Racist tourism owner unrepentant
The owner of Sodwana Bay Guest House said he was acting justly according to his interpretation of the Bible
ANGRY condemnation has spread like wildfire to all sectors of the country after the admission by Sodwana Bay Guest House owner Andre Slade that his establishment would not admit black guests or government employees.
First made known through private communication with an individual and then via a circulated conversation with a reporter from The Star newspaper, Slade was unapologetic, saying he was acting justly according to his interpretation of the Bible.
His church affiliation and details of his theological studies are not known – but they seem broadly in line with dominees’ justification of racial separation during the apartheid era.
Slate said a book he has written would explain his conclusions and without having read the book, questions to him would be pointless.
However, some locals described him as at the very least eccentric.
Criticism of Slade’s racial stance has come down from all quarters, including iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Authority CEO, Andrew Zaloumis, who issued this statement:
‘It has come to our attention that racist remarks have been made by the owner of a guest house in Sodwana Bay.
‘We would like to confirm that the guest house in question is not situated within the boundaries of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and that the iSimangaliso Wetland Authority has no jurisdiction?over this area.
‘The facility is approximately 7km outside the Park. iSimangaliso has no affiliation with the facility or its owner.
‘We are deeply disturbed by the incident,’ said Zaloumis, ‘and have this morning sent a written complaint to the Human Rights Commission and the Public Protector?.
‘iSimangaliso has zero tolerance for racist behaviour.’
While Slade’s radical racial position has received round condemnation, with loud cries for the instant closure of his resort, little has been said on any platform about his refusal to admit government employees.
• Calls made by the Zululand Observer to Slade went unanswered.
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