A raging fire tore through Kijabe Lodge last Friday morning, leaving owners John and Jacqui Wilkes without a source of income.

The guest lodge is located on Addington Farm between Tinley Manor and Blythedale.

At around 8.30am, John was alerted by staff that smoke was coming from one of the guest bedrooms. Within minutes, flames engulfed the lodge, which is connected by a passageway to the historic farmhouse built during the Great War.

“The fire took about 45 minutes to gut the lodge,” said John, who was born on the neighbouring farm. “It’s tough to lose your income at the age of 71.”

The couple, who have lived in the adjoining farmhouse for 19 years, were expecting new tenants soon. Instead, they now face the daunting task of rebuilding from scratch. The property was not insured.

“We never imagined we’d be starting from zero at this age,” said John

“We’re grateful for any help to rebuild what we lost. But at least nobody got hurt.”

As the fire spread, members of the community rushed to the scene, helping the family salvage as many possessions and pieces of furniture as possible before the flames consumed the building.

“So many people came to help, I want to thank them all,” said an emotional John.

The cause of the fire is yet undetermined, but it is believed to have been started by an electrical fault.

In response, family friend Douglas Bothma and John’s daughter-in-law, Steph Wilkes, launched a BackaBuddy campaign to support the couple through the initial aftermath.

“It’s times like these when you need community. The family has suffered an unimaginable tragedy and they need help,” said Bothma.

“Every contribution will go directly toward rebuilding their home, replacing essentials and helping them recover some stability after this devastating loss.”

Since Saturday, the campaign has raised R134,553. To donate, visit BackaBuddy.com under ‘A Lifetime of Memories Lost in Minutes’.

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