KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is reeling from the aftermath of severe thunderstorms that have caused extensive destruction across the province. The storms, which struck at level 8 intensity, have claimed the lives of at least 11 people, including a young boy who tragically died after being struck by lightning. The storm, which started over the weekend, has left a trail of devastation, from damaged infrastructure to widespread power outages, with both rural and urban areas affected.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) confirmed that a six-year-old boy, Banele Mpungose, was killed in a lightning strike on Sunday. The incident occurred in KwaMpofu, near Eshowe, under the uMlalazi Municipality. According to uMlalazi Municipality spokesperson Nonhlanhla Jele, Banele was inside a rondavel with 12 family members, gathered to mourn the passing of a senior relative, when the house was struck by lightning. The lightning ignited the structure, causing it to collapse. A torn roof pole piece from the house impaled Banele, inflicting a fatal head injury. Despite efforts to rush him to the hospital, Banele succumbed to his injuries.
The tragedy does not end there, as two more individuals, Lwandle Pasi (22) from Darnal in KwaDukuza and Siyabonga Mavundla from Ohwebede in Mandeni, also lost their lives during the severe weather. Both drowned in separate incidents on January 3, highlighting the widespread dangers posed by the storms.
Cogta MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and confirmed that disaster management teams were swiftly deployed to assist the affected households. These teams have been working to provide immediate relief, including the distribution of food parcels, blankets, and emergency supplies to those in need.
In addition to the loss of life, the storms have caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. At least 370 houses have been completely destroyed, with 933 households affected across the province. Municipal roads, bridges, schools, and water infrastructure have borne the brunt of the storm’s force. The cost of the damage has been estimated at R411 million, with significant disruptions to local economies and communities.
Power outages have compounded the situation, with large parts of the province experiencing extended blackouts. Municipalities such as Cato Ridge, eMpangeni, uLundi, Msunduzi, Nquthu, Vryheid, Wartburg, Stanger, Hluhluwe, and Nkandla have all been affected. Eskom teams are working tirelessly to restore power in these areas, but the scale of the damage to the power infrastructure has delayed recovery efforts.
MEC Buthelezi praised the swift response from social partners, government agencies, and relevant departments in managing the crisis. He also took the opportunity to visit Ward 15 of the Nongoma Local Municipality, where he provided immediate relief to the family of Umtwana wakwaFihlinqindi kaTselendoda kaDinuzulu. The family’s home had been severely damaged by a structural fire caused by the storms. Buthelezi delivered emergency supplies, including blankets, food parcels, plastic sheeting, and more, to aid the family in their recovery.
As the storm’s aftermath continues to be felt, residents of KwaZulu-Natal are urged to remain vigilant. The inclement weather is expected to persist, and authorities are advising motorists to exercise extreme caution due to slippery road conditions. Despite the devastating toll, local communities are showing resilience, and efforts to rebuild the province are already underway.
