THE Electoral Commission has lifted the lid on how much money political parties received during the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) walked away with the lion's share.
Five political parties declared donations totalling R35 million for the period from 1 September to 31 December 2025.
The DA topped the list with a staggering R31,2 million, while the ANC declared R2 million. ActionSA reported R1,4 million, Build One South Africa declared R103 481, and the IFP received R158 329.
Most of the donations were in cash, with in-kind contributions making up just 4,1% of the total.
IEC chairwoman, Kate Bapela, said transparency remains non-negotiable.
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"The commission remains committed to ensuring transparency and compliance with the Political Funding Act. All political parties are required to adhere strictly to statutory reporting obligations," she said.
ActionSA and the ANC landed in hot water for late declarations.
ActionSA submitted two donations worth R420 000 after the deadline, while the ANC reported a R2 million donation from the Chancellor House Trust late.
The IEC has issued Section 15 directives, giving parties 30 days to explain their non-compliance.
The DA's declaration included two R10 million donations from Fynbos Ekwiteit and Ball Family Trust. It also received R4,6 million from Lawrin Investment Limited, a foreign donor, for training and skills development.
For the second quarter in a row, the Multi-Party Democracy Fund received no donations.
Bapela urged South Africans and businesses to step up.
"Contributions to the fund are vital to strengthening and supporting a vibrant multi-party democracy," she said.
The IEC warned that donation figures could rise sharply as the 2026/27 local government elections approach.
