World focus boosts hospitality industry
SEVERAL high-class accommodation establishments in Mthatha have been booked out for the next two weeks. Employees at two said that as of yesterday they had stopped booking guests in as they were expecting state security and ambassadors over the next few days.
“These are very important people so we don’t have space available for other guests,” said a worker at Dan’s Lodge near Mthatha.
Other journalists have chosen establishments near Mandela’s homestead in Qunu.
Some are staying in rondavels while others have booked in at B&Bs in the area.
The Dispatch learned that an established B&B in Qunu is charging overseas guests R150 000 for seven days accommodation.
Mbulelo Sisulu of the Daily Sun chose to stay in a rondavel. “We are staying here as it is nearer than Mthatha. We also avoid the traffic and can easily walk to the place [Qunu].”
The Dispatch also learned that several establishments in Mthatha have been booked by foreign media houses.
Last month, a B&B owner in Mthatha who wanted to remain anonymous said the SABC had booked most of the establishments in the area.
“I know the SABC has booked a number of these accommodation places, because they will send a crew of journalists, producers and cameramen for the funeral,” said the owner.
A businessman in Mthatha yesterday confirmed that his establishment had been booked by state security officials. “Because of client confidentiality, we cannot divulge who these people are but I can confirm that we have been booked up for the next few weeks,” he said,
Activity at Mandela’s homestead continued yesterday morning with a group of men pushing wheelbarrows in and out of a secluded part of the yard on a hill which is believed to be Mandela’s grave site.
Several cars drove in and out, noted by local and international media camping nearby, trying to be first with the news.