Debengeni Waterfall, known for its amazing atmosphere and a place for leisure, has over the years seen many lives lost within the vicinity.
In 2015, Letaba Herald wrote a history piece on Debengeni stating that it was named by the Pedi Tribe and that it directly translates into ‘Place of the Big Pot’ as it bears reference to the big pool of water at the base of the waterfall.
Nestled in the Magoebaskloof mountains, Debengeni’s plunge basin of the waterfall has been a popular swimming area for locals and visitors alike.
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The location of the vicinity has made it a tourist attraction for many who love the great outdoors, hiking, sightseeing adventure and those who are looking to enjoy family time in the area.
Although many go there for the cool and refreshing water from December to March, Debengeni Waterfall is said to also have an expansive range of bird life.
Another one of nature’s attractions within the vicinity as reported by Herald in 2015 has been the Woodbush Forest.
Safety tips when visiting the waterfalls:
Herald asked Dave Protter from Crisis Centre in Tzaneen for safety tips after a drowning incident that took place on Thursday, 2 January.
A young man (22) lost his life while trying to save his niece who got into trouble whilst swimming in one of the potholes.
Protter gave the following advice when visiting Debengeni:
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“Obey all the signs, they have clear restrictions of what can and cannot be done on the premises,” he said.
“Also, don’t wander off into the bushes. You can get lost and there are dangerous animals to account with.”
He warned visitors not to try to climb up or down rocks as they are very slippery. He also said cellphones don’t always work in the area, so network coverage isn’t always good when an emergency occurs.
Statistics:
According to Tzaneen SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Maurice Nkhwashu, there were 13 recovered inquest dockets from the year 2015 to date.
“When an incident such as drowning happens, the police are required to open an inquest docket into the matter. Although there is record of thirteen cases, they don’t all state the location where the incident took place. Therefore we cannot rule out a specific number of drowning cases that have happened there.”
Several attempts were made to contact Debengeni’s management to no avail.
