The African National Congress (ANC) in the Western Cape says its leadership is satisfied with a decision to break its coalition with the Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa (ICOSA) in the Kannaland Municipality in Ladismith.

The party was pressurised to review its agreement following calls by gender-based violence (GBV) activists.

This was after ICOSA’s president and convicted rapist, Jeffrey Donson, was elected as Mayor with the help of the ANC.

In 2008, Donson was convicted of the statutory rape and indecent assault of a 15-year-old girl.

“Our view now is the ANC must move out of that coalition and the speaker and all councillors must assume a position as opposition councillors and no longer continue as coalition partners with ICOSA,” says ANC provincial spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni.

ICOSA says it respects the ANC’s decision.

“ICOSA takes note of the pullout of the ANC in the coalition between the ANC and ICOSA in Kannaland. And we respect that. But we want the ANC and all other parties to respect the fact that people voted for ICOSA and for Mr Donson. We will still carry on the serve the community and the poor community of Kannaland,” says ICOSA spokesperson Dawid Kamfer.

Coalition between ANC and ICOSA in Kannaland under fire amid mayor’s criminal records: