Following the arrest of three men (now out on bail) for the attack on two young boys at the Maselspoort Resort and Conference Centre outside Bloemfontein in the Free State on Christmas Day, the tourism industry has continued to show support for the victims and their family and to emphasise that racism will not be tolerated in the tourism sector.

A day after the attack, a video clip – which went viral on social media – captured part of the incident at the resort, where two youths were shown to be physically abused by the three men.

The video clip showed white men ordering a black teenager out of the water, then shoving him back in, grabbing another child by the throat and pulling his hair. One man was also seen holding a youngster under the water as if to drown him.

While some in the industry have questioned the motive behind the attack as racist, suggesting various alternative motives (these reasons were widely touted on social media but not substantiated), the broader perception is that this was a racially motivated attack (older white men against young black youths) and industry has been quick to address that perception and emphasise that the larger industry was an inclusive one.

Minister visits family

Over the weekend, Minister of Tourism, Lindiwe Sisulu, visited the Nakedi family whose sons were targeted in the attack, to apologise on behalf of the South African government for the incident and to offer counselling for the family.

Sisulu highlighted that the incident was an embarrassment to government and that it had “tarnished tourism in the country”.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement following her visit, Sisulu said the tourism industry was central to economic growth and development and should be nurtured in such a way that it knew no racial, sexual or any stereotypical cleavages. 

She said any racial tendency had to be isolated and exorcised by the players in the industry who are committed to ensuring the economy and, this sector in particular, thrives. 

Sector speaks out

While strongly condemning the “appalling” incident, CEO of the Tourism Business Council, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, said: “The tourism sector is an inclusive industry and there should be no room for prejudice or discrimination based on creed, race or discrimination. Racism has no room in tourism. We will not tolerate nor accommodate any racist behaviour in our industry.”

He added: “As South Africans we know how ugly racism is and we cannot be dragged back.”

The TBCSA has called for harsh punishment once the facts have been established. Tshivhengwa issued assurances to local and international tourists that South Africa was open to all.

“We all have an acute responsibility to uphold the rights held sacred in our Constitution and create business cultures that unequivocally reject and condemn racist behaviour of any kind,” said SATSA Co-Chair, Oupa Pilane.

He pointed out that, through the inbound tourism association’s Access, Inclusivity and Diversity (AID) initiative and its Code of Conduct, SATSA supported and actively promoted equality and the deconstruction of racist policies and practices within the tourism sector, ensuring that it was one that celebrated diversity, equality and inclusivity – and was indeed one that welcomed guests of all races, age, gender, religious beliefs and sexual orientation.

“This kind of incident undermines the efforts of South Africans who are working daily to promote cultural diversity, sensitisation and reconciliation. We cannot allow this kind of abhorrent behaviour to go unpunished and trust that the police will expedite their investigations to ascertain the full facts and prosecute accordingly.

“Further, let this be a warning to stakeholders in the tourism sector to remain vigilant always. As tourism professionals and establishments, we are the first line of protection for South Africa’s brand and must always demonstrate an exemplary vision of the Rainbow Nation,” Pilane concluded.