Toilet issue fizzles away

The fuss surrounding their so-called racial toilet policy is nothing more than hogwash.

Dr Freddie Harris of the Blouberg Animal Clinic in Louis Trichardt confirmed this week that the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) could find no evidence in support of the claims made in an article of the Sowetan newspaper.

The SAHRC was quick to investigate after the article appeared in the Sowetan of 12 November, stating that the animal clinic allegedly has separate toilets for black and white people. Their journalist allegedly used the toilet reserved for “black” people and found it was located outside and behind the main building, while the toilets for “whites” were inside the clinic.

Harris said on Monday that these claims were nothing more than lies and explained what had happened on the day before the article appeared in the press.

Even though the public are not allowed to use the clinic’s bathrooms, for the simple reason of sick and/or dangerous animals and controlled chemicals and poison being kept on site, Harris still allowed it that day. He was approached by a young black man, who was not a client, who wanted to use the staff toilet. Despite having to serve numerous clients at that particular moment, Harris asked one of his staff members to show the young man the toilet.

“This place is not like any other normal business; the things we work and deal with can hold serious risks for the general public,” said Harris. He further explained that one of the four toilets in the building is a no-go area because dips and chemicals are dispensed there. “Employees who have to enter that toilet wear mandatory safety and protective gear,” said Harris.

One toilet is not part of the office or surgery and is part of a private flat where veterinarians of the clinic sleep if they have to work late in the evening. The remaining two bathrooms are for the exclusive use of Blouberg staff only – one situated inside the clinic and one outside. The outside toilet offers the same facilities as the inside one and is also adjacent to the employees’ changing rooms. These two bathrooms are being shared by black and white employees alike, said Harris.

“The SAHRC talked to all the employees and said afterwards that none of the employees had a complaint that they were told which toilets they had to use. They can use any toilet that they want to,” said Harris.

Following their investigation, the SAHRC recommended that the clinic convene a staff meeting in which all staff are re-informed, in writing, that they are still free to use any toilet of their choosing. This meeting took place on Monday. At the time of our going to press, the SAHRC had yet to confirm the matter as finalized.

News - Date: 28 November 2014

Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

Email: [email protected]