The Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) has confirmed that a notice circulating about Die Herberg Hotel is genuine but invalid, following the fire that led to the Krugersdorp CBD landmark’s closure.

Notice confirmed but not finalised

MCLM communications officer Adrian Amod said the document in question is indeed the statutory notice served by the municipality but remains unsigned, meaning it was never finalised.

“Since the notice is written in a legal format with instructions that guide the owner on critical areas of compliance, our Building Development Management (BDM) division does not have any further comments,” Amod explained. “BDM and our Public Safety divisions met with the owners and partners to explain the notice and the implications of non-compliance.

• Also read: Die Herberg Hotel: A legacy that died in flames?

“Furthermore, no individuals except construction workers are allowed to attend to the securing of the building and to ‘make good’ in order to safeguard the structure from any consequential damages and to protect life and property. Accordingly, no occupation or usage of any part is permitted until compliance with the notice has been achieved. In addition, the building plans and full approval process must be followed before any restoration or construction work can begin.”

Assessment and repairs under way

Meanwhile, Die Herberg Hotel associate business partner Victor Siwela said the municipality has allowed time for the owners to bring in a structural engineer to assess the building and determine the extent of the damage.

• Also read: Fire-ravaged Die Herberg Hotel declared unsafe for use

“All our bar areas were not affected by the fire – they are still fully functional. The damaged section is the one that will be rebuilt as soon as possible,” Siwela said.

Plans to rebuild and reopen

He added that while the closure decision came swiftly, the team is already working on plans to rebuild.

• Also read: Fire ravages Die Herberg Hotel in CBD – no casualties

“The decision to close was taken quickly without considering other alternatives, but everything will be fine. It was just a temporary outcome. We have many staff members who depend on this business to support their families,” he said.

Siwela confirmed that discussions are under way with a structural designer to draw up plans for a new section of the building.

• Read the initial article here: Well-known hotel in Krugersdorp CBD ablaze

“It’s devastating to see your building damaged by fire, especially when so many people depend on it for their livelihoods. We want to apologise to our business neighbours, everyone affected by the incident, and our loyal customers. Their favourite place will reopen very soon,” he concluded.