Probe into Stellenbosch HR manager's remarks sparks motion for removal

A motion to remove Alexander Kannemeyer, the Human Resource manager of Stellenbosch Municipality, following a leaked video in which he implied they should stop appointing white males and “get rid” of those already employed, has been scheduled for Friday.

On Thursday, National spokesperson Willie Aucamp confirmed that an urgent council meeting was scheduled for Friday to decide Kannemeyer’s fate.

According to the DA, Kannemeyer holds the position of Acting Director of Corporate Services and is requesting that he be removed with immediate effect while an investigation is underway.

“A special council meeting has been called by the mayor. This special council meeting will take place on Friday, September 5,” Aucamp explained.

“The DA has put a motion on the agenda to remove Kannemeyer from his position as Acting Director of Corporate Services. 

“The DA will also request the Municipal Manager to suspend Kannemeyer pending the outcome of the investigation into this matter.”

This was further confirmed by Stuart Grobbelaar, Management for Communications at Stellenbosch Municipality.

In a bid of support for Kannemeyer, Grant Pascoe, a former City Mayco member and concerned resident said the HR manager was being attacked for what was the truth.

“His comments were not racist. They reflected his legal and professional duty under the Employment Equity Act to ensure that Stellenbosch meets its equity targets,” said Pascoe who also took the plight to social media.

“Stellenbosch Municipality is a designated employer. By law it must set equity plans and targets and report to the Department of Employment and Labour every year. These targets are not optional. 

“They exist to correct the fact that senior management in Stellenbosch and in many other DA-led municipalities is still dominated by white men. 

"The reality is that Stellenbosch has failed to transform. The Municipality’s own equity plans show the imbalance."

Newly appointed Executive Mayor of Stellenbosch Municipality, Jeremy Fasser said he committed to providing the appropriate action against his Kannemeyer.

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.

Fasser said the video was two years old but that his office was investigating the remarks and would take action.

The DA in a joint statement  said they do not engage in cadre deployment, and expect a competent, independent civil service to implement our policies where they  govern.

While Freedom Front  Plus (VF Plus) added they would be monitoring the process and would bring it to the attention of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) - while other political parties such as GOOD called for his suspension.

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