My Vote Counts 🇵🇸
@MVC_SA
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We strive for a democracy where every person has equal influence in all the decisions that affect them | FB: myxcounts | IG: myvotecountssa | TT: MVC_SA
South Africa
Joined October 2012
[PRESS STATEMENT] Big news on the court case challenging hidden money in SA politics. We’re calling for stronger rules to protect YOUR vote from big donors. Read our statement: . #WhoFundsOurPolitics #MyVoteCounts.
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ONE YEAR OF THE POLITICAL PARTY FUNDING ACT | While only 2 political parties have disclosed receiving donations over the R100K threshold in the 4th quarter, the Act has proven effective. We certainly see who funds our politics. You might want to sit down for this one 🙂🙂
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The IEC has publicised #PartyFunding disclosures for quarter 3 of the 2023/24 financial year. Worth noting that Standard Bank has donated to the Multi-Party Democracy Fund.
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JOIN US | As the country faces rolling blackouts, high unemployment and interests rates among other issues that have civilians feeling disempowered, we discuss the state of the nation and how the youth relates to it. Set a reminder to join the space:
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Michael, if you have any evidence of the EFF or any other party failing to comply with the #PPFA, you have the right to report this to the IEC for investigation. MVC will not make any comment on non-disclosure unless evidence suggests otherwise. 1/.
Not one single donation disclosed by the EFF in the quarter before or after this event which is believed to have costed over R70 million. @IECSouthAfrica The Party Funding Act has become a joke. @MVC_SA your silence on this as the real frontier of the fight for transparency is
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WE'RE HIRING | MVC is looking for a researcher whose work will focus on South Africa’s democracy, and the relationship between money and politics. This is a permanent, hybrid position based in Woodstock, Cape Town. Apply by 28 July. Full spec:
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The IEC has published disclosures for the fourth quarter for the 2023/24 financial year. The cumulative declared amount is a whopping R172 069 959.39.
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"For every citizen to be free to make a political choice, who to vote for etc, the information, including funding information should be readily accessible," Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. #PAIA #ConCourt #PartyFunding.
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Following the recent developments in the funding controversy, we sent direct letters to Pres. @CyrilRamaphosa, @MmusiMaimane and @Julius_S_Malema requesting their funding information for the 2019 elections. We gave them a deadline of 19 August 2019 for a response. #PartyFunding.
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The Electoral Court has fined six represented political parties for failing to submit audited annual financial statements (AFS) to the IEC. These are the AIC, ANC, ATC, COPE, PAC, and NFP. Many unrepresented parties were also fined for failure to submit.
On Friday (10/05) the Electoral Court imposed fines worth R40k each on 6 political parties represented in Parliament (incl AIC, ATM, COPE, NFP and PAC) for their failure to submit audited financial statements in terms of the Political Party Funding Act.
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This week, MVC and @DDPdemocracy host a two day Political Summit in Durban, where activists, Parliament members and Electoral Commissioners from across Africa will discuss elections, alternative mechanisms of accountability and reform. Among them, Somalia's Commissioner Hussein.
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Shocking information of how a businessman with links to the PIC paid for @FloydShivambu's wedding after looting the VBS Bank. A clear example of money laundering. Again, we need stricter measures when members declare assets in the Register of Member's Interests. #PartyFunding.
#FloydShivambu’s slush fund Grand Azania paid over half a million rand for his wedding celebrations in April 2017. This is the same account FS has tried his best to disown before, stuffed with all sorts of dodgy & illegal money, including R6,16m from #VBS
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WE ARE HIRING! We are looking to hire an intern to work across all our departments. So you'll be gaining lots of experience across various fields. This is full-time, paid and runs until the end of the year. For more info click the link: #JobSeekersSA.
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This is incorrect. The Constitution affords everyone the right to exercise their political rights (& complain). This includes freedom of expression (section 16), the right to protest (17) & the right to make political choices (19). Voting is just one of the ways to do this.
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STATEMENT | Today, we return to the Western Cape High Court on the matter regarding the Electoral Matters Amendment Act, which allows for political parties to receive unlimited donations. Without these limits, there is an ongoing risk of unregulated and undisclosed funding.
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Not trying to join the dots or anything, but while we are on the topic: a reminder that United Manganese of Kalahari, which is linked to Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg footed the bill for the ANC's National Conference in December last year👀.
Ramaphosa rubbishes claims that SA is arming Russia.
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The People's Hearing on Electoral Reform, KZN is on 2 November! In partnership with @DDPdemocracy, we bring this conversation to The Station, Stamford Hill where Dr @sthembete will help us understand electoral reform in the South African context. Join us online or in person😊!
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So turns out tomorrow's a big day! The @IECSouthAfrica will make public the first quarter disclosures of the private funding of political parties. This is of course in line with the Political Party Funding Act which came into effect on 1 April this year. #PartyFunding
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South African citizens and civil society need to push harder for @CyrilRamaphosa to SIGN THE POLITICAL PARTY FUNDING BILL. We are in a crisis. How much more should we as a people be lead by those who only care for themselves? @PresidencyZA.
Agrizzi testimony raises questions of how “sponsorship” of ANC events - often linked directly to electioneering - may have used as an effective vehicle for corruption. Bosasa sponsored catering,cakes etc while benefiting from billions in state tenders. Was it the only one? 1/2.
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[#ElectoralAmendmentBill] Submitting comments on any proposed changes is to legitimise the flawed Bill. We, therefore, #RejectTheBill. We call on civil society to reject the Bill with equal contempt. We also call on Parliament to push for a Bill that will enhance accountability.
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Unfortunately South Africans aren't enraged because they don't know that @ParliamentofRSA is for them. People, even those living in Cape Town, don't know that they have a democratic right to visit Parliament. It's a shame, really.
The last time I checked, Parliament belonged to the people of South Africa, not MPs who REPRESENT us there. So how is it that South Africans are shut out from the Water and Sanitation Portfolio Committee meeting? How is it that South Africans aren't enraged by this shut out?.
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Needless to say, we're incredibly emotional in the office. It's been a long road for all involved to see this day. We strive to improve accountability, transparency & inclusiveness in our political & electoral systems. This judgement is testament to the work we do. #PartyFunding.
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Floyd Shivambu says we (CSOs) are opportunists who want to strong-arm Parliament into changing the Bill. He says no one, not even Concourt can tell them what laws must look like. Says we must accept that THEY are the ones who have been elected to write laws. Bathong!.
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Our staff are now fully vaccinated - and we're now safer! We support the call for a #PeoplesVaccine, not a profit vaccine. Please vaccinate!.
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Political party funding disclosures are out. Total accumulative disclosures for the quarter are sitting at over R60 million.
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LAUNCH | Tomorrow we, along with civil society partners launch the People's Analysis of Manifestos (PAM), which critiques promises made by big political parties, focusing on issues that matter most to social justice activists and their constituencies. On SAfm from 20h00 to 22h00!
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[STATEMENT] The @EFFSouthAfrica's comments during the Electoral Amendment Bill debate follows a tradition to close democratic space.
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OPEN LETTER: Get your copy of @mailandguardian today and turn to page 30. We wrote an open letter to President @CyrilRamaphosa urging him to sign the #PartyFunding bill into law. Thanks for co-signing @amaBhungane, @UWC_DOI, @ODAC_SA, @Corruption_SA and @r2kcampaign.
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STATEMENT | We wrote to parties informing them that accepting donations over R15M, and failing to disclose donations over R100K is unlawful. Donations above the upper limit will need to be returned and are accepted and spent at parties’ own risk. Letter:
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WE'RE HIRING | MVC is looking for a Researcher (permanent), as well as a Research Consultant (contract). Closing dates are 28, and 26 July respectively. Full job specs available on the links below. Researcher: Research Consultant:
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The EFF rejects the Political Party Funding Bill. They say the Bill will prevent them from funding students. How? We want to to know your funders, not stop you from advancing education! #partyfunding.
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[LISTEN] "He who calls the piper, calls the tune. So if you don't fund your own organisation, somebody else funds it but they control it." @DlaminiZuma speaking in 2016 in Pretoria about AU funders. #PartyFunding .
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High Court has declared PAIA unconstitutional as it doesn't allow for the disclosure of private #partyfunding info.
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[Webinar] Tomorrow we will facilitate a gathering of social movements, labour federations and NGO's to discuss voting strategies towards the 2024 General Election. We will stream two of the Tuesday sessions. Details below👇🏿
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This is a threat to our democracy. Treasury has consistently cut funding to the IEC. This is not unique to the commission, however, we are heading into an election year, and need voter education more than ever, as we have an entirely new voting system.
The IEC has lost around R500 million in funding over the last two years and are set to lose around R800 million between 2022-2025. The IEC is not able to do half of what's needed because govvy has made it impossible for them to do so. That's why WE ALL have to do our part.
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Some exciting news from our end! A few months ago we started working on a new organisational strategy. With that, comes new branding. Any moment now, we will be launching our new and improved website. 🥳We're so excited to share our new vision and branding with you. Stay tuned!
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Has the President seen how long SASSA queues are? People braving all kinds of weather for a R350. The disconnect is unreal. 😳.
President Cyril Ramaphosa sought to dismiss the notion that Members of Parliament were "living it up". He said they often "struggle to make ends meet". | @QaanitahHunter .
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#SONA19, Pres. Ramaphosa will speak about reaching a "New Dawn". There cannot be a “New Dawn” without the implementation of the Political Party Funding Act, as we remain in the dark of who funds political parties. Cartoonist: Jeff Rankin, #PartyFunding
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WE'RE HIRING | MVC is a small non-profit organisation based in CPT. We have a hybrid working environment and are looking for a researcher to join us. The researcher would focus broadly on democracy in SA, as well as the relationship between money and politics. Closing 04 August.
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JOINT STATEMENT | We are concerned about the threat posed to our democracy by the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill (GILAB). This Bill will bring an intrusion of state security agenciesinto our society.
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WE ARE HIRING: We are urgently looking for an Access to Information Officer to join our team in CPT. Deadline 16 Sept at 5pm. #Jobs #CapeTown #PAIA #PartyFunding .
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We hear from school principals and how #StateCapture affects the education sector. In it they talk about the failure to deliver textbooks and having to photocopy books to distribute to learners. @OpenSecretsZA @r2kcampaign @SECTION27news #PeoplesHearing #DearJudgeZondo
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We received a query on how people living in informal settlements or who are homeless can register to vote in the ward they live. You don't need proof of address!. According to @IECSouthAfrica: When registering describe where you live in relation to a landmark (stadium, highway).
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We see massive donations moving from the wealthy Oppenheimer family and businessman Martin Moshal’s to the DA and ActionSA. Numsa’s 3Sixty Life has made substantial contributions to EFF, GOOD, ANC, and ATM.
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The news still needs to sink in. Various court hearings, a @ParliamentofRSA process and constantly pressuring the @PresidencyZA to sign this much needed bill, we can now close this chapter. Of course the hard work of accountability now kicks in.
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OFFICE CLOSURE | The MVC team will be taking some out to rest and recharge on 07 & 10 June, so that we can come back stronger, and better-able to do what we do. We're back on Tuesday, 11 June. Cheers! 😊
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@MmusiMaimane, let the @Our_DA lead by example as the official opposition and disclose who funded the 2019 campaign as well as the amounts. It's rather concerning how you're pressuring another party when not doing the same yourselves. #PartyFunding
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Keynote speaker Mcebisi Jonas says we cant leave electoral reform to political parties; we need mass mobilisation and education followed by a national referendum on reform, to free the country from party barons. #DefendDemocracy ✊🏾.
The #DefendDemocracy conference is underway. Mojanku Gumbi delivers the welcome saying: "Today we are here to make history."
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We have put together a report detailing the public funding of political parties. Our report aims to inform the public of how the law regulates public funding; illustrate the need for a single piece of legislation & highlight the barriers to transparency. #PartyFunding
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We have noticed that a very small group of wealthy individuals are funding our politics. Parties are reliant on a handful of people. These include Patrice Motsepe, Martin Moshal, and different members of the Oppenheimer family, with the mining and energy sectors donating the most
Don't forget to set a reminder for our discussion tomorrow at 19:00. We discuss the importance of party funding transparency to the South African voter, and how the relationship between money and politics can be toxic. 🔗:
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Mr President @CyrilRamaphosa. Are you going to sign the #ElectoralAmendmentBill? Are you referring it to Concourt or back to Parly? Are you just thinking about it? Should the IEC just be patient? Should independents start campaigning? Should we prepare for a new voting system?
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Wake this conversation up @BiancavanWyk16. Who funds our political party and do funders have influence over party decisions?. Check out the Whose Vote Counts Tool for additional information on private political party funders and more:
The political landscape in South Africa: Who is the puppeteer? . Political Party Donors …
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READ | We launched an application in the Western Cape High Court to reform the disclosure of funding by political parties. We believe that sections and regulations of the Political Party Funding Act are unconstitutional.
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Erm. the step-aside rule was established to help the ANC rebuild its credibility, and let the law take its course when members were criminally charged. Its effectiveness becomes questionable when members facing criminal charges, are elected to high-ranking positions.
Newly elected ANC eThekwini chairperson Zandile Gumede says she believes the party should repeal its step-aside policy. | @JKwritingz .
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#DearJudgeZondo in your recommendations to the presidency, we urge you to prioritise the concerns of ordinary South Africans. They, as the primary victims of #statecapture, deserve justice for years of rising poverty levels & deepening inequality.
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MEDIA ALERT | If the President signs the EMAB into law, he will defy Constitutional values and open opportunities for a money grab. We will have no choice but to launch a legal case challenging the constitutional validity of the Bill. Read our letter here:
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The IEC is facing major budget cuts - a serious threat to our democracy. We simply cannot be weakening institutions that are so pivotal to the maintenance of our democratic dispensation.
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STATEMENT: MVC launches court application to amend the Political Party Funding Act. Our court application seeks to amend aspects of the #PPFA, including the removal of the R100 000 disclosure threshold, as well as the reduction of the upper annual limit of R15 million per donor.
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We've put together an explainer on the Political Party Funding Act as we await the first ever disclosures of the private funding of political parties. #PartyFunding
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GET TO KNOW THE @IECSouthAfrica COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES. Dr Mzukisi Qobo. Qualifications. •PhD in International Political Economy - University of Warwick, England (1998 – 2000).•MA in International Relations - University of Stellenbosch (2002 – 2005). #IECCommissioners
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In response to IFP Chief Whip Hon Arend Singh emphasising the tardiness we've seen in amending the #ElectoralAct and suggesting an extension, other members say that there was more than enough time to raise such issues. (Did he lie though? 😶)
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Yup! And the IEC itself has said that the Act needs more teeth to allow them to follow up on parties that fail to disclose. Currently, unless a disgruntled party brings a non-disclosure complaint with prima facie evidence, the IEC can't do anything.
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JOIN US | The People's Hearing on Electoral Reform, KZN is tomorrow! We focus on the flawed electoral amendment process, engaging with communities and social movements on elections and electoral politics. @DDPdemocracy will be streaming the event on their Facebook page 😊😊
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We're at the @black_sash national office for an informative #Khuluma discussion on the upcoming #Election24. Our Electoral Systems Researcher Letlhogonolo Letshele is on the panel. If you're not here, the discussion is being streamed on Zoom. Check the Black Sash page for link.
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PRESS RELEASE: One Year After Signing Party Funding Law, Still No Disclosure Date - #PartyFunding
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GET TO KNOW THE @IECSouthAfrica COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES. Dr Nomsa Masuku . •PhD in English specialising in Applied Linguistics from the University of Birmingham, UK (1992 – 1996) .•Masters in Applied Linguistics from the University of Sydney, Australia (1988 – 1990)
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What happened to cutting government spending? . "Mabe took the department to task for not furbishing halls at each of the parliamentary villages which have been upgraded to gymnasiums. She also wants tuckshops at the parliamentary villages & a day care centre at Parliament.".
Department of Publc Works will spend R110m for refurbishments to MPs' houses and R540m for improvements at Parliament via @News24.
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INVITE | We invite you to attend the launch of the Civil Society Electoral Reform Panel (CSERP), which is made up of representatives from NGOs and social movements. The launch is on 16 August 2024 at Constitution Hill. Save a spot using this link 👇🏿.RSVP:
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Join the #PeoplesHearing on Electoral Reform tomorrow at the Blue Lagoon, eMonti. We #RejectTheBill as it is flawed. South Africa deserves an electoral system that prioritises the people over political parties. Stream it 👇🏾.YT: FB:
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📢 MEDIA INVITATION 📢. Join us for the launch of the Civil Society Electoral Reform Panel (CSERP). The CSERP aims to boost public participation in reforming our electoral system. The work of CSERP will run parallel to the Parliament's Electoral Reform Consultation Panel.
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LAUNCH | This Wednesday MVC along with partners @equal_education @AIDC_RSA @NdifunaUkwazi, and UBIC launch the People's Analysis of Manifestos (PAM), which attempts to redefine democracy to mean active participation and people's influence. Live on @SAfmRadio from 20h00 to 22h00!
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This amount is both higher than all of the quarters previously reported on, and the combined quarterly disclosures reported during the previous (2021/22 and 2022/23) financial years. The IEC says campaign finance activities for #Elections24 have reached levels never seen before.
The IEC has published disclosures for the fourth quarter for the 2023/24 financial year. The cumulative declared amount is a whopping R172 069 959.39.
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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS | MVC is establishing a Civil Society Electoral Reform Panel which will be a civil society-led effort towards electoral reform, increasing accountability, and deepening democracy. More deets:
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We're hiring! MVC is looking for a Campaigner to join our small, dynamic team on a 1-year contract, and lead some of our work in the build-up to the 2024 General Elections. More information on the link below.
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[WEBINAR] How democratic are our political parties? Following the ANC's upcoming policy conference, we launch our first report on Intra-Party Democracy. We will be in conversation with ANC NEC member and Justice Minister @RonaldLamola. Register to join:
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📢Calling all community & social movements, and activists to come and engage on the future of #ElectoralReform. Last week, we were in EC with @Afesiscorplan for an engaging session. Soon, we head to KZN, with @DDPdemocracy, sizwe ukuthi abantu bathini nge #ElectoralAmendmentBill.
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For more information on who's funding our political parties, visit the Whose Vote Counts Tool on our website. Make an informed vote 🙂. Link:
[MEDIA STATEMENT]: Political change and deepening democratic participation require significant resources. - Statement by Makashule Gana, RISE Mzansi Chief Organiser. #WeNeedNewLeaders.#RegisterToVoteRISEMzansi
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#PartyFunding fourth quarter disclosures for the 2022-23 financial year are out. Only ActionSA, the DA, and the ANC reported donations during the quarter. The only foreign donation made was to the DA by Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Full IEC statement:
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On 10 March at 11am we'll be joined by @PearlPillay, @tessie18 and a member from @OneSA_Movement for our webinar on the role and importance of independent candidates in South Africa’s multi-party democracy. RSVP now!
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Very important that people who aren't sure who to vote for look into this information about parties and independents, to make an informed vote, rather than not vote at all.
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"Info about private #partyfunding is reasonably required for the effective exercise of the right to vote and to make political choices".
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Happy birthday comrades! 🎉✊🏾.
Today we celebrate 16 years of our movement, Equal Education. 🎈🥳🎉🔥✊🏿 For 16 years we have dedicated our work to our Equalisers (learner members) who have led us in advocating for an equal education for all learners.
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[PRESS RELEASE] MVC welcomes news that the Political Party Funding Act will be operational on 1 April 2021:. A victory for transparency and accountability.#PartyFunding. .
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The #LGE2021 has introduced significant shifts in SA’s electoral politics. Importantly it’s produced 66 hung councils that require #coalitions. What does this mean for the future of our politics? . Join us to unpack this on Thursday at 2PM. To register:
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The Act also doesn't cover fundraising dinners and such, which is something the EFF has done. Parties have no disclosure obligation for monies raised in this manner, or monies donated are under R100K.
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The People's Convening: Towards the 2024 Elections has commenced! We are at @BerthaRetreat with over 20 civil society organisations, grassroots organisations, and trade unions to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing next year's elections.
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HAPPENING NOW | What are the proposals being put forward by political parties, civil society, and government when it comes to coalitions? Will these proposals lead to a more effective and accountable government, or will they only serve the interests of those already in power?
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Follow the link below to join an important discussion this Thursday. Unpacking the Electoral Amendment Act and what it means for national and provincial elections. #ThisFreedom.#WeAREvoting
@DambisaDube @MVC_SA Hi Dambisa, Please find.
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We're hiring! Looking for a passionate individual who will focus on electoral and political reform, the integrity of the 2024 General Elections, and voting strategies. Apply today!.
VACANCY! Action Appointments is recruiting a Political Systems Researcher for @MVC_SA based in CPT, (hybrid working). For more information, visit the link below:. #hiring #researcher #politics #socialjustice #advocacy #democracy #capetown #hybridjobs
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We welcome Concourt's order granting Parliament an extension from 10 June to 10 December 2022 to finalise the Electoral Amendment Bill. In its current form, the Bill is flawed, because its process has been marred by delays and a shallow public participation process.
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MEDIA ALERT: Today MVC’s urgent application to defend our party funding transparency will be heard in the Western Cape High Court. We are asking the Court to close the gap, or lacuna, in the Electoral Matters Amendment Act until Parliament and the President fulfil their duties.
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Have you explored #WhoseVoteCounts yet? Well, if you haven't, do check it out. The explorer makes party funding information from the IEC easier to understand, and adds more information about private political donors. MVC will update it quarterly. 🔗:
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[VACANCY] We have an urgent opening for an Electoral Systems Researcher. Closing date 19th of February 2020. Click link for more details. #Jobs #JobsCapeTown
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It's a big day today! The Inquiry into Ensuring Free & Fair Local Government Elections During Covid-19 led by Former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke will release their report on whether the elections should go ahead or not on 27 October.
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Why should #PartyFunding transparency matter to YOU? Set a reminder to join our Twitter space this Wednesday, where we will be discussing money in politics. 🔗:
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