Celebrity Breeze Bringing you fascinating stories
Related Articles
The quiet towns under the Moretele Local Municipality in South Africa’s North West Province have been gripped by shock, sorrow and disbelief after a devastating incident abruptly ended a life many believed was only just beginning to flourish. What was meant to be a vibrant cultural gathering has instead become the focus of grief, unanswered questions and renewed reflection on sudden tragedy.
Residents of Dertig and surrounding villages have spent days trying to process the events of Saturday, 3 January 2026. The Mphebatho Sports Ground, usually a place of celebration, music and unity, has fallen silent. The troupes festival, an annual highlight on the community calendar, drew large crowds eager to celebrate culture, tradition and togetherness.
The atmosphere was festive. Families arrived early, tents were set up, and performers prepared to take the stage. For many, it was a moment to reconnect after the holidays and share in collective pride. Few could have imagined that the gathering would end in loss, trauma and mourning.
Among those in attendance was 35-year-old Kenosi Mashishi, a well-known and respected member of the community. She was not only a familiar face at local events but also a pillar in the lives of many children through her work as a primary school teacher in Dertig. Her presence at the festival was, to those who knew her, entirely expected.
Kenosi was described by colleagues and neighbours as deeply committed to both education and community life. She was known for her calm nature, generosity and strong sense of responsibility. Parents trusted her with their children, and fellow teachers relied on her dedication and leadership.
In recent months, Kenosi had been entering what family members describe as one of the happiest periods of her life. After years of hard work and careful saving, she had completed building her dream home in Lefatlheng. Valued at close to R600,000, the house represented independence, stability and the fulfilment of long-held dreams. She was due to move in during February 2026.
That milestone never came. Instead, the completed house now stands empty, a symbol of plans interrupted and a future denied. Her brother, Tshepo Mashishi, said the family struggles with the painful reality that she never had the chance to live in the home she worked so hard to build.
Only days before her death, Kenosi had celebrated another achievement. She purchased a brand-new Toyota Starlet XS, a moment relatives recall with mixed emotions. The vehicle remains unused, parked and untouched, intensifying the sense of loss and disbelief.
Family members say Kenosi valued time with loved ones above all else. She was a regular attendee at the troupes festival and rarely missed it. Her aunt, Musa Baloyi, said the event was something Kenosi looked forward to every year, particularly because it allowed her to spend time with relatives and friends.
“She enjoyed life and valued family time,” Baloyi said. “She loved travelling with us, laughing with us, and just being present. Losing her has left us shattered.”
As the festival progressed on Saturday, weather conditions reportedly changed. Eyewitnesses say the mood shifted suddenly as lightning struck nearby. Panic spread through the crowd as people sought shelter inside tents erected on the sports ground.
Kenosi’s cousin, Nkele Mokotedi, described moments of terror after lightning struck for a second time. She said a loud sound followed, and several people inside one of the tents collapsed. “I couldn’t move my feet and struggled to stand. It was extremely traumatising,” she said.
Emergency services were called, and injured attendees were rushed to nearby medical facilities. The scale of the incident was initially unclear, with early reports suggesting dozens of people may have been affected.
Community leader Zebra Motshegwa said the loss has deeply affected the area, describing Kenosi as a “darling of the community”. He said her death has left a gap that will be difficult to fill, particularly in education and community development.
Moretele Local Municipality spokesperson Mothupi Malebye confirmed that Mayor George Manyike had visited the affected families, offering condolences and support. He acknowledged the profound impact of the tragedy and praised the emergency teams who responded swiftly.
North West police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sam Tselanyane later confirmed that two inquests had been opened following the deaths of two women, aged 28 and 35, who were declared dead at a local clinic. He added that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact number of people injured during the incident.
Government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery, describing the incident as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be changed.
As tributes continue to pour in from learners, colleagues and community members, the full weight of the tragedy has now been confirmed. Kenosi Mashishi, a dedicated teacher, daughter and community pillar, lost her life after being struck by lightning during the troupes festival in Dertig, turning a day of celebration into one of the most heartbreaking moments the community has faced in years.
