Leaked video has municipal HR manager in hot water

Kannemeyer in firing line over “white” comments
Stellenbosch residents and taxpayers are up in arms about a leaked video recording playing down the employment of white people in a seemingly racist remark by the municipality’s human resources manager.

The video was leaked by The Cape Independent, showing Alexander Kannemeyer, the Stellenbosch municipality’s human resources manager, in discussion with at least two colleagues. During this discussion, Kannemeyer raises his concern that during processes of appointing staff, it is “mostly white males” who get the highest scoring, and “with that type of attitude” they will never get the organisation right.

Kannemeyer also states the position that skills- and qualifications-based hiring was resulting in too many white people being hired. He indicated that unqualified people should be appointed instead, to push for “transformation,” and that he does not support what is currently going on in the infrastructure directives. It seems as if the discussion centred around appointments in specific departments of the municipality.

He also said that it is always whites in charge of water technical services in the municipality. Kannemeyer goes on to say that he cannot support the highest scoring candidate to be appointed every time when they are white, as it will not do the organisation any good.

The Cape Independent report said Kannemeyer especially criticised the notion of employing qualified technical staff, insisting that non-whites should be prioritised. In fact, he went further, and insisted that, where hiring a white candidate was legally unavoidable, they should “make their life difficult” and force them to resign – this appears to be an illegal premeditated pursuit of constructive dismissal as policy.

“Kannemeyer’s background was initially in the trade unions sector under IMATU (Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union), and later as a collective bargaining consultant for SALGA (South African Local Government Association), which would imply that he would be fully aware of the illegal nature of such hiring practices. If he managed to spend a decade in labour relations without learning the basic rights and laws surrounding his field, he would then be reasonably considered incompetent to hold his current position as HR manager,” the report stated.

In another unrelated turn of events, rumours of a WhatsApp voice message exchanged between unidentified councillors in which it is said that by 2026 there should not be any white males left in the employ of the municipality, have added fuel to the fire. The existence of this voice note could not yet be confirmed.

He especially criticised the notion of employing qualified technical staff, insisting that nonwhites should be prioritised. In fact, he went further, and insisted that, where hiring a white candidate was legally unavoidable, they should “make their life difficult” and force them to resign – this appears to be an illegal premeditated pursuit of constructive dismissal as policy.

Kannemeyer’s background was initially in the trade unions sector under IMATU (Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union), and later as collective bargaining consultant for SALGA (South African Local Government Association), which would imply that he would be fully aware of the illegal nature of such hiring practices. If he managed to spend a decade in labour relations without learning the basic rights and laws surrounding his field, he would then be considered incompetent to hold his current position as HR manager.

Watch the video: https://thecapeindependent.com/video-stellenbosch-municipal-hr-manager-calls-for-an-end-to-hiring-of-white-people/?s=08

The Stellenbsoch Municipality reacted as follows on the leaked video and allegations made by Kannemeyer:

The initial statement by the Stellenbosch municipality was retracted and mayor Jeremy Fasser in stead issued this short statement:

“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.”

Image: The Cape Independent