The Weather Podcast: Episode 5 - Lightning

PODCAST| Two people were killed and nearly 50 injured when lightning struck a mass gathering on 3 January 2026 during the Diturupa event in Majaneng village near Hammanskraal, Gauteng. Earlier reports had suggested that the event took place in Mathibestad, which is in the vicinity but falls under the North West. The wounded were admitted to nearby public health facilities for treatment. We spoke to Mr Rydall Jardine, Technical Services Manager at the South African Weather Service and Chairperson of the Lightning Chapter of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers, who enlightened us about the dangers of lightning. We also heard from one of the survivors of the incident in question, Mr Peter Selemela.