KZN Tourism MEC lays charges against Sodwana Bay Guest House owner
KZN Tourism MEC Sihle Zikalala says the owner of the Sodwana Bay Guesthouse is using religion to justify his racist practices.
Zikakala today opened a criminal case against Andre Slade, who refused to accommodate black people and government officials in his north coast guesthouse.
"Religious fundamentalism is the worst kind of philosophy which historically led to serious challenges where people were gunned down. There are many incidents where people do things and in the end they pretend it was because of religion or they did not know what they were doing. We want serious action to be taken," he said.
Zikalala says the only place that can rehabilitate Slade is prison.
Slade says he did not meet with government officials or the ANC KZN leadership who visited the area today.
The ANC Youth League also marched to demand the closure of his establishment.
Slade says today's events were peaceful.
"What really happened is that all the neighbours turned around and made available one of their guesthouses because they are our neighbours. They have stood by us. We closed the guesthouse two days ago. The rally was very peaceful - some people spoke, there wasn't enough cheering going on. It was quiet," he said.
(File photo: Gallo Images)