By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@DeonMeyer.
The ANC in the Western Cape has resolved to review its decision to form a coalition with the Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa (Icosa) following revelations that the newly elected mayor is a convicted rapist.
The party was in coalition with the Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa (Icosa) in Kannaland where it backed Jeffrey Donson to be mayor.
Donson was convicted in 2008 of raping a 15-year-old girl. The rape occurred in 2004.
He was initially sentenced to five years in prison. Following an appeal, his sentence was later reduced to a wholly suspended term of imprisonment, correctional supervision, a R20 000 fine, and a rehabilitation programme for sex offenders.
The Commission for Gender Equality has launched an investigation into the election of Donson.
The ANC’s extended interim provincial committee (IPC) took note of the grave concerns raised about the Kannaland municipality.
On Saturday ANC Western Cape spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni said the party could not ignore the reputational risk associated with what has transpired in the Kannaland municipality.
“Within this context, the extended IPC emphasised that the ANC should uphold its integrity at all material times in line with the era of renewal and rebuilding.
“While the nature and character of coalition discussions do not include the imposing of candidates on negotiating partners, the ANC cannot ignore the risk associated with what has transpired in Kannaland,” said Mtsweni.
“While we respect and uphold the democratic wishes of the people of Kannaland who have on successive occasions chosen to elect Icosa as the majority party, the extended IPC resolved to mandate the negotiating team to review the coalition agreement in Kannaland municipality.
“The ANC stands opposed to any form of gender-based violence and corruption and we must at all times act in the best interest of our principles,” said Mtsweni.
Donson, who is at the centre of the controversy, on Saturday said he would spend the weekend reflecting on these matters and make a decision on it.