GAMTOOS VALLEY – After months of rebuilding following the devastating May floods, the Gamtoos Ferry Hotel is preparing to reopen its doors, with the official opening set for 1 October.

Hotel prepares to reopen

Co-owner Annette Herselman said the reopening is an emotional moment for her and her husband, Roy, who have spent the past few months repairing and rebuilding the property after extensive flood damage.

“It is a wonderful feeling, and also quite emotional,” said Annette.

“When we first went back after the flood and saw the damage, it was difficult to know where to start. There was mud and water damage everywhere and so much had been destroyed.”

Annette said seeing the hotel coming alive again made the hard work worthwhile.

“I think both Roy and I are just very happy to see the Ferry coming alive again,” said Annette.

Extensive damage caused by floods

She said the hotel was severely affected when floodwaters swept through the property in May, damaging everything in the lower areas, including the restaurant and bar, kitchen areas, shop, offices, electrical systems, refrigeration, furniture and built-in cupboards.

Annette said the extent of the damage made the recovery process challenging.

“It wasn’t just one section of the hotel that was damaged. The water went through virtually everything,” said Annette.

“Once floodwater and mud get into electrical equipment, fridges, freezers, kitchen equipment, cupboards, furniture and fittings, a lot of it simply cannot be saved.”

Rebuilding brings improvements

Annette said the rebuilding process involved extensive building, electrical and plumbing work, as well as plastering, painting, carpentry, refrigeration and cleaning, alongside repairs and replacements to kitchen equipment, furniture, fittings and IT systems.

She said she and Roy decided not to undertake temporary repairs simply to reopen as quickly as possible, but instead to rebuild properly.

The couple have also used the opportunity to make changes and improvements while retaining the character of the hotel.

“We don’t want it to become a modern building that could be anywhere. It must still feel like the Gamtoos Ferry Hotel,” said Annette.

While important facilities will be operational for the reopening and events, she said some work will continue afterwards.

Annette said the important thing was that the sections opened to the public must be ready and work properly.

Events to mark reopening

The reopening will be marked by the Gam1000 fishing competition from 2 to 4 October, followed by Dairy Fest on 10 and 11 October.

Annette said the two events were fitting choices to mark the hotel’s return.

“The Gam1000 is about the Gamtoos River, fishing and the people who have been coming here for years,” said Annette.

“Meanwhile, Dairy Fest represents the farming community and especially the dairy industry, which is such an important part of this area.”

Annette said the Gam1000 is an angling competition based around the Gamtoos River and the Ferry Hotel, while Dairy Fest celebrates the dairy industry and includes live entertainment, food, stalls, local businesses, agricultural exhibits and activities for children.

Both events are expected to bring visitors back to the hotel and provide an opportunity for the community to reconnect with the venue.

Community support welcomed

Annette said the hotel had received significant support from the local community during its recovery.

“One of the things that really stood out for us after the flood was how many people contacted us, offered help or simply wanted to know how we were coping,” said Annette.

“Our staff have also been through this with us. The flood didn’t only affect Roy and me. It affected the people who work here and their families as well.”

Annette said local contractors, suppliers, friends, customers and community members had helped in different ways.

“I think the biggest thing I would like to say is thank you. We are very grateful for that support,” said Annette.

“I am also very proud of what our staff and everybody involved has managed to achieve in such a short time.”

Although the flood caused extensive damage, Annette said she and Roy never seriously considered not reopening.

“There were definitely days when I looked at everything and thought, ‘Where are we going to start?’ But the question was really how we were going to do it and how long it would take, rather than whether we were going to do it,” said Annette.

Looking ahead, she said she was most looking forward to seeing people return to the hotel.

“I want to walk through the restaurant and see tables full again. I want to see people sitting outside looking over the river, children running around, fishermen coming and going, weddings taking place and families coming for Sunday lunch,” said Annette.

“Those ordinary things are what we have missed.”

As previously reported, Annette and Roy took ownership of the hotel in April 2023 and had expanded the property before the flood.

Annette said the flood had set them back but had not changed their plans for the hotel.

“The flood has set us back, but it has not changed what we want to achieve here,” said Annette.

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