By Lerato Mpembe
Moretele, South Africa –
What started as a joyful gathering to celebrate cultural traditions turned into a nightmare for families and friends at the annual Mphebatho Troop Festival on January 3, 2026.
A sudden lightning strike hit more than 10 people during bad weather at Dertig Sports Ground next to Mphebatho Library, leaving two dead and several injured.
For the loved ones now facing empty seats at family tables, this loss feels like a cruel twist in a day meant for fun and unity.
The victims, part of a crowd enjoying music, dance, and community spirit, were caught off guard by the storm’s fury, a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power in South Africa’s summer months.
As emergency teams rushed to help and the festival came to a sudden halt, the Moretele Local Municipality stepped in to support those affected.
Mayor Clr Masango George shared an official statement expressing deep sorrow and committing to updates on the injured.
This tragedy, happening in a close-knit rural area, has left residents in shock, with calls for better safety at outdoor events.
In a country where lightning claims over 200 lives yearly, often in open fields during gatherings, this incident pushes for more awareness and preparations to protect people from such sudden dangers.
As 2026 begins, the hope is for healing and lessons that save lives in future festivals, turning grief into action for safer celebrations.
The lightning bolt struck during the event’s peak, scattering crowds and prompting a quick response from authorities.
As investigations into weather warnings continue, the community rallies to support the bereaved and injured, showing the strong bonds that help in tough times.
The Festival Turned Tragic: What Happened at Dertig Sports Ground
The Mphebatho Troop Festival is an annual highlight in Moretele Local Municipality, drawing crowds for cultural performances, music, and dance that celebrate local heritage.
On January 3, 2026, hundreds gathered at Dertig Sports Ground, a open venue next to Mphebatho Library, to enjoy the day’s events. But bad weather rolled in fast, with dark clouds and thunder signalling trouble.
Around midday, a powerful lightning bolt struck the ground, hitting more than 10 people in the crowd. Witnesses described a loud crack and flash, followed by screams as victims collapsed.
Two were declared dead on the scene – a man in his 40s and a woman in her 30s, both local residents enjoying the festival with family.
The injured, including children and elders, suffered burns, shock, and other effects from the strike, with some rushed to nearby hospitals in critical condition.
Lightning strikes like this are sudden and deadly, often hitting tall objects or open areas where people gather. In rural spots like Dertig, with few shelters, risks rise during storms.
This event echoes a 2024 incident at a Limpopo cultural festival where three died from lightning, showing how common but preventable these tragedies can be with better planning.
Emergency Response: Quick Action Amid Chaos
Emergency services arrived fast, with paramedics from local teams like Netcare and provincial ambulances treating victims on site.
Moretele’s disaster management coordinated the effort, ensuring the injured – over eight with serious burns – got to hospitals like Jubilee in Hammanskraal or George Mukhari in Ga-Rankuwa.
The festival was put on hold right away for safety, a decision that likely saved more lives as rain followed.
Mayor Clr Masango George praised the quick response in his statement, noting how it protected the crowd, performers, and officials.
The municipality is working with services to monitor the injured and provide support, including counselling for witnesses traumatised by the scene.
In South Africa, where summer storms bring over 10 million lightning strikes yearly, emergency teams train for such events.
In 2025, Gauteng saw 50 lightning injuries, with fast responses saving 80 percent. This quick work in Dertig shows preparation pays off, but also highlights needs for on-site medics at big events.
Community Grief: Shock and Support in Moretele
Moretele residents are in mourning, with the close-knit community feeling the loss deeply. The dead were well-known – the man a local farmer supporting his family, the woman a mother active in church groups.
Their passing leaves gaps in homes and hearts, with funerals planned amid tears.
Support pours in – neighbours cook meals, churches hold prayers, and funds help with costs. One resident said: “We came for joy, but now we’re in sorrow – but we’ll stand together.”
This unity reflects rural SA’s strength, where people rally in crises.
Broader fears tie to weather – with climate change bringing stronger storms, calls grow for indoor venues or storm plans at festivals.
In 2025, over 200 lightning deaths nationwide sparked awareness drives, teaching “when thunder roars, go indoors.”
Broader Context: Lightning Dangers in South Africa
South Africa ranks high globally for lightning risks, with over 200 deaths and 500 injuries yearly. Rural areas like Moretele suffer most, where open fields and metal roofs attract strikes.
In 2025, Limpopo and North West saw 100 incidents, often at outdoor events or farms.
Causes include being outdoors during storms – herding cattle or attending gatherings. Kids face high risks, with 30 percent of victims under 18. Climate change worsens it, with more intense thunderstorms predicted for 2026.
Past tragedies like a 2023 strike killing five at a KZN soccer match led to safety guidelines for events. Yet, enforcement lags in rural spots, leaving gaps.
Prevention and Safety: Steps to Avoid Lightning Tragedies
Experts share simple tips to stay safe. During thunder, seek sturdy buildings or cars – avoid trees, water, or open fields. For events, have storm plans with shelters and evacuation drills.
Install lightning rods on homes, especially in high-risk areas.
Apps like WeatherSA alert for storms, giving time to prepare. In schools, teach kids the “30/30 rule” – if thunder follows flash in 30 seconds, seek cover; wait 30 minutes after last thunder.
For 2026, government plans more awareness in rural areas, with free rod installations for poor homes. This could cut deaths by 20 percent, saving lives like those lost at Dertig.
Looking Ahead: Healing and Change in Moretele
As the injured recover, Moretele focuses on support. The mayor promises updates and help for families. This tragedy could lead to safer festivals, like weather apps or indoor backups.
In 2026, let it spark action – better warnings and plans to protect communities from storms.
For the bereaved, nothing eases the pain, but unity brings comfort. Stay safe in bad weather – it could save a life.
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