Siyabonga Sithole|Published
Regina Mundi Catholic Church, one of Soweto’s most significant places of worship, has been left reeling after extreme winds on Monday tore off part of its roof, just months before the church's 65th anniversary.
Extreme winds on Monday caused severe damage across Soweto, tearing off portions of roofs at both the historical Regina Mundi Catholic Church and Reutlwile Junior Secondary School in nearby Molapo.
Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg Emergency Services, confirmed that firefighters responded to both locations following the storm.
He noted that while the storm caused partial roof collapses at both sites, no critical injuries occurred in the surrounding areas.
The destruction comes just months ahead of the landmark Rockville church's 65th anniversary. The congregation had recently finished extensive updates, including painting and repairing both interior and exterior roofs.
Parish secretary Naomi Rakgomo was inside securing doors when the incident took place. She described hearing a thunderous noise before dust filled the hall, adding that "if there was consistent rain, the roof and the ceiling would have collapsed".
With the building declared unsafe for gatherings, church leaders are now working to secure expert structural evaluations and consult with the parish priest on alternative plans for upcoming Sunday services.
At Reutlwile Junior Secondary School in Molapo, gusty winds destroyed parts of the roof covering the hall and classrooms.
Two learners sustained minor injuries and received treatment at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital in Jabulani.
A school official, speaking anonymously, described the scene, saying: "This is the first time I have seen something like this. Unfortunately, the children are traumatised."
Inquiries directed to the Gauteng Department of Education received no immediate response.
Neighbourhood residents reported additional property damage, including vehicles hit by debris, while expressing relief that no severe casualties resulted from the storm.
One resident said: "Yesterday was bad. A lot of damage happened around here, and in other parts of this neighbourhood, even one of the cars suffered damage due to the extreme weather. We are, however, grateful that no one was hurt."