Action Society has again called for the removal of convicted sexual offender and Kannaland mayor, Jeffrey Donson, following renewed public outrage over his continued position of power despite his criminal record.
Donson was convicted in 2008 of statutory rape and indecent assault of a 15-year-old girl. Although his sentence was later reduced on appeal, the conviction was upheld. “It is unconscionable that a man found guilty of sexually assaulting a child continues to hold the title of executive mayor,” says Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society. “Every time a convicted offender like Donson is allowed to serve in public office, government sends a clear message that political power outweighs justice for victims.”
Action Society has recently learned of new allegations of similar offences against Donson. While the organisation is still in the process of confirming these allegations, it says the mere possibility that he could be continuing this pattern of behaviour is deeply alarming. “Just the thought that someone with a previous conviction for sexual offences might once again be preying on vulnerable people is frightening,” says Du Preez. “It reinforces exactly why convicted offenders should never be trusted with positions of authority or public influence.”
Despite his conviction, Donson remained active in politics through the Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa (Icosa).
- In November 2021, he was re-elected as mayor of Kannaland with the support of coalition partners.
- Following a national outcry, he was removed in January 2022 through a council motion of no confidence.
- Just ten months later, in October 2022, Donson returned to office after new political manoeuvres overturned the previous decision.
- Action Society sent formal letters in December 2022 to both the Kannaland Speaker and the Western Cape MEC for Local Government, demanding his removal and setting a 14 December deadline for a response.
- In January 2023, the organisation launched a broader initiative to amend sections 47 and 106 of the Constitution to prohibit anyone convicted of a serious or gender-based violence offence from holding public office.
- When Icosa suspended Donson in October 2023, Action Society welcomed the step but emphasised that the real issue is not internal party politics, but the absence of enforceable legislation that permanently bars convicted criminals from leadership roles.
- To date, Donson remains listed as the executive mayor in Kannaland’s official municipal records.
“South Africa cannot claim to fight gender-based violence while tolerating convicted offenders in government,” adds Du Preez. “If we are serious about protecting women and children, we must ensure that positions of leadership are held by individuals who embody integrity, accountability, and respect for human dignity – not those who have violated it.”
Action Society is continuing its campaign to strengthen vetting standards for all elected officials, including mandatory background checks and disqualification clauses for those convicted of violent or sexual crimes. The organisation has reiterated its call for the ‘No Perpetrators in Power’ policy to be implemented at all levels of government.
“This is not a political issue, it’s a moral one,” concludes Du Preez. “Leadership is a privilege, not a right. The fact that Donson still occupies the mayor’s office, years after being convicted of sexually assaulting a minor, is a national disgrace.”
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