Christopher Logan, the young Capetonian who stood up for a black friend who was allegedly denied entry to a pub because he did not have a white escort, insists he's no hero.
His confrontation with the owners of Hank’s Olde Irish Pub — partially captured on video — in Cape Town should be a “normal reaction to racism in this country”, he said.
Logan, 25, of Sea Point, became a social media darling early this week after footage of the altercation on Friday went viral. Thabiso Danca, his friend, said a bouncer had told him the pub had a right of admission policy that stated he must be accompanied “by a white person” to enter the premises.
Danca alleged the bouncer said black people “steal and cause trouble” and the owners had given instructions about the right of admission policy.
Video footage depicted Logan accusing the pub owners of institutional racism.
Logan, Danca's housemate, said since the incident they had experienced “overwhelming support”, with even strangers “calling me a hero”.
“I appreciate the support received so far, but I'm very wary of anyone calling me a hero or a saviour or any of that kind of language. My reaction to this racial incident is what should be expected from every South African. I really believe we need to confront that and not in a trendy political way ... It needs to be confronted. Racists should all be fearful of doing anything like this ... At least that’s what I’m hoping happens with this case,” he said.
“This [reaction] should be normal. If someone faces something like this, you should be the first one to stand up and say no. White people in this country were forgiven in 1994 without us even asking for forgiveness. And I think, therefore, we owe an immense debt to the country to be extra vigorous on this point. I think every white person owes it to the country to not stand for this at all.”
Hank’s management said in a statement on Tuesday the establishment would stay closed after threats of protest action by the EFF. It noted a social media campaign “targeting our venue”, which the owners and staff alleged was based on “unfounded and unproven third-party information and accusations”.
“It has been brought to our attention that this campaign has now been extended to protest action at our venue on the 6th of December. The venue, owners and our staff have received direct threats of intimidation, violence, damage to persons and property by individuals who have stated in the media that they will be participating in said protest.”
The pub said given physical assault charges the owners and staff opened with the police against Logan, “it has been in the best interest of the safety and security of our staff and that of neighbouring businesses that we not open Hank’s Olde Irish today”.
Logan described the assault charges against him as a smokescreen meant to “take away the attention from the institutional racism that they [pub] have.
“It’s a distraction, and it’s something for them to try to hide behind. We have video footage, including the pub’s CCTV cameras, that prove that we were the ones that were assaulted by the owners with their bouncers. That must play itself out, and the police [have] to deal with that.”
In a police statement seen by TimesLIVE Premium, Logan alleged he was beaten by individuals he was able to identify when needed.
“I was bleeding on my nose ... had bruises on my face and neck.” In the sworn statement he alleged he was choked, had cuts on his upper hands and knees from a scuffle that ensued after he tried to free his brother, who was also pushed and attacked after he returned to the establishment, following the earlier confrontation.
“When my brother returned to Hank’s bar the owners waited for him. As soon as he stepped inside [he was] pushed and attacked. I heard he was calling my name. I tried to separate them, but they started attacking me, choking and beating me.”
Police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala confirmed two assault charges related to the pub were under investigation.
“This office confirms that two assault cases were registered at Cape Town Central [police station] this weekend after an altercation at a pub in Cape Town. The police are investigating. No arrest has been made yet.”
The EFF has vowed not to relent in its protest action against the management of the pub.
During yet another protest outside Hank’s Olde Irish on Tuesday, provincial EFF spokesperson Wandile Kasibe said even though the pub decided not to trade on Tuesday, “when they eventually open we will be back.
“We are here to express our anger against institutional racism of this establishment. We want their trading licence to be revoked. Their business cannot thrive when they discriminate on others based on their skin colour,” he said.
“We heard that the organisers of a concert that was supposed to take place at this pub have since withdrawn their support. We are here to call on patrons and other businesses to withdraw their support too. It cannot be business as usual when something like this happens,” said Kasibe.
Attempts to reach Danca were not successful, even though he initially agreed to speak to TimesLIVE Premium.
Logan said though reaction from many South Africans was “extremely positive and the nation is behind us and Thabiso”, the experience was overwhelming, particularly for Danca, “who is taking strain” from the media attention and phone calls.
“Everyone’s physically all right, but Thabiso was upset by the incident. He’s happy it’s being exposed and given attention, but it’s all very overwhelming when your name and face is everywhere. It’s a lot for the human mind to process,” he said.
