George Airport Manager Brenda Vorster was jolted back to the past when she was a victim of racism just two days before Christmas.
"Naively I had assumed that the dreaded racism monster would never raise its ugly head in my presence again. My optimism was dashed while waiting for my husband and our guests to return from a snorkelling expedition, which was to be the highlight of their short visit to the beautiful Garden Route."
While waiting, Vorster and her friend relaxed with a drink at the Kaai 4 restaurant at the harbour.
An elderly gentleman and his family entered the restaurant and sat down at one of the wooden tables.
Once they had collected their drinks the man realised that he was sitting behind Vorster.
"He told his party that he was sitting next to 'Blacks' and he didn't like it. He spoke in Afrikaans, just loud enough for us to hear, but not to cause a commotion, and presumably thought that we would not understand him. The lady sitting opposite the gentleman, whom we assumed was his wife, was visibly perturbed with the direction the conversation was taking as she was aware that we understood what he was saying. I was annoyed, aggrieved and provoked. I had to say something although I knew it would be like water off a duck's back. I told him that if he did not want to sit near a 'black' person then maybe he should move as we had been here for some time and our plans were not to leave soon. He stood up and moved to another table. The rest of the family sheepishly greeted us and followed him. Unfortunately for them there was another 'black' couple at a table fairly close to them as well. He finished his drink and stormed out."
Upon leaving the restaurant the manager, Sean Megannon, came forward to ask the mandatory questions pertaining to the meal, the service and atmosphere etc. "My guests seized the opportunity to vent their pent-up feelings and the manager realised that a serious but silent altercation had taken place in the restaurant. He listened to us as we were walking back to our cars.
"He diffused the situation and our group was faced with a contradiction in terms as it once again demonstrated that not all whites are racist. The empathy that he showed towards our broken self-esteem redeemed the situation for all."
Megannon told the George Herald, "I apologise on behalf of Kaai 4 and the local population for the despicable comments of the man. I hope that Brenda will accept it."
Megannon confirmed that this type of incident has unfortunately happened in the past but is not a regular occurrence. "During the season there is obviously additional pressure on everyone, but we are sensitive to a situation that can spiral out of control at the drop of a hat." Vorster said that the fellow restaurant patrons were sympathetic and also offended by the gentleman's uncalled for remarks.
"On the radio I hear the odd overtly racist comment that riles me, but it is out in the public domain and someone is sure to come back with an appropriate or an inappropriate counter racist remark, but when you are the direct target of racism it is a very different story and it hurts."
Albert Wiffen, who owns Kaai 4 and eight other restaurants in Mossel Bay, says that over the last few years the number of coloured and African visitors to his restaurants has increased significantly. "I hope the gentleman was from up country and not a local. It doesn't really matter, but at least I will feel better."
Vorster agrees with Wiffen that more black tourists are visiting the Southern Cape. "The increase in domestic flight travel to George by coloured and African holidaymakers is borne out by statistics at the airport."
Albert Wiffen, owner of Kaai 4 Restaurant with Sean Megannon (manager). In front are Ley-Ann and Meagan Harker. Photos: Myron Rabinowitz
ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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