Tourism minister orders investigation into Limpopo lodge owner
Tourism minister Derek Hanekom has ordered an investigation into the owner of the Klipspringer Guesthouse and Caravan Park in Modimolle, Limpopo for alleged racism.
The owner allegedly ordered a black 14-year-old teenager out of the resort’s swimming pool on New Year’s Eve as other guests did not want to swim in the pool while he was in it.
“One can only imagine the deep humiliation and hurt that any person would feel under the circumstances, let alone a child enjoying the festive spirit. The fight against racism is not negotiable,” Hanekom said.
“Some forms of racism are still being practised by a small minority of people. These actions do not belong in a democratic society which is driven by the values of equality and non racism.”
Hanekom instructed the department’s legal team to refer the incident to the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for investigation.
“The matter was formally reported to the SAHRC on Wednesday in the public interest,” said Hanekom’s spokesperson Praveen Naidoo.
ANA
File photo: Gallo Images