Update | 3 September, 1:30pm
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed concern over a widely circulated video that allegedly captures a Stellenbosch Municipality official making racially charged comments about staff replacements.
The authenticity of the recording, however, remains unverified, and Stellenbosch Municipality previously stated that the clip is ‘deliberately edited’ and misrepresented, calling it fake news.
In a statement, DA national spokesperson Willie Aucamp reiterated the party’s commitment to non-racialism and constitutional values, stressing that comments of this nature – if proven accurate – are unacceptable.
‘We do not engage in cadre deployment, and we expect a competent, independent civil service to implement our policies where we govern,’ Aucamp said, adding that DA-run municipalities must adhere to principles of fairness and dignity.
The DA confirmed that it will engage with the political leadership of Stellenbosch Municipality to clarify the circumstances surrounding the allegations and ensure any necessary steps are taken.
The Municipality maintains that the video was taken out of context during an employment equity discussion in March 2023, and that the HR manager’s comments were misinterpreted. It further stated that the matter underwent an internal investigation and CCMA process with no findings of wrongdoing.
The clip, which has sparked widespread social media debate, allegedly features remarks about making working conditions difficult for white employees to encourage resignation. This has raised concerns among political groups and the public, despite questions about its authenticity.
Adding to the political discourse, Robert King of the Referendum Party suggested the controversy highlights governance challenges within Stellenbosch Municipality and renewed calls for the proposed Non-Racialism Bill, which aims to abolish all race-based policies.
Update | 2 September, 9:12pm
Stellenbosch Executive Mayor Jeremy Fassar has ordered an investigation into a leaked HR video, describing the footage as a ’cause for significant concern’ and vowing to take ‘appropriate further action,’ reports Cape {town} Etc
In a statement posted on Facebook, Mayor Fassar confirmed that the incident predated his term but acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. His announcement marks a shift in the municipality’s response, which initially focused on disputing the context and editing of the video rather than ordering a fresh probe.
The mayor’s commitment to investigate contrasts with the municipality’s earlier stance that the matter had already been reviewed internally and at the CCMA with no findings made.
Mayor Fassar stated: ‘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.’
The Stellenbosch Municipality had earlier defended its HR manager, claiming the video was a short, edited snippet from a confidential March 2023 meeting and was being used to push a ‘false narrative.’
The video has intensified debates over employment equity practices and the ethical responsibilities of HR departments in South Africa’s public sector.
Update | 2 September, 5:30pm
Stellenbosch Municipality has responded to the viral video, calling it a ‘deliberately edited short snippet’ taken out of context from a confidential employment equity discussion held in March 2023.
In a now-deleted Facebook statement, the municipality said the clip was being ‘misrepresented to support a completely false narrative.’ It added that the HR manager’s comments were about how a previous candidate ‘may have had their work-life made more difficult than necessary,’ and not an instruction to target employees based on race.
The municipality confirmed the matter was subject to an internal investigation and CCMA proceedings, with no findings made. It emphasised that recruitment processes are transparent, merit-based and aligned with employment equity legislation.
‘The best candidate for any position is always employed,’ the statement read.
Cape {town} Etc has reached out to the Municipality for confirmation of the statement and further comment.
A video circulating on social media has prompted backlash across social media after it allegedly shows a Stellenbosch Municipality HR manager discussing measures to meet racial equity targets, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The video, widely circulated on X, appears to show Alexander Kannemeyer discussing a plan to systematically make working conditions unbearable for white staff until they quit, thereby circumventing legal dismissal processes.
Social media users have condemned the remarks as ‘unlawful bullying‘ and racially motivated.
The footage, originally posted by X user @Recon1_ZA has ignited serious concerns over the implementation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policies at a local government level and the ethical responsibilities of HR professionals.
🚨WATCH: In South Africa, Alexander Kannemeyer, who has been the Human Resources manager for Stellenbosch Municipality, was caught on video suggesting making life DIFFICULT for WHITE employees until they RESIGN in order to replace them with black employees.
Imagine suggesting… pic.twitter.com/5lvE0CyDzH
— 𝖱𝖤𝖢𝖮𝖭𝟣 ®✞ (@Recon1_ZA) September 2, 2025
As reported by users on X, the video forms a key part of the allegations. In it, Kannemeyer is allegedly heard stating the intent to ‘replace them with black employees.’
The post claims the incident is linked to recently intensified BBBEE laws. The authenticity of the video and the exact context in which the statements were made have not yet been independently verified by all parties.
However, the clip has prompted widespread calls for immediate disciplinary action and an official investigation.
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Picture: Screenshot / X
