The Cost of Politics Report
What does it really cost to run for office in South Africa?
The Cost of Politics Report exposes the financial, social, and structural barriers that shape who gets to lead—and who gets left out.
Authored by Dr Victoria Ann Hasson in collaboration with Futurelect, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), and the EU-funded WYDE Civic Engagement project led by the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), this report is a call to action for a more inclusive and accountable democratic system.
What Is In The Report?
R50,000: Median personal spend by candidates in 2024.
R1 million: Highest personal campaign spend recorded.
Only 10% of candidates aged between 18-29.
Women face gendered costs: safety, childcare, and cultural expectations.
Candidates borrowed up to R50,000 with no guarantee of success or reimbursement.
Why This Report Matters
Too often, politics in South Africa is seen as open to all—but the reality tells a different story.
This report reveals:
-
The real costs candidates face across the election cycle—before, during and after elections.
-
Why youth, women, and independents are systemically excluded.
-
The psychological, emotional and financial toll of participation.
-
How current political finance systems entrench inequality.
-
What can be done to reform and open up access.
