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12 December 2025
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Mangaung Metro appoints Patrick Senti as new chief fire officer
On Tuesday, 9 December 2025, the Mangaung Metro Municipality celebrated a proud milestone with the appointment of its first African Chief Fire Officer. Patrick Senti, who steps into the role as the first black chief fire officer in 101 years, describes the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility he embraces wholeheartedly. “I’m truly honoured and grateful for the opportunity given to me by the MMM. They have trusted me with this responsibility, and I will ensure the municipality moves forward. Service delivery must reach the people, and I will be there for the community of Mangaung,” he says.
Senti has served in the city’s fire and rescue services for many years, and he explains that his new role will be a continuation of the work he has already been doing. “I’m not starting from scratch. I’m building on what we’ve been doing and making sure we speed up the work,” he adds. “People out there are expecting service delivery from us. We must accelerate our efforts and ensure the community receives the service they deserve.”
He says one of his first priorities will be to encourage and empower the firefighters under his leadership. When asked what inspired him to become a firefighter, he proudly explained that it was the very first job he ever wanted to do. “Firefighting was always number one for me.” He recalls joining the fire service in 1997 and steadily rising through the ranks over the years. In 2022, he was nominated by his former chief to serve on a provincial advisory committee to the MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs. “It was scary at first. I didn’t even know I had been nominated until I got a call from the province. But I went, and I served with excellence.”
By September 2025, Senti was recommended to serve at the national level, advising the minister responsible for disaster and emergency services. “This is my passion and my purpose. “I will not let the municipality down. Once you know the people you serve, you know what you are supposed to do.” His wife, Agnes, shared that she is equally proud of him. “We prayed as a family, and finally the day came. We are 100 percent behind him, and he must always know that God is with him.”
The day began with a powerful emergency fleet convoy from Central Fire Station to Bram Fischer Building, followed by a standing parade and inspection by MMC Logan Kruger, MMC Sibongile Tsoleli, and HOD Israel Kgamanyane. With emotion and pride, HOD Kgamanyane reflected on the rigorous journey to this moment and offered words of encouragement to the newly appointed Chief Fire Officer.
Source: Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Bloemfontein Koerant
Senti has served in the city’s fire and rescue services for many years, and he explains that his new role will be a continuation of the work he has already been doing. “I’m not starting from scratch. I’m building on what we’ve been doing and making sure we speed up the work,” he adds. “People out there are expecting service delivery from us. We must accelerate our efforts and ensure the community receives the service they deserve.”
He says one of his first priorities will be to encourage and empower the firefighters under his leadership. When asked what inspired him to become a firefighter, he proudly explained that it was the very first job he ever wanted to do. “Firefighting was always number one for me.” He recalls joining the fire service in 1997 and steadily rising through the ranks over the years. In 2022, he was nominated by his former chief to serve on a provincial advisory committee to the MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs. “It was scary at first. I didn’t even know I had been nominated until I got a call from the province. But I went, and I served with excellence.”
By September 2025, Senti was recommended to serve at the national level, advising the minister responsible for disaster and emergency services. “This is my passion and my purpose. “I will not let the municipality down. Once you know the people you serve, you know what you are supposed to do.” His wife, Agnes, shared that she is equally proud of him. “We prayed as a family, and finally the day came. We are 100 percent behind him, and he must always know that God is with him.”
The day began with a powerful emergency fleet convoy from Central Fire Station to Bram Fischer Building, followed by a standing parade and inspection by MMC Logan Kruger, MMC Sibongile Tsoleli, and HOD Israel Kgamanyane. With emotion and pride, HOD Kgamanyane reflected on the rigorous journey to this moment and offered words of encouragement to the newly appointed Chief Fire Officer.
Source: Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Bloemfontein Koerant
