WC firefighting capacity boosted after 42 new recruits complete training

After months of physical drills and live-fire simulations, a group of 42 firefighters from the Western Cape have officially completed intensive training and joining their region's fire and rescue services.

The new recruits graduated at a ceremony held in Cape Town last week and will be deployed across the province's municipalities over what’s expected to be a challenging fire season.

They include some from the Cape Winelands District Municipality, the Navy, and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

New Cape Winelands firefighter recruit Rodger Pienaar said joining the fire service has been his childhood dream.

"As kid sees a fire engine and falls in love and that's about the gist of it. Also, it's about making a difference in the community, being an inspiration to family, friends, and the community as a whole."

SANDF aviation firefighter Tsholofelo Tsatsi said it’s been a tough journey.

"Most of the time it was rough, but we pushed, we made it, and here we are graduated."

The Navy's Cole Benny said the moment feels surreal.

"It's something I wanted to do much sooner, but I only work with what I can, and I put my best foot forward and I did it when I was given a chance."

CAPE WINELANDS

The Cape Winelands District Municipality's fire response capacity is getting a significant boost.

District Fire Chief Wayne Josias said the new group of firefighter recruits will strengthen efforts to manage the region’s severe wildfire seasons.

"The training is part of readiness, and we have trained these learners to a level that they are able to assist, whether it's at a fire station to go back to the basis and to do firefighting and, obviously, to protect lives and property."