Calls for action against Stellenbosch HR manager over leaked video on racial hiring practices

Newly appointed Executive Mayor of Stellenbosch Municipality, Jeremy Fasser said he was committed to providing the appropriate action against his senior Human Resources Manager, whose leaked video implied they should stop appointing white males and “get rid” of those already employed.

Fasser said an investigation was under way, after the 2023 video surfaced this week, which has been met with concern by his office and political parties, who called for HR manager, Alexander Kannemeyer to be suspended.

In the video, Kannemeyer was captured with two persons, and suggested that white employees be removed in order to meet transformation targets and suggested that “life must be made difficult” for  them, compelling them to resign.

He also reportedly stated that the practice of appointing white candidates who were skilled and qualified were to come to an end and that there were already many white men in senior management positions and that “unskilled “ people of colour would serve better for transformation.

In response, Mayor Fasser said the video was two years old but that his office was investigating the remarks and would take action: “I wish to state that these events occurred early in 2023 before I became Mayor. I am currently undertaking an investigation into the matter and will issue a further statement when this is completed. At face value, the video is a cause for significant concern and we will get to the heart of the matter and take  appropriate further action as warranted.”

Willie Aucamp MP & Karabo Khakhau - DA National spokespersons said in a joint statement that they would engage with leadership in the municipality about the matter: “The DA draws a clear line between party and state. We do not engage in cadre deployment, and expect a competent, independent civil service to implement our policies where we govern. We will be engaging with the political leadership of the Stellenbosch Municipality to establish the facts of this matter and to ensure that the appropriate processes are followed.”

Advocate Gert van Niekerk, Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) deputy chairperson: Western Cape made demands, among them, calling for Kannemeyer’s suspension pending a thorough investigation.

The demands include: a public statement from the DA reaffirming its stance on affirmative action and fair employment practices, measures to ensure that municipal appointments are based on qualifications and merit, rather than racial or discriminatory grounds.

Van Niekerk added that the (VF Plus) will closely monitor it and bring it to the attention of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

 Robin Hendrikse, GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality Councillors also called for action against  Kannemeyer.

“Confirm whether the HR Manager remains employed and, if so, in what capacity; explain what steps are being taken to ensure fair, transparent and non-discriminatory hiring practices across all departments.

“Accelerate the training of internal staff as part of a succession planning in a way that strengthens transformation without undermining competence and morale;

“Provide clarity on how its Retention of Skills policy is being implemented fairly and equitably.”

They added they would be writing to the Western Cape MEC for Local Government to request that this matter be urgently escalated for provincial oversight. 

“Racial engineering, whether in favour of or against any group, cannot be tolerated in any sphere of government,” the party stated.

The Referendum Party (RP)Executive Committee member Robert King explained Fasser was serving as Deputy Mayor at the time of the recording and was in a position of relevance.

“While the municipality has since announced an investigation, it is troubling that Mayor Jeremy Fasser has sought to distance himself from responsibility,” he added.

“When this video was recorded in 2023, he was serving as Deputy Mayor, and the Municipality’s first response was not to address the content but to dismiss the story as “misrepresented to support a completely false narrative.

“This scandal suggests that while the DA may hold office in Stellenbosch, it does not truly control what happens inside its own municipality. This is one example caught on video - how many more such meetings have taken place without the public ever knowing?”

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