Winter Wonderland: South Africa And Lesotho Blanketed In Snow

Holifil
  • Heavy snowfall continues to transform parts of South Africa and Lesotho into a stunning winter landscape.
  • AfriSki Mountain Resort in Lesotho has been hit with 20-30cm of snow since last night, with some areas knee-deep in the white stuff.
  • A stranded taxi carrying 15 passengers near the resort was rescued by AfriSki staff, who provided shelter and warm meals free of charge.
  • Gerrie Schoeman, AfriSki's general manager, described the snowy scenery as a breathtaking fairytale scene.

Well, folks, it’s official: South Africa and Lesotho have been magically transformed into a winter wonderland, even though it’s still technically spring. Large swathes of the region are currently blanketed in snow, leaving locals and visitors alike in awe. It’s a rare sight that’s drawing both admiration and concern, as the weather continues to bring challenges.

Snow blanketed Dannhauser in Northern KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, 21 September 2024. Image: Byron Pillay. Source: Original

The South African Weather Service is keeping a close eye on things and has issued a warning about more rough weather expected over the weekend. They’re advising everyone to stay off the roads if possible, as conditions are expected to worsen. If you were planning a road trip, it might be time to rethink your plans.

Rescue Mission: 15 Stranded Passengers Saved by AfriSki Staff

In a heartwarming story out of Lesotho, AfriSki Mountain Resort staff sprang into action when they heard about a taxi carrying 15 passengers stranded near the resort. These brave folks didn’t hesitate to step in and offer help, ensuring the stranded passengers were brought to safety.

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  • "We’ve booked the taxi passengers into our backpackers’ lodge at no cost and provided warm meals while we wait for the snow to settle," Gerrie Schoeman, AfriSki’s general manager, told Briefly News during an exclusive interview. It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of community and kindness in tough times.

    Guests Snowbound at AfriSki Mountain Resort

    Now, here’s the thing: while the snowfall might look picturesque, it’s also creating some logistical headaches for those already at AfriSki Mountain Resort—or trying to get there. Schoeman told Briefly News that the snowfall has been relentless, falling throughout the night and continuing into the day.

    He went on to estimate that Lesotho, home to the only ski resort in Southern Africa, received between 20 and 30 centimeters of snow. "In some areas, we’re knee-deep in snow," he said. "Guests who were supposed to check out today can’t leave, and we’ve advised those who were planning to check in today not to attempt the journey in these dangerous conditions."

    "We’ve closed the main gate and are now relying on tractors to move around the resort. It’s like stepping into a fairytale, but it’s also a reminder of how powerful nature can be," Schoeman added.

    Power Woes: Eskom Warns of Potential Outages

    As if the snow wasn’t enough, Eskom has jumped into the mix, warning citizens about possible power outages due to the inclement weather. The power utility issued a statement explaining that repair times could be delayed because of the harsh conditions.

    This announcement hasn’t sat well with many South Africans, who have taken to social media to express their frustration. Some see it as yet another excuse for load shedding, as reported by Briefly News. But let’s hope the power grid holds up, so everyone can stay warm and safe during this icy spell.

    15 Taxi Passengers Rescued by Ski Resort Staff as Snow Blankets South
    15 Taxi Passengers Rescued by Ski Resort Staff as Snow Blankets South
    Images: Snow blankets South Africa and Lesotho interiors
    Images: Snow blankets South Africa and Lesotho interiors
    Rare Snow Storm Blankets South Africa (PHOTOS) | IBTimes
    Rare Snow Storm Blankets South Africa (PHOTOS) | IBTimes

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