Durban - A Glenwood councillor says he will be engaging with the business community in the area and LGBTQI+ organisations so sensitisation training and educational programmes can be held to ensure businesses are welcoming spaces for all people, including the LGBTQI+ community.
Ward 33 councillor Sakhile Mngadi made the comments on Tuesday after complaints were raised that a popular bar in the suburb was discriminating against gay men.
It is alleged that on numerous occasions bouncers of the establishment have been discriminatory against gay male patrons, often not allowing them into the venue or asking them to leave because they are gay.
Mngadi said: “The business that has since released an apology acknowledges that these incidents did indeed occur and that a few people have been left feeling hurt, unwelcome and unsafe in the area.
“We condemn these acts of discrimination and will take serious action against any businesses in the area that perpetuate discriminatory behaviour,” he said.
Mngadi added that the party will also be engaging stakeholders who they believe need to play an integral role in ensuring that sensitisation training becomes more accessible to all business that have staff who interact with members of the public.
“We urge the SAPS to also play a bigger role in ensuring marginalised groups have better access to law enforcement and that police stations and police officers are better equipped at handling issues of this nature.”