‘Racist’ Slade still under SAHRC microscope

THE furore over the racist comments made by Sodwana Bay Guest House owner Andrè Slade may have died down, but the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) says it’s still investigating his behaviour.

Slade shot to infamy in June when he denied a client permission to stay at his establishment in Sodwana Bay on the premise that he did not ‘allow blacks or government employees’ to stay there.
On 29 June about 2 000 protesters gathered at his gates, the march spurred on by the ANC Youth League in the province.
A memorandum demanding his eviction and arrest, as well as an extensive probe into white owned tourism businesses in the area, was handed over to KZN Premier and MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Sihle Zikalala.

Slade seemed unperturbed by the angry mob and was heard asking police if he should open his gate.

He also went to great lengths to defend his stance to the media gathered outside the fence, explaining that ‘God gave whites crowns on their heads, which makes them human and superior’.
His comments, mostly based on his interpretation of the Bible are also the sentiments of his partner, Slovakian Katarina Kizani (27) who claimed she often encourages Slade to be open with his opinions.

Backlash
Department of Home Affairs immigration officials in Kosi Bay would not be drawn into questions relating to rumours that they would be deporting Kizani.
A police source meanwhile told the Zululand Observer that immigration officers, together with police, recently visited the guest house to detain her, but were refused entry.

‘As I understand the officials were going to apply for a court order to gain access to the property,’ the source claimed.

Spokesperson for the SAHRC, Gail Smith, last week confirmed the probe into Slade was ongoing.
‘The SAHRC has opened a complaint regarding this matter, but thereafter we received two formal complaints – one from a private individual and the other from the Department of Tourism,’ said Smith.
‘At this point we have consolidated them into one file.’
Zikalala also opened cases at the Mbazwane police station of possible tax evasion, hate speech, discrimination and illegal trading against Slade .

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