DA to request Zikalala to follow process to revoke racist guesthouse license 

28 June 2016

The District of Mkhanyakude is one that has long been neglected by government ranking as the only district to receive disclaimer status in KZN as well as being ranked the third worst place to live in South Africa according to the latest comfort and deprivation index.

The Mkhanyakude district unable to rely on government services has managed to stay somewhat productive thanks to a thriving tourism sector and natural resources drawing much needed visitors ad money to the area.

This is why Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal has written to the KZN Tourism board, the UMhlabuyalingana Municipal Manager and the KZN MEC of Economic Development, Sihle Zikalala, asking them to initiate a fair process to investigate, and if the law is complied with, revoke the licence of Sodwana Bay Guesthouse, which refuses to accommodate black South Africans. 

We believe this is a serious matter for the continued livelihood of thousands of people who rely on the tourism that comes to the Sodwana Bay area. The fallout from the owner of the Sodwana Bay guesthouse is already causing serious concern about the continuation of visitors to the area.

Racism, and all other forms of bigotry, must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. It is not only an affront to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, but undermines the vision of a united and prosperous South Africa, which we collectively pursued in 1994. 

We urge that this process, set out above, to be initiated as soon as possible. We will furthermore request feedback on this urgent request in 7 days-time. 

The racism perpetrated by André Slade, who owns the guesthouse, has no place in a democratic South Africa. A guest house accommodation policy that is inconsistent with the Constitution and the values enshrined in it equally cannot be left to discriminate against our fellow countrymen and women. 

The fight against racism requires all South Africans to unite in condemning the attitudes and actions of a few who seek to divide us.

Issued by Mbali Ntuli, Mkhanyakude Constituency Head, 28 June 2016