Graffiti vandals 'are racist'
2005-07-12 08:52
Cape Town - "The house sticks out like a sore thumb."
This is what Somerset Ridge residents have to say about the well-known pink house in their neighbourhood. The house belongs to Dr Victor Bikitsha, 42, a doctor from Somerset West.
The house had upset certain residents, and someone from the neighbourhood wrote "pink panther" on the wall.
Many of the residents regard the house as a beacon in the neighbourhood, and one neighbour said the municipality should change Flufftail Street to Pink Panther Street.
"Everyone who lives here always say they live near the pink house."
According to Bikitsha, he will never change the colour of his house "even if there were members from the neighbourhood who suggested he should paint the house white.
"My ancestors came to me in a dream and told me to paint the house pink. I respect the voice of my ancestors."
Bakitsha, originally from the Eastern Cape, also alleged the graffiti had been a racist incident.
"Because the neighbourhood is predominantly white, some people don't want me there," Bakitsha said.
It is estimated the house cost R1m, and building had been completed by end April.