In multi-party democracies, political party financing is usually discussed in terms of public funding or corporate donations. However, one of the most lucrative, internal, and tightly guarded financial mechanisms is the Party Salary Contribution (commonly referred to as a "party levy" or "political tithe"). When an individual becomes a Member of Parliament (MP), a provincial legislator, or a local counselor, they are technically public servants paid by the taxpayer. Yet, many political parties mandate that these representatives surrender a fixed percentage of their state-issued salaries back to the party's central coffers. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Bafana Phalane – Political Analyst and Goodenough Mashego - Independent Political Analyst.