It’s true, folks – around 11pm on September 20^th the Tankwa Padstal, loved by so many AfrikaBurners, travellers and locals in the Tankwa Karoo, was burnt to the ground in an alleged arson attack. The wonderfully quirky watering hole on the R355 that has become such a popular stopoff for participants over the past 3 years sustained massive damage, and the police have arrested the suspect.

(photo: Walter Lange)

The owners Wally, Hein, Suzaan and Henrietta are understandably traumatised by the loss of the many elements of their business that they’ve built up over the last few years, but, in a great show of support and condolencesm, we’re happy to report that many efforts are underway to assist them with materials and donations.

Our Outreach team are headed to the Tankwa to meet with the Padstal crew and get a sense of their needs and an idea of ways in which our community can come to their aid.

For the time being, and until we have more information, there are a few options available to those wishing to show their support by making a donation. Among these are a direct donation to the account of the law firm of Duvenage & De Villiers, with these details:

Duvenage en De Villiers
Bank: ABSA
Cheque account
Acc #: 4055516195
Branch code: 630245
Reference: Tankwa Padstal
And for those who don’t like making deposits via bank accounts – or are overseas and aren’t able to make a deposit, a donation facility has been gifted by our ticket agent, Quicket, on this link:
www.quicket.co.za/events/6684-tankwa-padstal-the-official-afrikaburn-collection-pot/

In terms of building materials and any antiques or old farm equipment that would assist in restoring the structure and character of the Padstal, a pledge thread has been set up on the Wild Dog Adventure Riding forum:
www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=159934.0
Assistance in terms of transporting materials from Paarl has been kindly offered by a transportation firm (with details of this on the Wild Dog forum)

If you’d like to voice your support for the Padstal and get the latest news on their progress (and see photos of the damage), head over to their Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/groups/231137576919032/

Rest assured the biggest little Padstal in the Tankwa will rise again, with the assistance of its many friends across South Africa and beyond.

To all who’ve stepped up and offered materials, funds and skills, THANK YOU!