Action Society is urging parties negotiating Kannaland's next municipal government to publicly disclose whether they would support Jeffrey Donson's return as mayor. The organisation wants the Democratic Alliance, Patriotic Alliance, African National Congress, and Kannaland Independent Party to reveal if they are negotiating with Donson's Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa. This comes as coalition talks are underway following the 2026 local government elections, which resulted in a hung council.
Jeffrey Donson, ICOSA's preferred choice for another term as mayor, was convicted in 2008 of statutory rape and indecent assault involving a 15-year-old girl. His conviction was upheld on appeal, although his sentence was reduced. Action Society's national spokesperson, Juanita du Preez, stated that residents deserve transparency about coalition negotiations and the potential for Donson's return as mayor.
The 2026 local government elections saw ICOSA and the DA each secure three of the council's 10 seats, while the Patriotic Alliance won two. The ANC and Kannaland Independent Party each secured one seat. With six seats needed for a majority, the Patriotic Alliance is in a potentially decisive kingmaker position, able to help either ICOSA or the DA secure enough support to govern.
Action Society is calling for stronger candidate vetting, background checks, and legislative reform to address the eligibility of people convicted of serious sexual and violent offences for public office. The organisation's No Perpetrators in Power campaign aims to prevent individuals with such convictions from holding public office. Du Preez emphasised that South Africa cannot claim to prioritise child protection while avoiding accountability in public leadership.
Juanita du Preez questioned how political parties weigh the history of a conviction when deciding who should lead a community. She stated that a criminal sentence may have been served, but the conviction remains part of the public record. The organisation is also demanding an urgent parliamentary review of legislation governing eligibility for public office, including mandatory disclosure of serious criminal convictions.
The outcome of the coalition negotiations will determine who leads the municipality, as no new mayoral appointment has been confirmed. Donson first became mayor in November 2021 but was removed through a motion of no confidence in January 2022. He returned to the position in October that year. Du Preez asked that parties at the negotiating table be straightforward about their standards for public leadership and how they will account for them to the people of Kannaland.
The demands for transparency and accountability come as Kannaland enters a critical period in its governance. The question for every party involved is what standards they will uphold for public leadership and how they will be held accountable. The people of Kannaland deserve to know what is being discussed in coalition negotiations, particularly regarding the potential return of Jeffrey Donson as mayor.
Key points
- Action Society calls for transparency on coalition negotiations and the potential return of Jeffrey Donson as Kannaland mayor.
- Jeffrey Donson was convicted in 2008 of statutory rape and indecent assault involving a 15-year-old girl.
- The 2026 local government elections resulted in a hung council, with ICOSA and the DA each securing three seats.
