RISE Mzansi, one of the smaller parties in South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), has emerged as one of the country’s top recipients of political donations during the first quarter of 2026.
According to donation disclosures published by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the period January to March 2026, the Democratic Alliance (DA) received the highest amount, totalling R57.3 million, while RISE Mzansi ranked second with R30 million in donations.
The figures have sparked debate about the sources of political funding and the influence donors may seek to exert through their financial support. Questions have also been raised about RISE Mzansi’s ability to attract substantial funding despite its relatively limited public profile and low-key political approach.
Ahead of the 2024 general elections, RISE Mzansi declared donations amounting to R65 million. Among its major contributors was Rebecca Oppenheimer, who donated R15 million. The Oppenheimer family has long been associated with funding centrist and centre-right initiatives in South Africa.
In the 2024 elections, RISE Mzansi secured just over 200,000 votes, translating into two seats in the National Assembly and one seat in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
The party has yet to participate in any by-elections and, despite the upcoming local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026, has maintained a relatively low public profile, with limited visible campaigning activity since the 2024 national poll.
ActionSA ranked third in the latest IEC disclosures, receiving just under R10 million in donations during the reporting period.
The latest figures highlight the significant role political donations continue to play in South Africa’s political landscape and governance environment.
Both ActionSA and RISE Mzansi have faced criticism from some political observers over their internal leadership structures. Critics argue that the parties have limited internal elective processes, resulting in their founders—former journalist Songezo Zibi and businessman Herman Mashaba, respectively—remaining at the helm for extended periods. Both parties, however, maintain that their organisational structures are designed to support their political objectives and growth.