Mcebisi Ndletyana | Political party funding informs how party decisions are made

The cost to run a political party is expensive, and how these parties are funded informs their decisions and vision, writes Mcebisi Ndletyana. 

Democracy is an expensive undertaking. The exorbitant cost is inevitable. Any decent political party must have offices and staff, and hold regular party elections.

Party elections consume substantial financial resources towards posters, transport, accommodation, meals and renting a venue. Party offices are manned by permanent staff who must be paid, including maintenance and utility costs. Apart from the infrastructure and logistics, parties need to maintain visibility or remain in contact with the electorate. This involves taking up causes that pop up now and again, while also hosting activities to mark historic public holidays.