Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba Faced Accommodation Issues Over Booking Regulations at Bushveld Terrace

Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba and her entourage faced an unexpected setback on Friday night, 28 February 2025, ahead of the Marula Festival Reloaded. Their attempt to check in at Bushveld Terrace Hotel encountered a hurdle due to booking irregularities, leading to them departing from the establishment earlier than scheduled.

In an exclusive interview with Limpopo Current Affairs, the hotel’s owner, Dave Turner, clarified the situation, addressing public speculation surrounding the incident.

Turner explained that the issue arose because the Premier’s delegation could not produce the necessary documentation for check-in, as required by law.

“The misunderstanding seems to stem from the fact that, upon arrival, the Premier and her team were asked to provide proper booking details and identification documents, which are mandatory for all guests. According to Sections 36 and 40 of the Immigration Act, hotels are required to obtain copies of ID documents, names, and surnames of all occupants,” Turner stated.

Acknowledging the unfortunate nature of the situation, Turner expressed regret over how the matter unfolded and extended an apology to the Limpopo Provincial Government.

“We sincerely regret that the issue could not be resolved on the night, leading to their departure. We respect the Premier and her office, and we wish to maintain a positive relationship. We are willing to work with her office to ensure such misunderstandings do not happen again,” Turner assured.

While the incident may have been temporarily disconcerting, Turner emphasised that it was not an intentional act of disregard but rather a procedural requirement. The Premier’s office has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter.

As Limpopo’s biggest cultural festival unfolded, this incident served as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and adherence to policies, even at the highest levels of government.