In a country where corporate boardrooms often resemble a Game of Thrones episode, with less murder but more tax evasion, it turns out that even the titans of industry can’t resist the allure of a good ol’ political bake sale. Yes, folks, South Africa’s wealthiest families have been dishing out millions like they’re Oprah handing out cars. “You get a donation! And you get a donation! Everybody gets a donation!”
Who knew democracy could be this lucrative?
Patrice Motsepe and His Companies: Equal Opportunity Donors
First up, we have Patrice Motsepe, the Midas of the mining world. His companies, African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) and Harmony Gold, have been showering political parties with cash since the political funding transparency law was passed in 2022. It’s almost like he’s trying to buy friendship bracelets from every kid in the political playground.
ARM and Harmony, collectively worth a staggering R160 billion on the JSE, have been playing Santa to everyone from the ANC to the DA, EFF, and even the Freedom Front Plus. Yes, you read that right. Motsepe’s money doesn’t discriminate based on ideology. It’s like he’s running a political version of “The Bachelor,” handing out roses (or in this case, rand) to anyone who’ll accept.
The ANC: The Golden Child
Of course, the ANC, the prodigal child of South African politics, has received the lion’s share of the Motsepe millions—R26 million to be precise. It’s a small price to pay when your brother-in-law is President Cyril Ramaphosa. Keeping it in the family, right?
Naspers and the Oppenheimers: Spreading the Love
Next in line, we have Naspers, who’s been playing the field with a cool R10 million split between the ANC and the DA. It’s as if they’re hedging their bets, just in case one of their political horses pulls ahead in the race.
And let’s not forget the Oppenheimers, who seem to have a soft spot for the DA, throwing nearly R50 million their way, and tossing some spare change at Rise Mzansi, the IFP, and Action SA. Clearly, they like to keep their options open.
Capitec’s Michiel le Roux: Betting Big on the DA
Capitec’s founder Michiel le Roux decided to place a hefty bet on the DA with a whopping R65 million donation. One has to wonder if he gets a free toaster or something for that level of commitment. Oh, and he also threw R15 million at Roger Jardine’s failed political campaign. It’s like investing in Bitcoin in 2010—high risk, high reward, or in Jardine’s case, no reward at all.
Herman Mashaba’s Action SA: A Costly Gamble
Speaking of high-stakes gambling, Martin Moshal, who has a stake in Betway, splashed R30 million on Herman Mashaba’s Action SA. Unfortunately for Moshal, it seems his investment in the political slot machine didn’t quite hit the jackpot, as Action SA only managed to secure a smattering of seats in the National Assembly.
The Lone Wolf Donors
Interestingly, the only party leaders willing to put their money where their mouths are were Cyril Ramaphosa, Gayton McKenzie, Kenny Kunene, and Herman Mashaba. It’s like the rest are saying, “Do as I say, not as I do.”
The Shady Side: UMK and Chancellor House
Finally, we have United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK), partially owned by US-sanctioned Russian mogul Viktor Vekselberg and the ANC’s own Chancellor House. They’ve been very generous to the ANC, donating over R30 million. However, they’re currently at loggerheads with SARS over a tax bill of more than R350 million. Who says you can’t be charitable and embroiled in tax disputes at the same time?
The Political Party Funding Act: Transparency in Action
Thanks to the Political Party Funding Act of 2021, all these juicy details are out in the open. Parties now have to disclose donations over R100,000, and the numbers are eye-popping. Over R300 million has flowed into political party coffers in the last four years.
So, there you have it. While the average South African might be tightening their belts, our political elite are practically swimming in a sea of donations. Now, if only they could donate some competence to fix the power grid. But alas, we can only dream.
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