×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Controversial Sodwana Bay Guest House closed

FILE PICTURE: Sign on the Doornfontein Bridge with " Whites Only, Net blankes " Picture Credit: Mike Mzileni 14/02/1982. © Sunday Express/Times Media
FILE PICTURE: Sign on the Doornfontein Bridge with " Whites Only, Net blankes " Picture Credit: Mike Mzileni 14/02/1982. © Sunday Express/Times Media

The controversial Sodwana Bay Guest House — which refused access to black people and government employees — has officially shut its doors.

This is according to owner Andre Slade‚ who said in a text message on Tuesday: “The guest house was shut down yesterday. Now we only receive friends and family.”

His confirmation‚ made after TMG Digital asked to book in on Tuesday night‚ came the day before the Kwazulu-Natal provincial government — led by newly elected MEC for economic development and tourism‚ Sihle Zikalala — was set to confront Slade about the guest house’s racist policy.

The ANC said at a press conference earlier on Tuesday that “harsh action” had to be taken against Slade. TMG Digital understands that this would include revoking the business’s licence.

At a press conference in Durban on Tuesday morning‚ ANC provincial secretary Supa Zuma said that the party was deeply concerned that KZN continued to dominate headlines when it came to racist incidents.

“The recent racism at the Sodwana Bay guest house undermines the progress we have made to build a non-racial society in our province‚” he said.

Last week‚ a screenshot of an email sent by the guest house’s owner‚ Andre Slade‚ went viral after it stated that black South Africans and government employees were not welcome at the northern KZN facility. In interviews during the week he confirmed this policy.

His comments and the policy are being investigated by the SA Human Rights Commission.

“We need urgent and harsh action against the owner. Our struggle for freedom was essentially a struggle against white supremacy‚ and we cannot allow a re-emergence of racism to define our national discourse‚” said Zuma.

Asked why he had taken the decision‚ Slade said via text message: “We have the statement on wheretofromhere.org within the post. It’s explained there.”

The statement‚ however‚ does not provide reasons‚ apart from quoting random scripture verses. That statement is reproduced here verbatim‚ except for the removal of Slade’s ID number:

“Herewith do I‚ Andre Martin Slade [ID number redacted] officially close Sodwana Bay Guesthouse. The signage will be removed on 28th June 2016‚ and the relevant bank account will be closed in due course. Our servant Slindile has a choice to stay or leave. Katarína and I share equal responsibility for EVERYTHING. From now on‚ We will only receive family and friends. We are Hebrews‚ so We officially Denounce Our corporation registration. We are subject to no human ruler only God Almighty.

Matthew 28:18: “All authority in heaven and on earth have been given to me.”

YOUR choice: Satan uniting nations‚ “ensuring that no one is left behind”‚ just like in Babylon.

or

God separating good from bad and pure from defiled‚ just like prophesied in Psalm 1:5.

This planet is going to face greatest tribulation before The Age of Aquarius emerges; everyone has to choose! If YOU are Tzaddik and share this‚ DO NOT ADD OR REMOVE ANYTHING.

This is the word of God.”

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.