A Limpopo granny has thanked God for her survival, after scores of bricks had fallen on her when a heavy storm destroyed her four-room house in Shihosani village outside Malamulele. The incident took place on Saturday evening.

Nwa-Makhanani Baloyi (84) said the drama lasted only a few seconds, but the heavy storm, which was accompany by rain, caused severe damange. “I was with my younger daughter and my granddaughter, when we heard a strong wind. Moments later, part of the wall fell on my body,” she added.

Her granddaughter, Ms Letty Baloyi, said though they had lost everything inside the house, they were happy that their granny had survived.

The storm uprooted several large trees in Shihosani, while the area was without electricity for a long time. Other villages affected severely by  the storm are Hlaniki, Ngon’on’o and Nkurhi outside Giyani, where many people were left homeless after roofs and walls were damaged.

Another victim, Samuel Chauke of Nkurhi, said his house was destroyed.

Greater Giyani municipality spokesman Sizeka Mabunda said he was still waiting for the disaster-management team to report back on the damage. Thulamela Municipality's mayor, Cllr Grace Mahosi, said her municipality, with the assistance of the Vhembe District Municipalilty, were still accessing the damage. “After completion of our assessment, we will make sure that all people get the necessary support,” said Mahosi.