GOOD Statement by Robin Hendrikse, GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality Councillor:
Once again, Stellenbosch finds itself in the headlines, not for our world-class wines or vibrant culture, but because of deeply troubling conduct by a senior official, and an even more troubling response from those in power. Alexander Kannemeyer, a senior official in the Stellenbosch Municipality, has now resigned from his position as Acting Director of Corporate Services. This follows public outrage over a leaked video in which he appears to advocate for racial exclusion and purging in municipal hiring practices.
His resignation may spare him a formal suspension, but it cannot and must not be allowed to spare him accountability. The GOOD Party reiterates our concern that the Stellenbosch Municipality, under the leadership of the Democratic Alliance (DA), continues to show a disturbing lack of transparency and ethical courage in the face of serious misconduct.
We note that the DA caucus initially supported the cancellation of Mr Kannemeyer’s acting appointment and called for an investigation. But these steps now appear hollow, with the Municipal Manager, who reportedly found “no wrongdoing”, still tasked with investigating, and the acting appointment merely reversed after public pressure.
This is not accountability. It is political damage control.
As GOOD, we demand an independent, external investigation, into both the content of the video and the internal handling of the matter by municipal officials and councillors; a full public account of what was discussed and decided in the confidential “in-committee” sessions regarding Mr Kannemeyer’s conduct and transparent communication on what further disciplinary or legal steps, if any, will be taken, and what safeguards are being introduced to prevent similar abuses in future.
Stellenbosch residents are right to feel disillusioned. A municipality that claims to uphold constitutional values cannot simply close this chapter because a senior official stepped down from an acting role.
This is a test of whether those entrusted with public power will act with integrity or hide behind procedure, hoping public outrage dies down.
The GOOD Party will continue to push for real accountability, not resignation as an escape route. Accountability cannot be optional. It is the cornerstone of good governance and we will not stop demanding it.
GOOD Manifesto on Skills Training: Emphasizing the importance of skills training for the workforce.
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