Action Society has taken the first steps to amend the Constitution to prohibit elected officials from holding office if they have a criminal record and, in particular, were involved with GBV-related crimes.
“It is an embarrassment to South Africa and slap in the face of victims of GBV that someone like Jeffrey Donson, a convicted rapist, can become a mayor and even be re-elected in the position,” said Ian Cameron, director of community safety at Action Society. “We will fight to stop this from happening.”
Sections 47 and 106 of the Constitution need to be amended to provide that persons convicted of an offence after this section take effect are not eligible to become members of the National Assembly, any provincial legislatures or municipal councils. The proposed amendment aims to address this issue and promote accountability among elected officials.
“If the government fails to physically protect vulnerable South Africans from sexual predators and other criminals, we will make it law,” said Cameron.
Action Society wants to offer its support to the community of Kannaland in a possible vote of no confidence in the mayor, rumoured to happen very soon.