Joburg hiker rescued after surviving freezing night in the Drakensberg
Hussain Kotwal, an auditor from Auckland Park, had checked into Lake Naverone for a five‑night stay.
On 30 July, 24-year-old Johannesburg man Hussain Kotwal embarked on a solo hiking trip in the southern Drakensberg, checking into Lake Naverone for a five-night stay. On his descent from Rhino Peak, Kotwal became disoriented by multiple exit paths and got lost in the freezing snow, leading him to realize his grave situation at around 14:30.
With his phone battery depleted, he braced for an overnight survival in sub-zero temperatures. Despite his body and legs being warm, his feet were extremely cold, which he managed to warm by removing his socks and placing them inside his jacket and feet inside his bag. Kotwal credited his faith for helping him through the night.
At 03:30, he spotted rescuers' torches and was rescued by 09:30 the next morning. Kotwal suffered from frostbite and hypothermia but is recovering. Berg Protection Services, the Mountain Rescue Club, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and Underberg EMS worked throughout the night to reach him. Kotwal, now aware of the dangers of hiking alone, advises others to do the same.
The incident occurred as cold and windy conditions continue to impact Gauteng and other regions of the country, with rain forecast for the Eastern Cape after heavy snowfall. The South African Weather Service has issued warnings regarding damaging winds, potential infrastructure damage, crosswinds, and dust storm risks.
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