Residents of Pienaar and surrounding areas are picking up the pieces after a devastating storm on January 2 that left a trail of destruction, displacing families and severely damaging local infrastructure.

The local education sector bore the brunt of the storm’s fury, with preliminary reports indicating that at least two prominent schools in the area sustained extensive structural damage.

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At Sicelosetfu Secondary School, sections of the roof were torn away, leaving classrooms and teaching materials exposed to the elements.

Heavy winds

The storm caused similar damage at Mbongeni Primary School, where heavy winds lifted corrugated iron sheets and damaged the school’s interior.

This destruction comes at a critical time, as the Department of Education prepares for the start of the 2026 academic year. Concerns have been raised about whether these facilities will be safe and ready for learners later this month.

Beyond the schools, many households in Pienaar township were left vulnerable, leaving families watching in horror as the wind lifted their roofs, forcing them to seek refuge with neighbours or in local community halls.

In addition to the structural damage, the storm caused widespread power outages after falling trees and flying debris struck electrical transformers and power lines.

Teams deployed

The Ehlanzeni District Municipality and disaster management teams have been deployed to the area to:

1. Conduct Assessments: Establish the full extent of the damage to both private and public property.

2. Provide Relief: Provide families with plastic sheeting and essential emergency supplies to support those whose homes have become uninhabitable.

3. Restore Services: Technicians are currently working to repair damaged lines and restore electricity to the affected wards.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 4 warning for the Lowveld and escarpment areas, citing the risk of damaging winds and excessive lightning.

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Forecast for today & tomorrow: 03 & 04 Jan 2026
Partly cloudy conditions are expected over the central & eastern parts of the country, with isolated to scattered showers & thundershowers anticipated from the afternoon, otherwise fine and warm to hot.#saws #southafricanweather pic.twitter.com/sJGu5J7Ra9

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 3, 2026

Residents are urged to remain vigilant as the summer rainfall season continues and often brings unpredictable and violent thunderstorms.