DA Tables Motion to Remove Stellenbosch Official Alexander Kannemeyer Over Racism Allegations in Leaked Video
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has tabled a motion to remove Stellenbosch Municipality’s Acting Corporate Services Director Alexander Kannemeyer following allegations of racism sparked by a leaked video where he suggests making life difficult for white employees to force their resignations. In the footage, Kannemeyer also claims that appointing skilled candidates often prioritizes white men, a practice he says must end, prompting Mayor Jeremy Fasser to call for a special council meeting on Friday to address the matter.
Emergence of the Controversial Video
The video, which dates back to a 2023 meeting but surfaced on social media in early September 2025, shows Kannemeyer addressing colleagues on recruitment practices at the Stellenbosch Municipality. In the clip, he expresses frustration over what he sees as a bias towards hiring white males based on qualifications, stating that such appointments hinder transformation goals. He suggests that to achieve equity targets, the municipality should make conditions tough for existing white staff, leading them to quit so they can be replaced with candidates from other racial groups.
Kannemeyer is heard saying that he does not mind being labelled a racist for pushing these views, emphasising the need to prioritise black and coloured applicants even if they score lower in assessments. The footage has gone viral, with over 500,000 views on platforms like X and TikTok, igniting heated debates about workplace discrimination and the implementation of employment equity laws in South Africa.
A second video emerged shortly after, providing more context but reinforcing the controversial remarks. In it, Kannemeyer discusses specific hiring instances where top-scoring white candidates were bypassed in favour of others to meet diversity quotas. Critics argue this amounts to reverse racism, while supporters claim it aligns with broader efforts to address historical imbalances under the Employment Equity Act.
DA’s Response and Push for Action
The Democratic Alliance (DA), which controls the Stellenbosch Municipality, has moved swiftly to address the allegations. DA national spokesperson Willie Aucamp says, “The Democratic Alliance will also put a request to the municipal manager to suspend Kannemeyer from all positions that he holds within the municipality. The right to suspend lies with the municipal manager not with council, because of the fact that Kannemeyer is not a senior director or employee in the municipality.”
Aucamp further stressed that race-based bullying has no place in any workplace, and appointments should be based on merit regardless of skin colour. The party has tabled a motion for Kannemeyer’s removal from his acting role, to be discussed at the special council meeting scheduled for 5 September 2025. Mayor Jeremy Fasser, who assumed office in August 2025 after Gesie van Deventer’s resignation amid unrelated controversies, called for the urgent sitting to probe the matter and ensure fair treatment for all employees.
The DA’s stance reflects growing concerns over governance in the municipality, which has faced scrutiny for cadre deployment and equity practices. Party leaders argue that Kannemeyer’s comments undermine the principles of non-racialism enshrined in the Constitution and could expose the municipality to legal challenges.
Defences and Counter-Arguments
The African National Congress (ANC) caucus in Stellenbosch has defended Kannemeyer, condemning what they call a racial smear campaign against him. They argue that his comments were not racist but rather a reflection of the need to comply with employment equity legislation aimed at redressing past injustices. The ANC stated that the video was taken out of context and does not imply subjecting any candidates to unfair treatment based on race.
Stellenbosch Municipality initially issued a statement defending Kannemeyer, claiming the clip was misleading and edited to distort his intentions. However, they later deleted the response from social media, sparking further speculation about internal divisions. Municipal spokesperson Stuart Grobbelaar clarified that Kannemeyer’s remarks were part of a broader discussion on transformation, not a call for discrimination.
Kannemeyer himself has not publicly responded, but sources close to him suggest he stands by his views as necessary for achieving demographic representativity in the workplace.
Involvement of Unions and Civil Groups
Trade union Solidarity has demanded Kannemeyer’s immediate suspension, giving the municipality seven days to act or face court action. In a memorandum submitted to Mayor Fasser, Solidarity’s chief executive Dirk Hermann highlighted how Kannemeyer’s statements promote bullying and discrimination, violating labour laws. The union revealed that a whistleblower who exposed the video was initially charged by the municipality, but Solidarity successfully challenged this in court.
AfriForum, a civil rights organisation, has also joined the fray, promising to investigate and support affected employees. They argue that such remarks fuel division and contradict efforts to build a united South Africa. Other groups, like the African Christian Congress, have called for broader probes into racism within the municipality.
Broader Context in South African Employment Practices
This incident comes amid ongoing debates about Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and employment equity policies, which mandate targets for racial representation in workplaces. Critics, including the DA and Solidarity, say these laws can lead to reverse discrimination, while proponents insist they are essential for correcting apartheid-era inequalities.
Stellenbosch, a wealthy wine-producing region with a diverse population, has seen similar controversies before, including disputes over language policies and land use that often intersect with race. The municipality employs over 1,000 staff, and equity reports show efforts to increase representation of previously disadvantaged groups, but incidents like this highlight tensions in implementation.
Legal experts note that if proven, Kannemeyer’s actions could breach the Labour Relations Act and the Employment Equity Act, potentially leading to unfair labour practice claims. Past cases, such as the DA’s suspension of a councillor for racist remarks in 2024, show that political parties are increasingly holding members accountable.
Potential Outcomes and Community Impact
The special council meeting on 5 September 2025 could result in Kannemeyer’s suspension or dismissal, setting a precedent for handling similar allegations in local government. If the motion passes, it may lead to a full disciplinary inquiry, with possible referrals to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) or even criminal charges for hate speech.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za