School girls die tragically after being struck by lightning
The Acting MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Weziwe Thusi has sent heartfelt condolences to the families of the two girls on behalf of Premier Willies Mchunu and the Provincial Government.
Two young Msinga girls died when they were struck by lightning while on their way to school yesterday. The girls, Nomcebo Shabalala (8 years) and Amahle Sithole (13 years), were learners at Madlethu Primary School in the Bayafuthi in the area.
The Acting MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Weziwe Thusi has sent heartfelt condolences to the families of the two girls on behalf of Premier Willies Mchunu and the Provincial Government.
MEC Thusi described the tragic death of the young girls as a “devastating blow to the entire community and a sad reminder that we are now in the summer season where the frequency of lightning incidents has somehow increased from what it used to be due to the reality of climate change.
“While this is an act of nature, it is a growing problem especially in summer and warrants that we all learn methods of adapting to these unpredictable weather patterns. We wish to assure the affected families of our support and assistance. The uMzinyathi District Disaster Centre has been directed to work very closely with the bereaved families ” said Acting KZN MEC for Cogta Weziwe Thusi.
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“As we enter the summer season, we request all citizens to learn the tips of protecting themselves. The department in partnership with municipalities will continue its awareness campaigns and partner with the schools to ensure that children at a young age are armed with information on what to do to cope with the growing problems caused by natural disasters.
“We also advise communities to install lightning rods at their homes as part of mitigating the impact,” said MEC Thusi.
KZN Cogta is also considering recommending the crafting of by-laws in municipalities that would compel all public facilities such as schools, hospitals, community halls and new infrastructure to feature lightning conductors that meet the nationally determined standards for safety.
Acting Cogta MEC Weziwe Thusi conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. Government through municipalities will support the affected families in this difficult period.
