|
|
|
|
|
4 September 2026
|
Tshwane Emergency Services women unite to support learners in Bronkhorstspruit
|
|
As part of the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department’s (ESD) Women’s Month activities, women in uniform and support staff within the department joined hands to support learners at Rethabiseng Primary School in Bronkhorstspruit through a hygiene pack donation initiative on Friday, 14 August 2026. Through a department-wide donation drive, Emergency Services Department employees contributed hygiene products, which were packaged into hygiene packs for distribution to Grade 6 and Grade 7 learners. The initiative seeks to provide practical support while promoting personal hygiene, dignity, confidence and well-being among young people.
The Director for Disaster Risk Management, Ms Mabu Sebola, said the initiative reflects the importance of using Women’s Month to give back to communities. “Women’s Month is an opportunity to celebrate the strength, resilience and contribution of women but it is also a time to give back and make a meaningful difference. This initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when our women in uniform and support staff come together with a shared purpose. We hope these hygiene packs will not only meet an immediate need but also remind every learner that they are valued, supported and encouraged to pursue their dreams.”
Deputy Chief: Public Information and Liaison Officer, Ntobizandile Nkutha, encouraged boys to play an active role in creating a culture of respect and safety for girls. “To the boys, I encourage you to protect, respect and support the girls around you. You have an important role to play in creating a safe environment where girls can learn, grow and realise their full potential. We must teach our young boys that protecting girls means treating them with dignity and standing against bullying, harassment and any form of violence.”
Nkutha further encouraged the girls to believe in themselves and consider careers traditionally dominated by men.
“There was a time when the firefighting profession was predominantly male but that has changed. Today, girls and women have an equal opportunity to pursue careers in Emergency Services and many other fields. Never allow anyone to tell you that a particular career is only for boys. Girls can be whatever they want to be, and they can achieve whatever they set their minds to. Your dreams are valid, and we want to see you occupying spaces where decisions are made and leading with confidence.”
Rethabiseng Primary School has 187 learners in grade 6 and 7 and the initiative provided the much-needed hygiene support to learners who may face challenges in accessing essential personal-care products.
The participation of women in uniform and support staff demonstrates that the role of Emergency Services extends beyond emergency response. It also encompasses community outreach, education, empowerment and building stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.
The initiative further provided an opportunity for ESD personnel to engage with learners and promote important safety, emergency preparedness and responsible citizenship messages.
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department encourages organisations, businesses and community members to support initiatives that contribute to the well-being, dignity and development of young people.
Safety is our collective responsibility.
The Director for Disaster Risk Management, Ms Mabu Sebola, said the initiative reflects the importance of using Women’s Month to give back to communities. “Women’s Month is an opportunity to celebrate the strength, resilience and contribution of women but it is also a time to give back and make a meaningful difference. This initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when our women in uniform and support staff come together with a shared purpose. We hope these hygiene packs will not only meet an immediate need but also remind every learner that they are valued, supported and encouraged to pursue their dreams.”
Deputy Chief: Public Information and Liaison Officer, Ntobizandile Nkutha, encouraged boys to play an active role in creating a culture of respect and safety for girls. “To the boys, I encourage you to protect, respect and support the girls around you. You have an important role to play in creating a safe environment where girls can learn, grow and realise their full potential. We must teach our young boys that protecting girls means treating them with dignity and standing against bullying, harassment and any form of violence.”
Nkutha further encouraged the girls to believe in themselves and consider careers traditionally dominated by men.
“There was a time when the firefighting profession was predominantly male but that has changed. Today, girls and women have an equal opportunity to pursue careers in Emergency Services and many other fields. Never allow anyone to tell you that a particular career is only for boys. Girls can be whatever they want to be, and they can achieve whatever they set their minds to. Your dreams are valid, and we want to see you occupying spaces where decisions are made and leading with confidence.”
Rethabiseng Primary School has 187 learners in grade 6 and 7 and the initiative provided the much-needed hygiene support to learners who may face challenges in accessing essential personal-care products.
The participation of women in uniform and support staff demonstrates that the role of Emergency Services extends beyond emergency response. It also encompasses community outreach, education, empowerment and building stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.
The initiative further provided an opportunity for ESD personnel to engage with learners and promote important safety, emergency preparedness and responsible citizenship messages.
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department encourages organisations, businesses and community members to support initiatives that contribute to the well-being, dignity and development of young people.
Safety is our collective responsibility.