9 August 2024
Off Bushman’s Nek facebook Page
As we begin to recover from the devastating fire that destroyed our beautiful resort, it is necessary to continue reporting back for the benefit of all interested parties.
We are grateful to confirm that all 33 guest parties and 51 staff members who were residents at Bushman’s Nek and were there on the fateful Friday morning of 9 August 2024 have now returned home or been united with family or alternative homes in the case of staff. Most guests have also shared their individual experiences—some more terrifying than others—with our Crisis Team, which is directly connected to our MD, Shaun Lamont, and the Group’s leadership team.
We regret the emotional trauma and minor injuries suffered, as well as the after-effects of smoke inhalation, which required hospitalisation in at least one case. We would also like to extend our thanks to the many guests who courageously worked side by side with our dedicated staff to make the best of a dire situation. We are especially grateful to those who returned to transport guests whose vehicles had been destroyed in the fire. A special thank you to the guests who have reached out to commend our staff for their great efforts during the traumatic event.
A total of eight vehicles were completely burned in 3 different locations around the resort, along with the main infrastructure, reception, lounges, dining room, bars, kitchen, spa, playroom, and outdoor deck. Intact are the staff village, the standalone conference hall, the rock pool, and the security outbuilding and shed.
We are pleased that we have been able to communicate directly with each guest regarding how the situation was handled by the management team on-site and how the disaster unfolded. It has also become abundantly clear that each guest had a vastly different experience during the same event, seen through their own eyes.
As we work with our insurers and their team of professional assessors to ascertain the losses suffered by everyone affected, we are guiding guests wherever possible.
Due to the high-speed winds and ferocity of the fire, it is clear that no human effort, nor the best firefighting equipment, could have prevented the property from burning.
We are also grateful and sincerely moved by the community’s readiness to assist, including Unilever, Drake Clothing, Wes Dixon, and Dream Vacations, for demonstrating love and support to these victims.
To future guests with confirmed bookings—we have not forgotten you—our team has already reached out and, thankfully with your cooperation, resolved most future bookings. For any booking queries, please bear with us or call the team on 033 302 0500.
Updates will continue on the restoration of our mutually beloved Bushman’s Nek resort.
Again, thank you all for the unimaginable support given to the Group and your incredible Bushman’s Nek family.
