Pilanesberg resort suffers huge damage in fire [watch]

Pilanesberg’s Manyane Resort lost more than half of its chalet units in a fire that raged through the resort and the park on 16 September.

Manyane Resort is situated on the edge of the Pilanesberg National Park. The resort is approximately 2 hours away from Johannesburg and about a 10-minute drive from the Sun City entrance.

MASSIVE FIRE

Pretoria Rekord reports that a visitor started the fire, violating fire safety rules when having a braai.

The fire then flared up and spread, causing huge damage to vast areas of the park.

As a result, the area near Manyane’s entrance suffered great damage. Numerous chalets burnt to the ground, leaving people scrabbling for safety.

CAUSE OF BLAZE

A visitor who violated rules when braaiing at Manyane Resort caused untold damage to both the resort and the park itself.

The blaze began at Manyane, before spreading into parts of the Pilanesberg National Park.

The fire ravaged vast stretches of the park from the afternoon until late, on 16 September.

DAMAGE AT RESORT

Manyane Resort’s General manager, Stephina Tshehla said that most of Manyane Resort had been badly affected by the fire. The blaze both destroyed and caused damage to many of the chalets.

“We confirm that the resort lost 29 chalets, and 26 remain unscathed. Because of this devastation, management has resolved that bookings from September 18 onwards will be accommodated at Bakgatla Resort at the same rate, depending on availability.” Tshehla said, per Pretoria Rekord.

CONTINGENCY PLANS

Guests booked to stay at Manyane’s chalets this weekend will not be accommodated at this stage.  Tshehla said Manyane was unable to accommodate chalet bookings from 22 to 25 September and that sister property Bakgatla would also not be able to accommodate guests.

“Bakgatla chalets are also fully booked. Our reservations team will be in contact with all guests to advise them to postpone their holiday for a later date, if acceptable.”Tshehla said.

The resort has said that camping and caravaning will not be affected. The restaurants and shops will operate as normal.

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