Flash flooding hits Badplaas resort, several leisure facilities closed

Early morning flash flooding hit Badplaas, A Forever Resort, yesterday, forcing the temporary closure of several leisure facilities.

Facilities affected

The Hydro complex — including indoor pools, spa, curio shop, and outdoor warm pool — as well as the cold pool, slides, and river ride were damaged.

Resort management confirmed to Highvelder that no injuries were reported and all guests and staff are safe.

Resort remains operational

Accommodation and essential services were unaffected, and the resort remains fully operational. Guests continue to enjoy their stays, with clean-up and restoration work actively underway.

ALSO READ: VIDEO – Badplaas resort hit by severe flash flooding, facilities closed

Cause of flooding

Forever Resorts indicated the flash flood was caused by a farm’s dam wall collapse approximately 13 km upstream, confirmed in consultation with the Chief Albert Luthuli District Municipality Disaster Management.

“Our team responded immediately and is actively managing the clean-up and recovery process,” the resort said.

“It is also worth noting that recent structural improvements to the resort’s water flow systems helped mitigate the impact of the surge.”

Assessments are ongoing, with confirmed timelines for reopening the affected leisure facilities to be communicated as soon as possible.

The resort is in direct contact with all current and upcoming guests to provide updates.

Thapelo Phetla, spokesperson for the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality, stated that their team is still busy with their own investigation, but confirmed that the dam wall that collapsed was that of a farm in the vicinity.

Contact information for guests

Guests can contact the resort directly at 017 844 8000 or badplaas@foreversa.co.za for bookings or inquiries.

Read more about visitor reactions and full resort updates in the Highvelder’s printed edition.