02/05/2020
A virus we can’t see with the naked eye has brought the world to its knees.
Press release: Mariner’s Wharf harbourfront emporium indefinite closure
Friday 1 May 2020
South Africa’s first harbourfront emporium, Mariner’s Wharf has taken the extremely difficult decision to cease trading until the economy recovers.
Despite having spent many weeks and sleepless nights trying to find viable alternatives to overcoming the disruptions caused by the Coronavirus, which continues to devastate the world, other factors were also taken into consideration and played a crucial role in this decision. These include the dramatic decline in tourism numbers as a result of water restrictions, power outages, poor service delivery from Council, riots, and declining fish resources, as well as issues relating to government leases on which the building stands.
Founder and developer of Mariner’s Wharf, Stanley Dorman, who has and continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of tourism and development in Hout Bay, had to make this extremely difficult call, as the alternative could have led to a liquidation, with employees then receiving less than their full entitlements.
“Sadly therefore, we decided to draw a line to halt further expenditure and to mothball Mariner's Wharf until our economy and international tourism recovers.” commented Mr Dorman.
“Thus, effective from this month, we will be retrenching employees, the exceptions being elements of essential services such as in our security and maintenance departments. Nonetheless the company intends guaranteeing affected staff full retrenchment packages, which will also take into consideration long-service, in many instances stretching back many years.”
In humbly apologising for the shock and disappointment this outcome may cause, Mr Dorman and his co-directors wish to thank every one of their staff and their loyal customers for having been an integral part of a truly wonderful thirty-five years and in making Mariner’s Wharf the great icon it has become.
They trust that in the not-too-distant-future, the doors will again open and that locals and international visitors alike will be able to continue enjoying the great seafood and unique harbourfront offerings for which Mariner’s Wharf has become famous.
For further information please contact:
Tricia Francois
PR & Marketing Manager
Mariner’s Wharf
[email protected]
082 907 0699
