Cape Town - Convicted rapist and Kannaland Mayor Jeffrey Donson says he is “the people’s choice” following outrage over his re-election.
The newly-formed Independent Civic Organisation of SA (Icosa) and the Kannaland Independent Party (KIP) coalition removed ANC mayor Nicolaas Valentyn and his deputy, Leoni Stuurman, at a council meeting on Friday.
Donson, convicted of the rape of a minor in 2008, was elected mayor while Werner Meshoa, who is convicted of fraud, was elected his deputy.
The election follows weeks of political turmoil in the municipality.
A council resolution to remove Donson was declined by MEC for Local Government Anton Bredell last month.
Speaking of his return as mayor on Sunday, Donson said restoring order and stability, and tackling housing and service delivery issues were among his first priorities. He said he was voted into council by residents of Kannaland.
“I won my ward and got the most votes of all the ward councillors in Kannaland. The majority of those people are happy. It is time people outside Kannaland accept the democratic choice of the majority of voters.
“Donson is the people’s choice. The DA and the ANC tried in many ways to get me in prison. Let them come and tell people what they did,” Donson said.
Newly elected speaker, Peter-George Rooi, said the new Kannaland government will deliver.
“I will assert the influence of the office of the speaker to ensure that the Kannaland Council meets its commitments to the people of Kannaland.
The new government appointed experienced, qualified managers. I ask that this new government be granted an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to good governance.
“Judge this new government not by slander, slur, and aspersion; but by its fruits and delivery,” Rooi said.
ANC head of communications Sifiso Mtsweni said they will not work with Icosa. “We will not work with Icosa, given its compromised leadership. We will (occupy) our opposition role effectively.
“We note the underhanded way of the DA through Anton Bredell’s continued abuse of office to advance DA fortunes. The DA would do anything to maintain its relationship with Icosa to hold on to Oudtshoorn municipality.”
Icosa provincial leader Dawid Kamfer said the residents of Kannaland wanted Donson in power.
“Icosa won the vote at the local government elections. The people want to see Icosa in council. All we ask is that people respect the people’s decision and give Icosa a chance to run Kannaland.”
DA constituency head in Kannaland, Eleanore Bouw-Spies, said: “It is a tragedy that while the DA is struggling to do the best for Kannaland, which is in desperate economic circumstances, the governance of the area has been handed to fraudsters and sexual offenders.
“While we are fighting GBV every day, here it’s rewarded and no one bats an eye,” she said.
Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) spokesperson Javu Baloyi reiterated their call for persons with criminal records not to be given leadership positions. “It appears the parties decided to proceed to nominate Mr Donson notwithstanding concerns raised by many in society.
“The commission reaffirms that persons in leadership positions should not have criminal records, particularly relating to GBV.
“Such appointments undermine the fight against GBV in South Africa.”
Cape Times