC but for other parties as well,” he explained.
He added that the relationship between business and politics often carries expectations. “Some people give the ANC money because they know that they are going to get business,” Breakfast said.
Last week, the party’s Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula admitted that the party has been infiltrated by criminal elements seeking personal gain. He said individuals such as Mogotsi use the names of ANC leaders to access certain people and secure favours.
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