Devastated Park Rynie storm-damaged business owners need help to rebuild
Everything was damaged, including gym equipment, my laptop, printer, and files. We spent a lot on this gym, and as membership grew, we purchased more equipment.
Two business owners in Park Rynie have lost their livelihood after their workspace suffered damage during an electrical storm on Monday, January 30.
Ryan-Marco Herholdt has dedicated his life to shaping surfboards, bringing joy to countless surfers, and connecting people to the ocean through his craft.
However, this lifelong passion was shattered when his shop was destroyed by the electric storm.
Ryan is a renowned surfboard shaper who lives and breathes his craft, which he has been doing for the past 25 years.
When Ryan moved to the South Coast in 2015, he opened up his own shop in Park Rynie.
Everything inside his shop was destroyed, including his chemicals, tools, and surfboards.
Despite the setback, he remains resilient and determined to rebuild his factory and continue shaping surfboards, driven by his love for the sport and commitment to creating the perfect ride for surfers.
To realise his dream again, Ryan has started a fundraising initiative seeking sponsors.
Also affected by the storm was Zanele Zuma, who operated a gym, Zakhanya Fitness, next to the surf shop, a family business she ran with her husband.
Zanele said they are devastated by the loss, as the business was not insured.
She estimated the damage to be close to R950. 000.
“The gym was my family’s bread and butter, as it was my main source of income.
Everything was damaged, including gym equipment, my laptop, printer, and files. We spent a lot on this gym, and as membership grew, we purchased more equipment.
It was something my husband and I were really proud of, and the Park Rynie community was proud to have. We opened everyday and catered to about 130 members and the community of Park Rynie and surrounding areas.
When I saw the damage, I was devastated, but was thankful that nobody was hurt.
I don’t have insurance as it was a relatively new business – we planned on insuring it, but we hadn’t done so.
I won’t give up. I will open a gym in Park Rynie again,” said Zanele.
Ryan and Zanele are trying to stay positive and have begun to salvage what they can to rebuild so they can open for business again.
She said she approached the Umdoni Municipality for assistance but was told they could not assist as the incident was not declared a national disaster by the president.
Those wanting to help the two victims rebuild can contact Ryan at 083 241 0825 and Zanele at 078 514 6079.
