Saturday, September 21, 2024, marked an unexpected winter wonderland for South Africa and Lesotho, as heavy snow blanketed large parts of both countries. The snowstorm led to unexpected disruptions, including the rescue of 15 taxi passengers stranded near the AfriSki Mountain Resort in Lesotho.
The AfriSki Mountain Resort, known as the only ski resort in Southern Africa, reported over 20 to 30 centimeters of snow since the previous night. This snow accumulation has created picturesque, yet treacherous, conditions. Gerrie Schoeman, the resort’s general manager, described the scene as resembling a fairytale, with some areas covered knee-deep in snow.
The heavy snowfall not only turned the area into a beautiful snowy landscape but also created significant challenges for travelers. The 15 passengers were traveling in a taxi when they became stuck near the resort. In response, the AfriSki staff came to their aid, providing shelter and warm meals at no cost while waiting for the weather to improve.https://twitter.com/MDNnewss/status/1837371943055441942?s=19
“We’ve booked the taxi passengers into our backpackers’ accommodation at no cost and provided warm meals while we wait for the snow to subside,” said Schoeman during an exclusive interview with Briefly News. His team acted quickly to ensure the safety and comfort of those affected by the harsh weather conditions.
Despite the scenic beauty of the snow-covered landscape, the weather conditions have severely impacted tourism and travel in the region. The continuous snowfall throughout the night has led to the closure of the main gate of the resort, with only tractors being used to move around the premises. Guests scheduled to check out have been unable to leave, and new arrivals have been advised to postpone their travel plans due to the hazardous conditions.
The South African Weather Service has issued warnings of more inclement weather throughout the weekend, urging people to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. The warning comes as the snowstorm continues to disrupt daily life, transforming parts of South Africa and Lesotho into an unusual winter scene for springtime.
Adding to the challenges posed by the snowfall, Eskom, South Africa’s national power utility, has cautioned residents about potential power outages. The inclement weather has put a strain on the power grid, affecting repair times. Eskom’s statement on the matter has drawn criticism from the public, with some accusing the utility of using the weather as an excuse for more load-shedding.
While the heavy snowfall has brought joy to some, with social media filled with awe-struck reactions to the transformed landscape, it has also caused significant disruptions. In the Eastern Cape, photos of snow-covered areas have gone viral, with people describing the views as “absolutely beautiful.”
As South Africa and Lesotho navigate this unexpected weather event, the focus remains on safety and managing the challenges posed by the snowfall. The rescue of the taxi passengers by the AfriSki staff serves as a reminder of the community spirit and quick thinking that can make a difference during such extraordinary circumstances.
With the snow continuing to fall, it remains to be seen how long the winter wonderland will last and what further impacts it will have on the region. For now, those affected are advised to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.