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5 July 2024
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Mossel Bay honours humble heroes
21 members of Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services were honoured on by the Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay Alderman Dirk Kotzé and acting Municipal Manager, Dick Naidoo, for their efforts during the rescue and recovery operations following the collapse of a five-storey building at 75 Victoria Street, George on Monday, 6 May 2024. The crew members who took part in this 260-hour rescue and recovery operations, involving a multidisciplinary team of emergency workers and volunteers of collectively more than 600 people, which concluded on 17 May 2024, were given certificates of recognition 6 June 2024, a month after the tragedy.
62 people were confirmed to have been on site as reported on 17 May. All 62 were rescued and recovered, of which 34 lost their lives.
The crew from Mossel Bay joined the rescue and recovery effort from 10 to 16 May. Station Commander Wayne Sternsdorf was team leader during the rescue of the last survivor to be found, the 33-year-old tiler Gabriel Guambe, trapped for more than 116 hours in the construction rubble.
Station Commander Kobus van der Mescht and his team recovered the last eight deceased.
“Your selfless dedication to offer rescue, relief and retrieval to a neighbouring municipality is highly commendable. Your actions reflect the highest standard of service and exemplify the values that Mossel Bay Municipality has come to be known for. While I know you are too humble to seek recognition for your work, our town is extremely proud of your service. I want to thank you for showing leadership and responding to the call to take responsibility for your fellow man,” said Alderman Kotzé.
Alderman Kotzé, during the handover ceremony invited all the crew members present to briefly share their experiences on site during the rescue and recovery effort.
Crew members agreed that they were particularly privileged, whether they had 37 years’ service or only three months, to have had the opportunity to serve alongside each other as well as other emergency workers at such an unprecedented and tragic historical event.
“I have been in the service for decades, but in Mossel Bay only from the end of last year. Hence, I worked with a new crew on a most unusual site. We did what we had to do; nothing was too much to ask. Everyone played their part,” said Station Commander Wayne Sternsdorf.
Station Commander Kobus van der Mescht said that witnessing the traumatised families waiting for news on loved ones was very unsettling. “In my almost 37 years of service, I have never experienced an event like this. What made all the difference was the incredible cooperation between all the different emergency services. For me, the collaboration was certainly a highlight.”
Platoon Commander, Johan Makwak said that it was an extraordinary experience that no one could mentally prepare for, but it was also an extraordinary learning curve. “People in distress rely on rescue workers. Rescue workers on their part rely on their training – and – on each other. It all comes together at one point - the point of implementation,” said Fire fighter Hein Botha.
Firefighter Nadia Jacobus-Julies added that training prepares you up to a point and then mental tenacity becomes vital. “We were very privileged to do our work in such a structured environment where everything we needed was at hand. It made everything so much easier. With that kind of support, you can carry on regardless.”
Firefighter Ricky du Preez was captivated by the experience of being part of such a large, multi-disciplinary team. “When we were offered the opportunity to assist in George, I immediately raised my hand, not because of the overtime or the money but to be part of the experience. That is how emergency workers operate, when the call comes, we all stand together, no questions asked.”
“I have not been in service long but I can only echo the sentiments of my colleagues and mentors. The experience was at times overwhelming, especially the recovery of the deceased. As tough as it was, being a first for me, I knew with certainty – this is where I must be. One more recovery means one more person who can go home, one more family, however hard it is, can get closure,” said a Cadet firefighter Evandré Williams.
Another firefighter, Francois Roberts commented on the experience he had twice upon finding survivors at the scene of such destruction. “You experience mixed emotions. Everything goes quiet and then someone calls out ‘there is a live one’. After that, it is like going into racing mode. You just want to get to the survivor, no matter what it takes.”
Platoon Commander Henry Bester, also one of the long-serving firefighters mentioned that, having briefly worked in the construction industry, the devastation on the building site really struck him. “The building collapsed in its entirety. There was nothing left. Amid all the destruction, there was however this butterfly that kept lingering as we worked. To me it just signified that amid all the destruction, beauty still exists.”
The Mayor, having listened to the firefighters’ accounts concluded: “During the rescue and recovery event, what captivated my thoughts was trying to understand how the work is done. I like to listen to people, because through listening, I learn. Your accounts have given me insight not only on the practical side, but your resilience amid a great test of your ability. Thank you for putting yourself on the line and for treating all people with respect and dignity.”
Portfolio Chairperson for Community Safety, Councillor Leon van Dyk and Director Community Safety, Graeme Lategan expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the crew, their tenacity and resilience. “Your selflessness, unwavering dedication, bravery, and professionalism during such challenging circumstances have left an indelible mark not only in the lives of those directly impacted by the tragedy, but also the entire community of George and Mossel Bay,” added the acting Municipal Manager, Dick Naidoo.
Senior Manager Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services, CFO Joseph Johnston, acted as incident commander on 15 and 16 May. “I arrived at the scene to work alongside my fellow emergency workers, when I was requested to assist as incident commander for a multisectoral team, including senior and highly experienced staff. Amid working against the clock, we also had to prepare for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s site visit on 16 May where he engaged with rescue workers and bereaved family members. Despite the pressure such a rescue and recovery scene demand, we worked as a tight and focused unit. Our priority was the safety of all operational crews.
Apart from the Mossel Bay crew members who assisted on site and did so with excellence, I take my hat off to the crew members who continued their normal duties, serving the community of Mossel Bay with the same fervour. I truly take my hat off for the type of fire fighters we have in Mossel Bay,” Johnston concluded.
Members of Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services received certificates of recognition from the Executive Mayor, Alderman Dirk Kotzé (second from right) and the acting Municipal Manager, Dick Naidoo (second from left) for their assistance at the rescue and recovery efforts following the building collapse at 75 Victoria Street, George that occurred on 6 May 2024. Also present at the handover was Portfolio Chair for Community Safety, Councillor Leon van Dyk (far left) and Director Community Safety, Graeme Lategan (far right).
Source: Mossel Bay Municipality
62 people were confirmed to have been on site as reported on 17 May. All 62 were rescued and recovered, of which 34 lost their lives.
The crew from Mossel Bay joined the rescue and recovery effort from 10 to 16 May. Station Commander Wayne Sternsdorf was team leader during the rescue of the last survivor to be found, the 33-year-old tiler Gabriel Guambe, trapped for more than 116 hours in the construction rubble.
Station Commander Kobus van der Mescht and his team recovered the last eight deceased.
“Your selfless dedication to offer rescue, relief and retrieval to a neighbouring municipality is highly commendable. Your actions reflect the highest standard of service and exemplify the values that Mossel Bay Municipality has come to be known for. While I know you are too humble to seek recognition for your work, our town is extremely proud of your service. I want to thank you for showing leadership and responding to the call to take responsibility for your fellow man,” said Alderman Kotzé.
Alderman Kotzé, during the handover ceremony invited all the crew members present to briefly share their experiences on site during the rescue and recovery effort.
Crew members agreed that they were particularly privileged, whether they had 37 years’ service or only three months, to have had the opportunity to serve alongside each other as well as other emergency workers at such an unprecedented and tragic historical event.
“I have been in the service for decades, but in Mossel Bay only from the end of last year. Hence, I worked with a new crew on a most unusual site. We did what we had to do; nothing was too much to ask. Everyone played their part,” said Station Commander Wayne Sternsdorf.
Station Commander Kobus van der Mescht said that witnessing the traumatised families waiting for news on loved ones was very unsettling. “In my almost 37 years of service, I have never experienced an event like this. What made all the difference was the incredible cooperation between all the different emergency services. For me, the collaboration was certainly a highlight.”
Platoon Commander, Johan Makwak said that it was an extraordinary experience that no one could mentally prepare for, but it was also an extraordinary learning curve. “People in distress rely on rescue workers. Rescue workers on their part rely on their training – and – on each other. It all comes together at one point - the point of implementation,” said Fire fighter Hein Botha.
Firefighter Nadia Jacobus-Julies added that training prepares you up to a point and then mental tenacity becomes vital. “We were very privileged to do our work in such a structured environment where everything we needed was at hand. It made everything so much easier. With that kind of support, you can carry on regardless.”
Firefighter Ricky du Preez was captivated by the experience of being part of such a large, multi-disciplinary team. “When we were offered the opportunity to assist in George, I immediately raised my hand, not because of the overtime or the money but to be part of the experience. That is how emergency workers operate, when the call comes, we all stand together, no questions asked.”
“I have not been in service long but I can only echo the sentiments of my colleagues and mentors. The experience was at times overwhelming, especially the recovery of the deceased. As tough as it was, being a first for me, I knew with certainty – this is where I must be. One more recovery means one more person who can go home, one more family, however hard it is, can get closure,” said a Cadet firefighter Evandré Williams.
Another firefighter, Francois Roberts commented on the experience he had twice upon finding survivors at the scene of such destruction. “You experience mixed emotions. Everything goes quiet and then someone calls out ‘there is a live one’. After that, it is like going into racing mode. You just want to get to the survivor, no matter what it takes.”
Platoon Commander Henry Bester, also one of the long-serving firefighters mentioned that, having briefly worked in the construction industry, the devastation on the building site really struck him. “The building collapsed in its entirety. There was nothing left. Amid all the destruction, there was however this butterfly that kept lingering as we worked. To me it just signified that amid all the destruction, beauty still exists.”
The Mayor, having listened to the firefighters’ accounts concluded: “During the rescue and recovery event, what captivated my thoughts was trying to understand how the work is done. I like to listen to people, because through listening, I learn. Your accounts have given me insight not only on the practical side, but your resilience amid a great test of your ability. Thank you for putting yourself on the line and for treating all people with respect and dignity.”
Portfolio Chairperson for Community Safety, Councillor Leon van Dyk and Director Community Safety, Graeme Lategan expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the crew, their tenacity and resilience. “Your selflessness, unwavering dedication, bravery, and professionalism during such challenging circumstances have left an indelible mark not only in the lives of those directly impacted by the tragedy, but also the entire community of George and Mossel Bay,” added the acting Municipal Manager, Dick Naidoo.
Senior Manager Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services, CFO Joseph Johnston, acted as incident commander on 15 and 16 May. “I arrived at the scene to work alongside my fellow emergency workers, when I was requested to assist as incident commander for a multisectoral team, including senior and highly experienced staff. Amid working against the clock, we also had to prepare for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s site visit on 16 May where he engaged with rescue workers and bereaved family members. Despite the pressure such a rescue and recovery scene demand, we worked as a tight and focused unit. Our priority was the safety of all operational crews.
Apart from the Mossel Bay crew members who assisted on site and did so with excellence, I take my hat off to the crew members who continued their normal duties, serving the community of Mossel Bay with the same fervour. I truly take my hat off for the type of fire fighters we have in Mossel Bay,” Johnston concluded.
Members of Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services received certificates of recognition from the Executive Mayor, Alderman Dirk Kotzé (second from right) and the acting Municipal Manager, Dick Naidoo (second from left) for their assistance at the rescue and recovery efforts following the building collapse at 75 Victoria Street, George that occurred on 6 May 2024. Also present at the handover was Portfolio Chair for Community Safety, Councillor Leon van Dyk (far left) and Director Community Safety, Graeme Lategan (far right).
Source: Mossel Bay Municipality