Siphokazi Vuso|Published
Controversial Kannaland mayor Jeffrey Donson seeks to be re-elected.
Jeffrey Donson’s bid for another term as Kannaland mayor has drawn criticism from political opponents and residents who are questioning his leadership amid the municipality’s financial problems and deteriorating services.
Donson, who was convicted in 2008 of sexual offences involving a 15-year-old girl, has held the mayoral position intermittently since 2002.
Kannaland has received disclaimed audit opinions for three consecutive years, while a mandatory Financial Recovery Plan was approved in August 2025.
Donson was convicted in January 2008 by the Oudtshoorn Regional Court on one count of indecent assault and seven counts of statutory rape involving a 15-year-old girl.
The offences occurred in 2004.
His latest bid to lead the town in the upcoming elections comes amid growing concerns about Kannaland’s financial instability and service delivery issues.
ICOSA responds to questions over conviction
Donson declined to comment, but his son, Vlancio Donson, responded on behalf of their political party, the Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa (ICOSA).
He said the party acknowledged the public interest and legitimate questions surrounding the historical conviction of its mayoral candidate.
"Matters involving offences against children are serious and that the public is entitled to engage in informed debate about the suitability and accountability of those who seek public office," he said.
He said Donson had completed his sentence, subject to verification against the relevant sentencing and correctional records, and that any question about his eligibility should be determined in terms of the Constitution and applicable electoral legislation.
“The passage of time does not erase a conviction, nor does it remove the importance of accountability,” he said.
Donson, however, said public debate should distinguish between facts, legitimate criticism and unsupported allegations.
"Our focus must remain on the municipality’s operational challenges, the responsible use of public resources and the delivery of services to all residents."
Donson said the Kannaland municipality had made progress in addressing longstanding administrative and financial challenges since the ICOSA-led administration took office.
DA raises concerns about municipal finances
DA constituency head in Kannaland, Gillion Bosman, said that while voters ultimately had the right to choose their representatives, political parties also had a responsibility to uphold the ethical standards and public confidence expected of municipal leadership.
“The concerns extend far beyond his conviction. Kannaland has endured years of financial mismanagement and inadequate service delivery. The municipality received disclaimed audit opinions for three consecutive financial years, reflecting serious shortcomings in its financial management and record-keeping. Its financial crisis became so severe that a mandatory Financial Recovery Plan was adopted in August 2025,” Bosman said.
Bosman said a mayor seeking another term should be judged not only on promises, but also on the quality of basic services, the state of municipal finances and the ability to restore public confidence in local government.
Residents call for accountability and better services
George Laubscher, an independent ward candidate in Ladismith, said Donson’s candidacy raised questions among voters, citing concerns about his past criminal convictions.
"Mr Donson’s candidacy raises questions for voters, including concerns relating to his past criminal convictions. More broadly, political appointments in the municipality and perceived political interference in matters central to Kannaland’s sustainable development have undermined public confidence in municipal management. Restoring trust will require transparent decision-making, accountability and a clear commitment to the long-term interests of the community," he said.
Kannaland Residents and Ratepayers Association chairperson Dave Smith said Kannaland was the worst-performing municipality in the Western Cape.
"We formed the association earlier this year, and since then we’ve set up a dialogue with the municipality, and we've been working with them and achieved a lot of things," Smith said.
Smith said officials appeared to be struggling with limitations linked to previous administrations, with service delivery and the state of roads being a major concern.
"It’s the people who have to bear the brunt of the administration. There is unemployment. It would be nice if we could have a better working municipality," he said.