The African National Congress (ANC) Greater Johannesburg Region hosted its annual fundraising gala dinner on 30 July, offering supporters and sponsors the opportunity to share tables with senior government leaders and party officials for as much as R500,000.
Held at The Venue in Melrose Arch, the event formed part of the party’s fundraising efforts ahead of South Africa’s upcoming local government elections and attracted representatives from government, business and civil society.
According to promotional material for the gala, the highest-priced sponsorship package allowed guests to sit with prominent ANC leaders, ministers and City of Johannesburg officials.
Premium tables featured ministers and city leadership
Several of the event’s premium tables were priced at R500,000 each.
Guests purchasing these packages could be seated with Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero, Executive Deputy Mayor Loyiso Masuku or Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi.
The same sponsorship level also applied to ANC Greater Johannesburg Regional General Secretary Sasabona Manganye and Regional Treasurer Maxwell Nedzamba.
Other senior political figures also hosted sponsored tables during the evening, including Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernise Swarts, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala and Johannesburg Council Chief Whip Khazamula Love Chauke.
In addition, several Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs) and senior ANC officials participated in the fundraising initiative.
Individual tickets for the gala were sold at prices ranging from R5,000 to R10,000 per person.
ANC describes event as a fundraising success
The ANC Greater Johannesburg Region described the gala dinner as a successful fundraising event that brought together leaders from politics, business and civil society.
In a statement issued after the event, Deputy Mayor Loyiso Masuku thanked members of the business community for supporting the party’s fundraising efforts.
She also acknowledged the attendance of senior ANC leaders, including NEC deployee Sihle Zikalala, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Gauteng MEC Tasneem Motara-Nisendze.
According to Masuku, the gathering created an opportunity for engagement between government leaders, private sector representatives and other stakeholders committed to Johannesburg’s future.
The ANC concluded its statement by thanking supporters who attended the event and contributed towards what it described as efforts to build a better Johannesburg.
Political fundraising dinners are a common feature of South Africa’s electoral landscape, with parties using sponsorships, gala events and donor contributions to finance campaign activities and organisational programmes.
With local government elections approaching later this year, fundraising events are expected to become increasingly prominent as political parties seek financial support from members, businesses and supporters.
Source: ANC Greater Johannesburg Region.