Mayor thrown out

2003-09-02 22:17

Marlene Malan

Cape Town - The mayor of the Swellendam district municipality accused a guesthouse owner of racism after she kicked him and one of his opposition councillors out of her establishment in Hermanus because other guests complained about their "noisiness" and "misconduct".

The owner said on Tuesday she had no alternative but to ask Nathan Newman (Democratic Alliance) and Handry de Silva (African National Congress) to find other accommodation after they smoked in their rooms, made a lot of noise and paid a single tariff for double occupation.

One of the bathrooms was apparently spattered with vomit and she had to have it cleaned afterwards.

The owner, who wants to remain anonymous in fear of reprisals, said other guests complained about the noise.

"They complained about the giggling and refused to dine with such noisy guests. While we were still discussing this, a woman who was not booked into the hotel, came walking down the passage."

The owner wrote a letter of complaint to the municipal manager and warned the Hermanus tourism council against Newman and De Silva.

In reaction, Newman said the owner's comments were racist. "She's just seeking publicity because the other guests were white."

Newman denied that he and De Silva smoked or had guests in their rooms.

The Democratic Alliance indicated that it would take up the matter with the standing committee on local government.

Send e-mail to reporter

- Die Burger