Tributes have been streaming in for the King of the Oyster Box Hotel, the beloved Skabenga, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 19.
Visitors of the plush Umhlanga hotel have been sending messages and posting photos of the establishments resident feline who they met during their visit to the five-star hotel. Skabenga, ruled the halls and charmed guests, sneaking treats from unsuspecting guests and lounging around wherever he pleased, like the King of the castle.
After news of the Tabby cat's passing was posted on social media, over a thousand people posted messages and photos of Skabenga or of them with him.
One social media user wrote: "My heart is broken by this news, please make a statue of him in his honour and memory.
"Another wrote: "Rest softly beautiful boy, I am so glad I got to share my 40th Birthday with you at The Oyster Box! I also said hi to you a few weeks ago, little did I know it would be the last time." The Oyster Box will never be the same without you, but with your passing, perhaps another little one will get to step into your place and enjoy the same wonderful life you had. Thank you to the Oyster Box team for being so good to this gorgeous boy, he truly was a celebrity! My sympathies to all the staff and management on his passing."
"Rest in Peace Skabenga. The Oyster Box will never be the same as you were just such a presence. Will miss your nudges on arrival. One in a million you were," said another visitor.
Another guest wrote: "Oh no. So sorry to read this very sad post. I have lovely pics and memories of him. My best memory is of him drinking water from the pool and lying like a king on his chair cushion wearing a diamond-encrusted collar."
Ashwin Jose, manager of The Oyster Box Hotel said: “For more years than anyone can remember, Skabenga has ruled The Oyster Box. It seems ironic that a cat whose name means ‘hooligan or vagabond’ when translated from isiZulu, was actually VIP Guest numero uno, at one of the world’s leading hotels. Skabenga was a legend in his own right.”
When the Oyster Box underwent renovations Skabenga was already on the property and remained as the VIP guest since September 2009 when it reopened.
Every year in September the hotel marked Skabenga's birthday with an elaborate party and celebrations. Kids who attended the party were entertained and treated to cake and goodies.
Jose said come September this year they will look at holding a birthday celebration as a memorial tribute to Skabenga.
"We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of messages, calls and social media posts. Everyone who visited the hotel looked out for Skabenga and loved his presence.
"We have not finalised any plans yet as to what we will be doing to honour his memory," said Jose.
Dylan White, the hotel's front of house manager, said Skabenga wasn’t just the hotel cat – he was part of the family. "His big personality, lazy sunbathing sessions, and occasional attitude made him impossible not to love. He had a way of making The Oyster Box feel even more special. It’s hard to imagine the hotel without him, but he’ll always be remembered,” said White.
Sharen Naidoo, personal assistant to the hotel manager, said Skabenga was her daily dose of warmth and happiness. "I will really miss him coming up to me every morning as I arrived at the hotel lobby, then following me to my office like my little shadow. It breaks my heart knowing my mornings will never be the same without him," said Naidoo.
