GOOD Statement by Robin Hendrikse, GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality Councillors:
The leaked video of a senior Human Resources Manager at the Stellenbosch Municipality, in which he implies that the Municipality should stop appointing white males and should “get rid” of those already employed by any means necessary, is deeply disturbing. In the video circulating on social media, the Manager expresses concern that white males scoring the highest in job interviews and suggests that life should be made “difficult” for white employees.
At face value, these remarks reflect a shocking disregard for constitutional values, employment equity principles, and basic human dignity. They fuel toxic narratives of racial manipulation in public institutions and undermine legitimate efforts at redress and transformation.
The Stellenbosch Municipality has confirmed the video is from early 2023, with Mayor Jeremy Fassar issuing a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the matter and committing to an investigation. GOOD notes this investigation, but urges the Mayor to act decisively, transparently, and with urgency. Public trust cannot be restored by vague reassurances alone.
GOOD has long expressed concern about the Stellenbosch Municipality’s troubled track record when it comes to employment equity and appointments. Even under the current leadership, the Municipality has been embroiled in legal challenges, including one case where a white female was appointed over a more qualified coloured female candidate, a decision found unlawful by the courts. These types of incidents are not isolated. They reflect a systemic problem.
While we understand the frustration of the public and, it seems, the HR Manager, Mr Kannemeyer, over the slow pace of transformation, we cannot and will not support tactics that amount to racial purging or the manipulation of hiring processes to fit predetermined racial outcomes. Transformation must be pursued legally, transparently, and ethically, not through backdoor purges, nor by making any employee’s life “difficult” until they leave, as the HR Manager is heard saying.
We call on the DA-led Stellenbosch Municipality to:
- Publicly clarify its position on the content of the video;
- 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.
GOOD will 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.
GOOD stands for an inclusive South Africa, built on dignity, redress, and justice, not one where the colour of your skin determines your fate.
GOOD Manifesto on Responsible Citizenship: Promoting responsible citizenship and civic participation.
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