City tips its hat to seasonal firefighters
28 April 2021
Statement by Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith
At the end of this week, the City will bid farewell to its current crop of seasonal firefighters.
The administration has, for more than a decade, been recruiting and training Seasonals to assist with the increase in vegetation fires over the summer months.
This past season, we relied on the services of many former seasonal recruits, as Covid-19 prevented the Fire and Rescue Service from hosting their traditional try-outs.
For the past five months, just under 100 seasonal firefighters have been stationed at six fire stations around the metropole; assisting permanent staff in the management of vegetation fires.
Between 1 December 2020 and 27 April 2021, our Fire and Rescue Service responded to a total of 6 596 vegetation fires.
Many of these Seasonals were also involved in firefighting efforts during the recent Rhodes Memorial fire.
As the curtain falls on their time with the service, the City would like to extend its sincere appreciation for their efforts and the contribution made to public safety.
This programme has proven its worth time and again, as it not only shores up the City’s defences, but also provides a valuable learning experience for aspiring firefighters.
On average, between 10 and 15 percent of our seasonal firefighters successfully compete for a spot as Learner Firefighters each year, so the potential for advancement is clear.
I would also like to thank the permanent firefighters who have overseen the seasonal firefighter programme for their commitment and dedication in ensuring its success.
They are:
Sir Lowry’s Pass – Senior Firefighters Gabriel Williams and Charlton Engelbrecht
Belhar – Senior Firefighters Junair Moodie and Shane Williams
Fish Hoek – Senior Firefighters Siraaj Theunissen and Graham Damons, and Firefighter Joshua Mozes
Roeland Street – Firefighters Franco Moses and Angelo Philander
Milnerton – Senior Firefighter Vuyisa Mavundla and Firefighter Rethabile Molaoa
Bellville – Senior Firefighters Jakobus Brand and Kenneth Eyberg, and Firefighter Christopher Cronje
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
