1960s-Themed Mzansi Restaurant Reintroduces Segregated Dining To Give Customers ‘Authentic’ Experience

KLERKSDORP — A new 1960s-themed restaurant in the North West town of Klerksdorp has announced the reintroduction of segregated dining areas, promising customers an “authentic historical experience” alongside its traditional South African cuisine.

The restaurant, Die Ou Suid-Afrika, has reportedly divided its dining area into several sections, each offering customers a different level of comfort depending on the colour of their wristband.

“People are hungry for authenticity,” said owner Pieter van der Merwe, standing beside a sign reading Whites Only — Free Wi-Fi. “You can’t expect a retro vibe without recreating the atmosphere.”

Customers entering the establishment are seated according to their race and given the treatment that goes with it. The restaurant’s menu includes traditional boerewors, pap, chakalaka and the restaurant’s crown jewel: two different water taps for “Blankes” and “Nee Blankes”.

The restaurant has already attracted criticism from several customers who questioned the decision to recreate one of the country’s darkest periods as a dining experience. “We came here for the food, not to relive the Group Areas Act,” said one customer, whose race is only known to The Grapevine News, after leaving when he was told that his table was in the “wrong historical section”.

The owner, however, defended the concept, saying the restaurant was simply responding to growing demand for “immersive experiences”.

As of publication time, the restaurant was preparing to launch its latest promotion: Two For One Tuesday, in which customers would be allowed to bring a friend from another section of the restaurant.