Stellenbosch Municipality under fire for failing to appoint crucial director

THE vacant position of Corporate Services Director at Stellenbosch Municipality is believed to be at the centre of the storm surrounding the suspension of Alexander Kannemeyer, who temporarily held the position in an acting capacity before his suspension.

Kannemeyer was suspended after he questioned why the highest-scoring candidate in every appointment process was consistently a white male, referencing the infrastructure department, among others.

Despite a longlist of 69 candidates for the director position, the municipality has failed to make a permanent appointment, raising concerns about the integrity of the recruitment process.

At a meeting on September 5, council discussed the re-advertisement of the Director Corporate Services position. The position was advertised with a closing date of 28 July 2025.

According to the meeting agenda, the appointed service provider ultimately prepared a longlist of 69 applications and facilitated a meeting with the selection panel on August 27 to discuss a possible shortlist of candidates. 

“It was unfortunate that the applications were not suitable to prepare a shortlist to continue the appointment process due to the quality of the applications. The service provider thus recommended minor amendments to the advertisement and that the position be re-advertised to attract a wider range of suitable candidates who will be able to implement the municipal objectives,” the meeting agenda read. 

According to the document, most, not all, of the candidates did not comply with the minimum of two years senior management experience; various candidates have legal or financial experience but “lack sufficient exposure to the full scope of the Corporate Services role”. 

“In instances where candidates have sufficient experience, they lack sufficient experience in a municipal environment; and there was also a lack of “attention to detail” which is important for this position as application forms and general adherence to requirements were not properly completed or submitted.”

The service provider then recommended the re-advertisement of the position in order to continue with the recruitment and selection process.

Kannemeyer is believed to have been among the applicants. 

Stellenbosch Municipality did not respond to several requests for comment on the matter. 

The ANC caucus in council raised concerns that, out of a longlist of 69 candidates, not a single one was deemed suitable for shortlisting. 

“This in itself raises serious questions about the integrity, fairness, and transparency of the recruitment and selection process. It cannot be that, out of so many applicants, not one individual is considered fit unless there are underlying motives at play.

“Regarding Mr. Kannemeyer, we are disappointed that he was not shortlisted despite his proven track record, institutional knowledge, and ability to provide continuity and stability in the municipality. His exclusion reflects not on his capacity, but rather on a process that appears increasingly manipulated to favour certain outcomes.” 

Kannemeyer did not respond to requests for comment by deadline. 

Cape Times