South African radio presenter Penny Ntuli has shared her harrowing experience of surviving a snowstorm that left her stranded and battling extreme cold. The beloved media personality, known for her vibrant voice on air, recently made headlines after revealing the details of her ordeal, which occurred on the N3 highway.
Ntuli’s story began trending on social media when it was reported that she had been caught in the snowstorm and subsequently fell ill. The severe weather, which swept through parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), led to road closures, and Ntuli found herself stuck with no immediate help in sight. The situation took a turn for the worse when she began to suffer from exposure to the harsh cold, eventually requiring medical attention.
Speaking to the public, Ntuli expressed her gratitude for surviving such a dangerous situation, attributing her survival to divine intervention. “It was not by our own wisdom to survive this, but by God’s grace,” Ntuli said, still visibly shaken by the experience. She described the severity of the snowstorm, saying, “The snow was literally as high as my vehicle’s door level. I did not think we were going to make it.”
As her health deteriorated, her family became increasingly concerned. In a video shared on social media, a relative of Ntuli provided a detailed account of the events. “Penny started feeling unwell on Saturday evening, so we turned on the car heater. By morning, when we were finally able to move, her condition had worsened. She felt extremely cold to the touch, and we knew something was wrong.” The family rushed Ntuli to her mother’s house for immediate care before taking her to the hospital. Although still recovering, her loved ones reassured the public that she was alive and stable.
Ntuli’s ordeal has left her deeply emotional, particularly after learning about the tragic loss of life caused by the same storm. Two people in the area died due to hyperthermia, a condition brought on by prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. In her message to the public, Ntuli expressed her heartbreak over the fatalities, saying, “I’m so hurt. People lost their lives, some on their way to bury their loved ones.”
The devastating snowstorm has been a sobering reminder of nature’s unpredictable forces, with many caught off-guard by the magnitude of the event. KwaZulu-Natal authorities worked tirelessly to clear the roads and restore traffic flow, and by Monday, 23 September, the N3 highway had been reopened to the public.
Despite the challenges and the emotional toll, Ntuli’s story is one of survival and resilience. She continues to recover from her ordeal, while the memories of that fateful night remain fresh in her mind. As she moves forward, she remains grateful for the support and prayers she has received from fans, family, and friends.
Her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of staying prepared during extreme weather conditions, and her survival stands as a testament to hope and perseverance even in the face of adversity.