Lonwabo Mtyeku | Image Credit:Sourced
Pretoria — Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has paid a compassionate visit to a six-year-old child recovering at Jubilee District Hospital following the devastating lightning strike that claimed two lives and left scores injured in Moretele Local Municipality, North West.
The child is among the youngest survivors of the lightning tragedy that struck the Mphebatho Troop Festival, an incident that sent shockwaves through communities across the North West and Gauteng.
During her visit, the MEC spent time with the young patient and family members, receiving a medical briefing from hospital staff and assuring the family of continued psychosocial and medical support.
A Journey of Survival
The child sustained injuries during the lightning strike and was among several victims transferred to Gauteng health facilities for specialised treatment. Medical teams at Jubilee Hospital confirmed that the patient is in stable condition and responding well to treatment.
Doctors indicated that although the injuries were serious, the child’s recovery is progressing positively under close observation.
“This is a painful incident that should never have happened,” MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said. “We are grateful that this young patient is recovering. Our healthcare workers are doing everything possible to ensure the best care, comfort and support.”
Coordinated Emergency Care
Following the tragedy, provincial health departments in North West and Gauteng activated emergency referral systems to ensure that critically injured patients were transferred to facilities with the necessary capacity and specialised care.
Jubilee Hospital received several of the injured, providing trauma care, stabilisation and ongoing treatment.
Hospital management praised the swift coordination between emergency medical services, referral hospitals and disaster management teams, noting that the rapid response helped save lives.
Family Support and Counselling
Beyond medical treatment, the MEC emphasised the importance of psychosocial support for affected families, particularly children who may suffer emotional trauma after such a life-threatening event.
Social workers and psychologists have been deployed to assist families with trauma counselling, while provincial authorities continue to monitor the condition of all patients admitted following the incident.
A Call for Storm Safety Awareness
The MEC also used the visit to renew calls for increased public awareness around storm safety, especially in open spaces and at public gatherings.
“Lightning remains one of the most dangerous natural hazards in our country,” she said. “We urge communities to heed weather warnings and to seek shelter immediately when storms approach.”
Community Healing
As families continue to mourn the two lives lost in the Moretele tragedy, provincial health authorities have committed to ongoing medical monitoring and psychosocial support for all survivors.
The visit by MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko brought a message of compassion, accountability and reassurance — signalling government’s commitment to stand with communities as they recover from one of the most tragic weather-related incidents in the province in recent years.
