The Mlambo family mourns their cattle, symbolising both wealth and tradition in their community.
Image: Facebook / uMkhanyakude District Municipality
A northern KwaZulu-Natal man was left speechless and heartbroken after six lobola cattle were struck by lightning during a storm that swept through the uMkhanyakude District Municipality on Sunday.
The South African Weather Service had issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, expected to affect most parts of KZN. Severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail, resulting in localised flooding and damage to infrastructure and settlements, were expected.
On Monday, uMkhanyakude District Municipality Mayor Siphile Mdaka assessed the damage and coordinated response efforts following the storm.
The storm left Mkhuze town without electricity, impacting businesses, B&Bs, workshops, and offices.
Nkosinathi Mlambo of Mangqwashu in Ward 10, Bhambanana, shed tears as he explained his misfortune after six cattle meant for his daughter’s lobola were struck by lightning.
Mlambo, who struggled to speak, said he was hurt.
“These are cattle from the in-laws,” Mlambo said.
He thanked God that the cattle were not home, otherwise the family could have been injured.
He pleaded for assistance if there was a way to help him.
“I’m at a loss for words. I’m losing strength,” Mlambo added.
Mayor Siphile Mdaka comforts a devastated Nkosinathi Mlambo after the loss of six lobola cattle struck by lightning during a severe storm in uMkhanyakude.
Image: Facebook / uMkhanyakude District Municipality
The cattle were for Nozipho, Mlambo’s daughter. The family received five cattle for lobola two years ago, and the sixth was born at the Mlambo homestead.
Nozipho said her dad is struggling to speak about it, but she and the family have to accept what happened.
“We have to accept that you cannot change what happened. God will see,” Nozipho said.
She said the municipality will help bury the cattle.
Mayor Mdaka emphasised that cattle represent wealth and the economy for the black community, particularly in rural areas, viewing them as “the bank of black people”.
He said the area is prone to lightning disasters, but fortunately, no one has died; however, there are homesteads that complain that lightning is prevalent in this area.
Mdaka noted that while the area frequently experiences lightning disasters, no fatalities have occurred. However, numerous residents have reported that lightning is a persistent issue in the locality.
Damaged infrastructure in uMkhanyakude following a severe thunderstorm on Sunday.
Image: Facebook / uMkhanyakude District Municipality
Mdaka explained that they discussed with the induna the need for an imbizo, inviting the inkosi, councillors, and affected parties, to address the issue of the area being a ‘shozi’ (frequented by lightning).
He noted that traditionally, building or certain activities were forbidden in such areas to avoid attracting lightning. With lightning striking the area over six times in the last two years, Mdaka stressed the increasing danger. He confirmed the agreement with the community to call the imbizo, discuss the issue, and involve government departments.
He further explained that if they agree to relocate residents, they should do that. If they have to install poles to avert lightning, they will do that too, to keep people in the land of their forefathers.
“But most importantly, we cry for Mr Mlambo, the whole Mlambo family. Mr Mlambo is still traumatised even now by the situation that has occurred,” Mdaka said, adding that the cattle were cared for.
He said that upon the government’s arrival, discussions must be held. They will involve agriculture and the public to ensure Mr. Mlambo can continue to grow his family and economy as planned.
Mdaka confirmed widespread power outages from Mtubatuba to uMhlabuyalingana, with Hluhluwe most affected due to snapped power lines. Hlabisa and Mpembeni also lack electricity, but Eskom is addressing the issue. Mkhuze’s central business sector has significant damage to structures and fallen trees, disrupting local businesses.
Fortunately, he said, no serious injuries or deaths occurred, though lightning struck a home in rural Jozini, causing a fire and nearly injuring a family.