This was confirmed by the newly installed MEC for Economic and Tourism Sihle Zikalala, amid the hate comments uttered by the lodge manager Andre Slade this week.
The lodge has been shut down, it has emerged lately.
On Wednesday an unrepentant Slade tried to explain to a group of journalists why blacks and whites were different.
He told them he was the “king on Earth and that he and his partner, Katarina Kizani, had a crown on their heads while black people had none”.
He has previously used the Bible to justify his views.
As a result, an industry marketing body has expressed fears the fallout could cost jobs.
The similarly named Sodwana Bay Lodge has felt the wrath of a couple of would-be guests who have cancelled their bookings in the mistaken belief that Slade owned the lodge.
Spokesman for the MEC, Bheko Madlala, said all the parties at Wednesday’s meetings in Sodwana had expressed “disgust” and “disbelief” at Slade’s behaviour.
“We were encouraged by the fact that other business people in the tourism industry share our sentiment that such behaviour is unacceptable.
The MEC then laid three criminal charges against the man for racial discrimination, operating a business illegally and possible tax evasion.
“We have also instructed officials from our department to throw the book at this man and to close down the operation,” Madlala said.
Chairman of the Elephant Coast Community Tourism Organisation, Waldo van Schalkwyk, condemned Slade’s views and said it was unfortunate that innocent parties were now suffering.
“That’s very sad because that sort of thing affects tourism and leads to job losses,” said Van Schalkwyk on Wednesday.
“People need to understand where they are booking,” he added.
Van Schalkwyk said Slade had refused to join the Elephant Coast Community Tourism Organisation, which marketed the area around the world. The cost of that came from member businesses.
“He was invited to join but said he wanted to work outside the system. We have distanced ourselves from rogue operators. We are waiting for the full extent of the law to take its course.
“We have a country with a constitution and laws and we call on the system to enforce whatever it is going to do. This will also set a precedent. You can’t have people saying the type of things this man has been saying.”
Reports are that Slade is not the lodge owner as it appeared.
Meanwhile, Tourism minister Derek Hanekom has referred allegations of racism to SA Human Rights Commission for investigation against the lodge.
“Racial discrimination is absolutely unacceptable to all freedom-loving South African.
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,” says the minister.
“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. Those who think they can continue practicing racism will not be allowed to derail our nation’s progress.
Said Hanekom: “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.”
People who have been victims of racism at any tourism establishment or attraction should report their experience to the Department’s Tourism Complaints Officer, Ms Mmaditonki Setwaba, at 012 444 6312 or complaints@tourism.gov.za
