Eighty looks remarkably energetic on Ann McDonnell, who is heading back onto the campaign trail after seven years ‘in retirement’.

While she may have stepped away from the coalface for a stint, the veteran politician is determined to make a comeback, this time as the DA candidate for Shaka’s Head.

“I know that we’ve got amazing young people in our team, the DA, but sometimes a little bit of age and wisdom is useful,” she said.

Her first entry into politics was almost as unexpected as her return.

McDonnell was selling property in the mid 90s when she became annoyed by a large development planned along the coastline. After complaining to friends serving on the then Umhlali Beach Town Board, they suggested she fill a vacancy.

She did – and loved it.

“It wasn’t a job,” she laughed, remembering the small allowance paid at the time.

McDonnell served through major changes in local government, including the formation of the Dolphin Coast municipality and its later incorporation into KwaDukuza municipality around 2000.

She remembers those early days as hands-on, with local representatives passionate about their communities.

McDonnell continued serving in KwaDukuza before moving to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in 2014, where she remained until 2019.

She enjoyed the access to information and research, describing the legislature as “almost like a university where you can learn”, but missed the direct contact of local government.

“You never dealt with people. You dealt with policies and papers,” she said.

Her daughter, Tammy Colley, later followed her into politics, becoming Ward6 councillor in 2016 before moving to the provincial legislature in 2024.

McDonnell had not planned another political chapter. After her husband died, however, she realised something was missing from her life.

“I didn’t have a purpose,” she said.

Watching Helen Zille return as a candidate in Johannesburg prompted her to reconsider retirement.

“I just thought maybe there’s still something that I have to offer.”

McDonnell deliberately chose not to return to her old political territory in Ballito. Instead, Shaka’s Head offered a new community and a new challenge.

“Let me get to know those people,” she said, relishing the possibility of injecting new life into the township.

Whether Shaka’s Head agrees will be decided at the polls. But McDonnell is determined to prove that she still has plenty to offer.