Minister Derek Hanekom acts on alleged racism at resort
13 Jan 2016
Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom says strong action must be taken to root out all remnants of racism in South Africa. This follows allegations that the owner of the Klipspringer Guesthouse and Caravan Park in Modimolle, Limpopo Province, ordered a 14 -year-old black teenager out of the resort’s swimming pool on New Year’s Eve (see report). It is alleged that the teenager was told to leave the pool as other guests did not want to swim in the pool while he was in it.
Minister Hanekom instructed the Department of Tourism’s legal team to refer the incident to the Human Rights Commission. The matter was formally referred to the HRC today in the public interest.
“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,” said Minister Hanekom. “The fight against racism is not negotiable”.
“The vast majority of South Africans and operators of our tourism establishments uphold the constitutional right of every person to have dignity and freedom, and for that dignity and freedom to be respected and protected at all times”.