Accusations of racism have again beset the Cape Bar. A black advocate is accusing white colleagues of refusing to share office space with him.
The allegations are contained in a letter to members of Advocates for Transformation sent recently by the organisation's chairman, Greg Papier.
"Recently one of our black members, Anda Njeza, has been told that he was awarded chambers on the 15th floor of Huguenot Chambers. He signed a lease with the landlord only to be told this week that the two white suite members do not want him to be part of their suite," Papier wrote.
Njeza said he was waiting for the decision of the bar's housing committee on his complaint, lodged last month.
"Ultimately, we are always excluded because you can't deny that there is institutionalised racism here and the Cape Bar does little to deal with it," said Njeza.
Tanya Golden, chairman of the Cape Bar, said Njeza's complaint had not reached her.
"Our housing policy is very progressive and members have recourse," said Golding.
"All the suites on that floor have been occupied. I don't know what they are referring to."