Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge Relief Fund

ABOUT

PARTICIPATE IN OUR WITSIESHOEK COMMUNITY BENEFIT APPEAL AND 

·      ENTER THE DRAW TO WIN A TRIP TO WITSIESHOEK MOUNTAIN LODGE 

·      BENEFIT FROM A GUARANTEED DISCOUNT ON YOUR NEXT BOOKING

·       AT THE SAME TIME HELPING US TO HELP OUR PEOPLE.

Dear friends,

The pride and joy of the Batlokoa community in Phuthaditjhaba, Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge is the highest lodge in South Africa and overlooks the spectacular Drakensberg Amphitheatre. In 2010 it was derelict and on the verge of closure. Renovated in 2015 and handed over to the community, it has since become an iconic destination in the Drakensberg and the major contributor to the livelihoods of our staff most of whom originate from the surrounding villages. Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge supports around 350 family and extended family members.

Sadly, the Coronavirus pandemic has decimated their business and forced us to close our doors, probably until December, according to our Minister of Tourism. Right now,  fifty-five loyal and amazing hospitality staff and guides are sitting at home uncertain of the future and their ability to support their extended families and neighbours as they have done in the past.  

We are resolute that Witsieshoek will survive this crisis and continue to play the role it has in contributing to the well-being of the Batlokoa community. But in the absence of any guest income, they need you, our former guests and friends, to help us achieve this. 

As a result of the lockdown, many people in the villages around Witsieshoek have lost their jobs and other means of earning an income. This has exacerbated the already high levels of poverty in the area so funds collected will primarily be used to support families that are desperately in need of food, medical supplies, warm clothing and blankets, as we enter winter. The intention is to utilise the funds as follows:

·       At least 70% of the funds received will be used to support local families who have no income and are extremely vulnerable as they do not receive any unemployment benefits. 

·     The remaining 30% will go towards protecting the lodge infrastructure. The community own Witsieshoek, but without income from visitors, it cannot be maintained and there is a serious risk of dereliction.  Pumps, generators and other equipment has to operate and be maintained during the lockdown so that there is a business for the staff to return to when the crisis is over. This requires fuel and urgent maintenance for which there is no money.

We invite you to donate to this initiative by buying one, or preferably more, tickets in our community benefit appeal. You may be one of those fortunate to win a two night stay on a B&B basis or a fully inclusive two- or three-night stay at Witsieshoek. The very least you will receive is a guaranteed discount on your next booking with us to the value of the donation for your ticket or up to 60% more than the value donated, depending on which category of ticket you choose (see ticket info on Quicket for details.)

Together with your support, we can contribute to the livelihoods of the local community as well as protect Witsieshoek from returning to its former derelict state. Then when the time is right, it can re-open and again enable visitors to experience the magical draw of the mountains and the ascent of the chain ladders.

The TFPD Foundation is a registered NPO and will administer these donations. It has undertaken not to charge any administration fees. This means that 100% of your contribution, after Quicket’s 4,5% service fee, will go to the cause you are supporting.

The situation for Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge and its wider Batlokoa community is dire as there is no guest income at all, nor will there be until at least December 2020 and even that is not certain. Please help us save the livelihoods of the people we care about….