Heartbreaking Loss: Nomqhwaqo Mtjhali Struck by Lightning While Walking Home
Heartbreaking Loss: Nomqhwaqo Mtjhali Struck by Lightning While Walking Home

In a devastating incident that has left a community grieving, 15-year-old Nomqhwaqo Mtjhali, a top student from Taiwe Secondary School, was tragically struck by lightning and lost her life while walking home on October 21, 2024. Her friend, Dieketseng Molawa, aged 17, survived with severe injuries and is now recovering, but the emotional impact has been profound.

Nomqhwaqo Mtjhali Struck by Lightning: A Community in Mourning
Nomqhwaqo Mtjhali’s loss has sent shockwaves through her community, where she was celebrated for her academic excellence and her dream of becoming a doctor. Ranked first in her class, Mtjhali’s bright future was abruptly cut short, leaving family, friends, and teachers in profound grief.
Premier and Officials Respond to the Tragedy
In response to this tragic incident, Free State Premier Letsoha-Mathae has called on the Department of Education to implement immediate safety initiatives to better prepare students for severe weather. Letsoha-Mathae, during her visit to Mtjhali’s family on October 23, expressed her deep condolences, saying, “We share in your pain and mourn with you.” She was accompanied by Masilonyana Mayor Dimakatso Modise, who extended support to Mtjhali’s family and also visited Molawa’s family, offering words of comfort.
Molawa recounted her ordeal, saying, “I am haunted by those last moments,” expressing the lasting trauma of witnessing her friend’s tragic passing. She reported steady physical recovery but shared the emotional challenges she faces in the aftermath.
Community Calls for Increased Weather Safety Awareness
This tragic event has renewed the community’s calls for schools to prioritize weather safety education. Julia Maboya, Free State Education MEC, conveyed her condolences to Mtjhali’s family and voiced support for Molawa’s continued recovery. Education around thunderstorms is now seen as essential to preventing future losses, and schools are encouraged to adopt enhanced safety protocols.
Table: Key Points of Safety During Thunderstorms
Safety Tip | Explanation |
---|---|
Seek Shelter | Go indoors or find a safe, enclosed space. |
Avoid Open Areas | Stay away from open fields and bodies of water. |
Refrain from Using Phones | Avoid mobile phone use outdoors during storms. |
Crouch Down if Caught | If no shelter is available, crouch low to the ground. |
Importance of Safety Education for Students
Mtjhali’s tragic story is a stark reminder of the critical need for education around natural disaster safety. Through comprehensive training, schools can help students like Mtjhali learn how to respond during extreme weather, potentially saving lives. The provincial government aims to implement such programs, ensuring that no family has to face similar heartache.
Honoring the Legacy of Nomqhwaqo Mtjhali
As the community grieves, many find comfort in honoring Mtjhali’s legacy by advocating for stronger safety protocols. Her story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration for change, encouraging everyone to prioritize student safety amid nature’s unpredictability. The community’s collective support reflects a commitment to creating safer spaces for young people, ensuring Mtjhali’s memory endures as a catalyst for meaningful change.