Pretoria - The Department of Tourism has referred allegations of racism by the owner of Sodwana Bay Guest House to the South African Human Rights Commission for investigation.
Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom instructed the department to take immediate action after a prospective visitor to the guest house in northern KwaZulu-Natal complained about the racist accommodation policy at the establishment.
Minister Hanekom said racism will not be tolerated in South Africa.
"Racial discrimination is absolutely unacceptable to all freedom loving South Africans. There is no place for any form of discrimination in any sector of our society. We will take strong action against discrimination wherever and whenever it appears, regardless of the perpetrators.
"That is the only way to protect the rights and dignity of the vast majority of our people, who are living together with each other in a spirit of genuine reconciliation and togetherness every day.”
The Minister said those who think they can continue practicing racism will not be allowed to derail the nation’s progress.
"We are investigating other measures that can be taken against owners of establishments who practice racism. What they are doing is grossly immoral and illegal.
“The public must continue to be vigilant and report any abuse of the rights that we have fought so hard to secure for all the people of our country," said Minister Hanekom.
People who have been victims of racism at any tourism establishment or attraction should report their experience to the department’s Tourism Complaints Officer, Mmaditonki Setwaba, on 012 444 6312 or complaints@tourism.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
