The Inkatha Freedom Party is demanding the urgent installation of lightning rods in the uMkhanyakude District in Ingwavuma.
The appeal followed the death of five members of the Mngomezulu family in Ngonyameni area, who were killed by lightning on Wednesday night.
IFP MPL, Blessed Gwala, said the roll-out of lightning conductors is crucial for the protection of rural communities which are vulnerable to extreme weather across the province.
“Lightning is a big threat to our communities,” he said.
This week’s incident follows another lightning strike which damaged four Grade 12 classrooms at Estcourt Secondary School.
Gwala said the lightning strike earlier this month, led to a fire that destroyed furniture as well as books and exam scripts.
“The IFP calls for mass awareness campaigns to ensure that people including children at a young age are armed with information on what to do to cope with the growing problems caused by natural disasters,” said Gwala.
