By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) CEO Sy Mamabolo announced that 34 new political parties have been registered since the 2024 general elections, bringing the total number of registered parties to 472.
Mamabolo was briefing the media on key initiatives and preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
He said the surge in registrations points to increasing political engagement.
However, he emphasised the commission’s critical role in upholding electoral stability, transparency, and accuracy as more parties seek to contest elections.
Of the 472 registered political entities, 287 are listed at the national level, while the remaining 185 are registered to operate at provincial, district, or metropolitan levels.
These figures reflect a broadening political arena — one that demands both vigilance and innovation to ensure fair and functional elections in the years ahead.
Despite the situation, he said preparations were underway for the 2026 local government elections.
“Political contestants remain critical in this planning phase. The Commission will convene a series of information sessions starting in November 2025 with registered but unrepresented political parties and aspiring independent candidates in preparation for the upcoming elections,” he said.
Although there’s no specific date for the elections, Mamabolo said they were likely to take place between November 2, 2026 to January 31, 2027.
“The authority to set a date and call an election lies with the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs following consultation with the Commission.
Mamabolo also confirmed the increase in the minimum disclosure threshold on political party funding from R100,000 to R200,000.
The maximum annual donation has been increased from R15 million to R30 million.
This follows the recent amendment to the regulations on the Political Party Funding Act. The revised laws were promulgated by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this month.
Mamabolo called on the corporate sector to donate to the Multi-Party Democracy Fund.
“We call on corporate South Africa to donate to the Multi-Party Democracy Fund. Supporting the MPDF helps to foster a vibrant democracy and amplify diverse political voices,
“The Electoral Commission further acknowledges the recent amendment to the regulations on political party funding in South Africa,” Mamabolo added
The Political Funding Act have been challenged by My Vote Counts, which argued in the Western Cape High Court that all donations should be declared.
The court, however, dismissed the application last week.
My Vote Counts said it was studying the judgment and consulting with its legal team.
“The reason we went to court was to curb elite influence over our politics, to strengthen voter accountability over public representatives, and to deepen the right of access to information so we can vote and exercise our political rights from an informed position.