Lightning kills two, injures 150 in South Africa

The incident occurred on Saturday night near the village of Mathibestad. (FILE/AFP)
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Updated 04 January 2026
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Lightning kills two, injures 150 in South Africa

  • Lightning struck 150 people gathered at a festival north of South Africa’s capital Pretoria, killing two, local health services said on Sunday

JOHANNESBURG: Lightning struck 150 people gathered at a festival north of South Africa’s capital Pretoria, killing two, local health services said on Sunday.
The incident occurred on Saturday night near the village of Mathibestad, about 70 kilometers (40 miles) of Pretoria, where a traditional celebration is held every year.
The North West health department said 150 patients came to a health clinic after being struck by lightning during the event, adding that two died and 13 were in critical condition and transferred to another health facility.
Storms are frequent in this part of South Africa during the current summer season in the southern hemisphere.


Ukraine will be technically ready to join EU in 2027, Zelensky says

Updated 58 min 44 sec ago
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Ukraine will be technically ready to join EU in 2027, Zelensky says

KYIV: Ukraine will be technically ready to ​join the European Union in 2027, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, adding that securing ‘fast track’ ‌accession to the ‌bloc ‌was ⁠an ​important ‌part of security guarantees after the war with Russia ends.
“Technically, we will be ready ⁠in 2027,” Zelensky ‌told reporters in remarks ‍released ‍by his ‍office on Friday, adding that by the end of 2026 ​Ukraine will have implemented the main steps ⁠required for membership.
“I would like Ukraine to receive a clear timeline,” he said, adding that his government was committed to the ‌necessary reforms.