A day of celebration turned into a scene of tragedy and shock in the North West province on Saturday when a devastating lightning strike hit a crowded community festival, claiming two lives and injuring more than 150 people.
The bolt struck the Mphebatho Troop Festival (Dituropa) at the Dertig Sports Ground, an annual event that draws thousands to celebrate culture, music, and unity. In a terrifying split-second, the joyous gathering was thrown into chaos.
Mourning Two Young Lives Lost
The victims have been identified as two young women from the community. Kenoshi Mashishi (35), a teacher at Tlhaloganyo Primary School and a mother to a 10-year-old son, and Koketso Shekwambane (28). Their families, living in the Lefatlheng and Itsoseng sections of Ward 18, are now grappling with an unimaginable loss.
Moretele Local Municipality Mayor, Councillor Masango George Manyike, convened a special meeting on Sunday and personally visited the bereaved families to offer condolences. “He also committed to engage the Provincial department of Health to request more ambulances to ensure speedy availability in cases of emergencies,” said municipal spokesperson Mothupi Malebye. North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi is expected to visit the families on Monday.
A Stark Reminder of a Deadly Climate
The incident is a horrific reminder of South Africa’s vulnerability to lightning. The country has one of the highest rates of lightning-related injuries and deaths in the world, with the South African Weather Service estimating approximately 260 fatalities annually. The tragedy underscores the extreme danger of large outdoor gatherings during the volatile summer thunderstorm season.
For the tight-knit community of Dertig and surrounding areas, the festival that was meant to bind them together has now left a permanent scar. As emergency services treated the injured and leaders offered support, the overriding feeling was one of collective grief and disbeliefa reminder of how quickly nature’s fury can shatter the rhythms of community life. The sports ground is now empty, but the pain of the strike will resonate for a long time to come.
