Oyster Box Hotel unveils bronze statue to honour beloved cat Skabenga

The Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga celebrated their famous cat, Skabenga, by unveiling a bronze statue of him today.

The stray cat who strolled into the five-star hotel and made it his home, died in March at the age of 19.

Following his death, visitors of the luxury hotel sent messages and posted photos of their interactions with the establishment’s resident feline who they met during their visit.

The Tabby cat roamed the halls and charmed guests, sneaking treats from unsuspecting visitors to lounging regally in various nooks of the hotel, ruling the domain like a king.

Recognising the significant impact Skabenga had on everyone, the hotel staff sought a way to honour his memory in a manner that his fans could appreciate and to ensure that his legacy endured.

To commemorate Skabenga, renowned KwaZulu-Natal artist and sculptor Sarah Richards was commissioned to create a life-size bronze statue of the beloved cat, which was unveiled at a special high tea in his memory on Tuesday.

Guests attending the unveiling were encouraged to bring pet food for less fortunate animals, which will be donated to various animal charities, a generous gesture that reflected Skabenga’s spirit.

Justin Botha, the hotel's director of guest experience, said Skabenga left a huge gap in the hearts of everybody who knew, met and loved him.

"He was loved by many guests and staff alike."

Philisiwe Gumede, general manager of The Oyster Box, said Skabenga's legacy will live on.

"Staff and management were looking at what can we do in memory of Skabenga. Everyone agreed on the sculpture and said guests will be able to connect and touch the sculpture.

“Today, we proudly unveil Skabenga’s statue as a lasting symbol of the special place he holds in so many hearts,” said Gumede.

Richards, known for her detailed bronze wildlife sculptures, began the creative process in her KZN Midlands studio, working closely with Oyster Box staff who had known Skabenga best.

Richards said she had unfortunately not met Skabenga but spent hours looking at photographs.

"I feel like I do know him and his quirky character through his expression that I'm a little bit more superior than you but I'll tolerate your attention.

"People would ask how long will it take to do a sculpture. It's difficult to say how long its going to take to create a sculpture. I have to know who I'm creating and in this case, Skabenga. I got a lot of photos. I started building it, a metal structure on a wooden board and I started building up a character. I thought I was ready and brought him down here and everyone said he's not fat enough. I took him home and worked a bit more," she said.

The collection of collars Skabenga had received from fans over the years, suspended in resin, now form a meaningful and personal foundation for the sculpture.

In honour of Skabenga’s spirit the base of the statue features a QR code, enabling visitors to directly contribute to the work of the Durban & Coast SPCA.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE