While the GOOD party is gearing up for its inaugural national conference, opposing factions have issued a challenge to Secretary-general Brett Herron’s second term in the position, following allegations of financial impropriety.

This follows the scandal one month ago, when Councillor Donovan Saptoe had his membership revoked over alleged mishandling of party funds. Saptoe had previously published a letter calling for the suspension of Brett Herron.

The party claims that Saptoe failed to account for R162,000 of campaign funds, and they're pursuing legal action against him and his wife. Saptoe's letter also accuses Herron of inconsistent conduct and harming the party's reputation by allegedly failing to disclose a R900,000 donation to the Electoral Commission.

A court bid by Saptoe challenging his membership's termination was recently dismissed.

Despite these challenges, Herron expressed his gratitude for the support he's received and emphasized the need for GOOD to become an alternative to the traditional political parties, staking out a position characterised by advocating greater centralisation of governance powers, broad increases in welfare grants and public salaries, and a focus on the Coloured community.

While Herron remains determined to serve as secretary-general, he acknowledges the challenges of the role and the importance of earning the trust of party delegates.

At present, GOOD’s competition with the new Coloured-identity based Patriotic Alliance party over the same constituency places pressure on them to present a united front. The party’s fortunes in the next election depend on their capacity to quash the allegations arising from these scandals, and to demonstrate organisational unity.

Neither seems entirely likely.

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