Selati Restaurant non-operational because of dispute
SANParks is not objecting to the court order, but continued occupation amounts to an unlawful holdover by Ringgold in view that the agreement has been terminated and there is no further reason why Ringgold should continue occupying the restaurant
SKUKUZA – The Selati Restaurant in the Kruger National Park (KNP) is currently non-operational, not because the owner of the managing company exposed himself to employees within the park, but because of a legal dispute with SANParks.
Selati was being managed by Ringgold Investments 468 (Pty) Ltd of which Mr Ray Bermeister was the owner. He exposed himself on two occassions to personnel of the park’s security services late last year. Although he wasn’t criminally charged, Ms Gabrielle Venter, a spokesman for SANParks, said that “such behaviour in the presence of patrons and law-enforcement officials posed a reputational risk to SANParks and is viewed as having brought its name into disrepute.
She explained that the public private partnership agreement with Ringgold was terminated on January 23, due to the absence of a signed franchisee agreement, which implies a lack of sufficient experience required from Ringgold to operate Selati.
Bermeister obtained a High Court order, restoring possession of Selati Restaurant to Ringgold. “SANParks is not objecting to the court order, but continued occupation amounts to an unlawful holdover by Ringgold in view that the agreement has been terminated and there is no further reason why Ringgold should continue occupying the restaurant.
“Due to the above, Selati Restaurant is non-operational. This is undesirable and negative to SANParks’ business. Accordingly, SANParks is currently but urgently involved in the process to ensure that Selati Restaurant becomes operational soon.”
