This follows an alleged racist incident at Maselspoort Resort outside Bloemfontein.

ALSO READ: MEC calls for harsh sentences for Maselspoort pool-attack suspects

In his detailed address of the situation, MEC Makalo Mohale explained how the incident has negatively affected initiatives aimed at positioning the Free State's tourism sector at the centre of economic reconstruction and recovery.

Mohale said the department values diverse stakeholders and has acted with integrity to ensure that tourists are treated equally around tourism establishments in the province. 

"For this reason, [Destea] urges potential domestic and international visitors to continue visiting and exploring the Free State province as their preferred destination of choice.

"The Free State guarantees visitors that they will experience the warmth and hospitality of its people as well as the open skies that the province is known for."

Mohale has challenged the tourism sector to emulate the principle enshrined in the Freedom Charter which states that ‘South Africa belongs to all who live in it’.

He further urged tourism product owners to go beyond the call of duty to deliver quality services to the people.

Three men appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court after the alleged racial attack on Christmas Day. One suspect has been charged with attempted murder, while two others face common assault and crimen injuria charges. They were all released from custody.

The suspect who faces an attempted murder charge received bail of R20 000 when he appeared in court on Thursday, 29 December 2022.

ALSO READ: Third alleged Maselspoort racial attacker granted bail

The case was postponed to 25 January 2023.

OFM News