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OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Gamkaskloof, better known as Die Hel, remains dangerously inaccessible after last week's devastating storms inflicted severe damage on the valley's only access road, stranding residents and visitors.

Floodwaters washed away several river crossings, destroyed sections of the roadway, and left large boulders, fallen trees, and debris scattered along the route.

Following calmer weather conditions, damage assessments were conducted, and repair work has already begun. Residents are undertaking the recovery largely by hand due to the absence of heavy machinery inside the valley.

While public attention has focused on the closure of major routes such as Meiringspoort and the Swartberg Pass, concern also mounted for residents and visitors stranded deep within Gamkaskloof during the heavy rainfall.

According to Kevin van Blerk, a family friend of residents Pieter and Marinette Joubert, the couple, together with their staff and 11 guests at Fontein Guest Farm, became isolated after days of relentless rain and widespread flooding.

Several guests attempted to leave the valley on 7 May but were forced to turn back after encountering flooded rivers. While returning to the guest farm, the group became trapped again when another swollen river blocked their route.

Massive damage was done to roads. Photo supplied

Pieter Joubert later established communication with them by rigging a rope across the flooded river. One vehicle remains stranded at a river crossing and still needs to be recovered. "All guests were safe, sheltered from the rain and in good health," Van Blerk confirmed.

A helicopter rescue operation successfully evacuated the visitors on 9 May once conditions allowed for safe flying. After the storm subsided, the full extent of the road damage became clear, and restoration efforts commenced immediately.

With no heavy equipment available inside the valley, Joubert and his team have begun the slow and physically demanding task of restoring access themselves. Fallen trees must be cut away manually, damaged road sections rebuilt by hand and crossings repaired stone by stone and wheelbarrow by wheelbarrow. Progress continues, but the work remains slow and exhausting.

Fundraising campaign launched

Following the severe flood damage and isolation of the valley, a BackaBuddy fundraising campaign, Help Rebuild the Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) Road, has officially been launched to assist with emergency road repairs, recovery operations and access to the heavy machinery urgently needed to keep Gamkaskloof accessible.

The campaign aims to support Pieter Joubert and Fontein Guest Farm, the only remaining born resident property owners maintaining access to the historic valley, in obtaining the equipment and resources required for long-term road restoration and maintenance.

Organisers say the recent floods highlighted that repairing and maintaining the road by hand alone is no longer sustainable.

The BackaBuddy account belongs to Fontein Guest Farm (Pieter Joubert), and all verification, supporting documentation and auditing information relating to the fundraiser are available to anyone seeking confirmation of its validity or transparency.

Community support has already begun flowing in from across South Africa, offering encouragement and financial assistance as recovery efforts continue.

Until additional resources become available, restoration of the historic Gamkaskloof access road continues through determination, manual labour and the collective support of the wider community.

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