KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa have lost one of their most famous felines—Skabenga, the resident tabby cat of the iconic Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga, has passed away.
Once a stray, Skabenga wandered into the luxury hotel nearly two decades ago and never left, becoming a beloved part of the establishment’s charm. Joanne Hayes, the hotel’s PR manager, recalled his presence fondly.
"He had his favorite places to sleep and lie. If you’ve ever entered through the front door, you would have often seen him lounging right in the middle of the passageway in the porter’s area," she said.
Beyond his leisurely lifestyle, Skabenga had a flair for drama and attention. Hayes shared how the charismatic cat always found his way into the spotlight, whether it was during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when Manchester United stayed at the hotel, or during Princess Charlene’s wedding celebrations.
"Whenever we had a wedding at the Oyster Box, we rolled out a red carpet for the bride—and Skabenga would always go and lie right on it," Hayes added.
The hotel was preparing to celebrate Skabenga’s 20th birthday in September, but now staff and guests are reflecting on how best to honor his memory. His presence will be deeply missed at the Oyster Box, where he was more than just a cat—he was a legend.