MTN and Vodacom are collectively contributing R9.2 million to political parties in the run-up to the elections in April.
MTN is contributing R6.2 million to parliamentary parties, while Vodacom will donate R3 million to be divided between the four major political parties in the run up to this year`s elections.
Yvonne Muthien, MTN group executive of corporate affairs, says the contribution is a demonstration of MTN`s commitment to good corporate citizenship.
"National elections and party political campaigning is a fundamental pillar of democratic consolidation and the corporate sector has a responsibility to contribute to the strengthening of the democratic process," she says.
MTN has donated R4.75 million to the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and New National Party (NNP).
However, MTN has declined to say how the money was divided among the parties, but has confirmed it will not be a straight four-way split.
Multi-member parliamentary parties shared R750 000 while R700 000 was distributed to single member parties.
Vodacom`s R3 million once-off payment will be divided between the ANC, DA, IFP and NNP.
Mthobi Tyamzashe, Vodacom group executive of corporate affairs, says the funding will be made through the Vodacom Foundation and does not contravene Vodacom`s policy of not funding political parties.
"This funding is a direct contribution by the company towards the advancement of multiparty democracy in an election year in which we are also celebrating 10 years of SA`s democracy. It does not constitute a deviation from Vodacom`s policy of not funding political parties," says Tyamzashe.
Ivan Booth, Vodacom media relations manager, says the money will not be divided equally among the four parties, but will be allocated based on a number of criteria, including the number of seats currently held by each party in Parliament.
Moira Sheridan, Cell C PR and media relations manager, says no donations have been made by the company to political parties to date.
However, Cell C has donated R3 million to the Youth Vote SA project. "Cell C is running the project in conjunction with the Independent Electoral Commission and a number of independent newspapers to get young people to understand the importance of casting their vote," she says.
Sheridan says the project includes educational supplements in the newspapers every two weeks in the run up to the elections. Mock elections will also be run at 1 700 schools across the country prior to the elections to educate school pupils about the election process. The first mock election will be held at Lehlabile High School in Pretoria on Friday.
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