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6 December 2024
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Cape Winelands celebrates new fire fighters
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The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) celebrated the graduation of 29 brave new firefighters on Thursday, 28 November 2024. “I read recently in the Down to Earth edition of 19 November 2024 that due to climate change, the last year has been one of the most difficult for fire services across the world. From Europe to Central Africa and even in the Middle East, mega fires, which are fires that stretch over vast areas and continue for a long time, were experienced firsthand,” stated Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht, Executive Mayor of the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) during her address.
The Mayor went on to say, “It is against this incredibly difficult background that we celebrate the graduation of 29 new firefighters, who, despite the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the work, are prepared to protect our lives, properties, livelihoods and our environment.”
The 29 new firefighters completed their intensive six-week training course, allowing them to be called firefighters. One of the eldest recruits, Neville Bhé (36), hails from Overstrand Municipality. He stated, “The training was tough and intense; at first, I thought I may have made a mistake training at my age but between the instructors and my team, we pushed through!” Neville Bhé also received the Heinrich Louw Trophy, Student of the Course. This trophy is awarded to the student who has shown discipline, respect, teamwork, and punctuality.
The Mayor shared that the CWDM’s Fire Services have prepared their annual fire season preparedness plan. “Based on eight steps, the plan outlines how the services are going to prevent, suppress and manage wildland fires with the resources and expertise at hand.”
The CWDM Fire Services currently have 110 fire personnel and 12 dedicated firefighting vehicles placed at five fire stations situated throughout the district. Further to that, the services have integrated partnerships with CapeNature and the Winelands Fire Protection Association (FPA) and contract aerial resources through Leading Edge Aviation and experienced ground teams through NCC and Lewis Bush Clearing.
In the event of larger, longer-lasting fires, the service deploys the Sentinel, which is the purpose-built mobile Incident Command Bus, serving as a central point for dedicated fire management and deployment of resources.
In conclusion, Mayor von Schlicht stated, “The Cape Winelands is well-resourced, ready and able to take on the fire season of 2024/2025 but I implore the public to avoid making fires where there are no facilities and to, on hot days, rather pack a picnic when visiting our natural spaces.”
Photo1: The top students and top brass, shining bright together: Back row from left to right: CWDM Deputy Mayor, Ald. Margie Sampson; Henry Prins, Municipal Manager, CWDM; Executive Mayor, Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht; Jayden Booysens, Best Theoretical Student; Brandon Nicholls, awarded both Best Theoretical and Practical HAZMAT Operations; Mvuzo Mboxi, Best Practical Student of the Course; Cllr Reggie Farao, Portfolio Holder: Fire Services, CWDM; Chief Fire Officer, CWDM: Wayne Josias. Front row: Casteel Ross, Most Improved Student; Angelo Geduld, Best Theoretical Student; Neville Bhé, received the Heinrich Louw Trophy, Student of the Course.
Photo2: All the students and Top Brass!
Photo3: Most awards received: From left to right: CWDM Training Academy Head: Heinrich Louw; Henry Prins, Municipal Manager, CWDM; Brandon Nicholls, awarded both Best Theoretical and Practical HAZMAT Operations; Chief Fire Officer, CWDM: Wayne Josias; Chief Fire Officer, Theo Botha, Breede Valley Municipality.
Photo4: Lenny of the CWDM meets his new friend, Kai from CapeNature. Together these two mascots are going to share their fire safety lessons.
Source: Jo-Anne Otto, deputy director: Communication Services, Cape Winelands District Municipality
The Mayor went on to say, “It is against this incredibly difficult background that we celebrate the graduation of 29 new firefighters, who, despite the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the work, are prepared to protect our lives, properties, livelihoods and our environment.”
The 29 new firefighters completed their intensive six-week training course, allowing them to be called firefighters. One of the eldest recruits, Neville Bhé (36), hails from Overstrand Municipality. He stated, “The training was tough and intense; at first, I thought I may have made a mistake training at my age but between the instructors and my team, we pushed through!” Neville Bhé also received the Heinrich Louw Trophy, Student of the Course. This trophy is awarded to the student who has shown discipline, respect, teamwork, and punctuality.
The Mayor shared that the CWDM’s Fire Services have prepared their annual fire season preparedness plan. “Based on eight steps, the plan outlines how the services are going to prevent, suppress and manage wildland fires with the resources and expertise at hand.”
The CWDM Fire Services currently have 110 fire personnel and 12 dedicated firefighting vehicles placed at five fire stations situated throughout the district. Further to that, the services have integrated partnerships with CapeNature and the Winelands Fire Protection Association (FPA) and contract aerial resources through Leading Edge Aviation and experienced ground teams through NCC and Lewis Bush Clearing.
In the event of larger, longer-lasting fires, the service deploys the Sentinel, which is the purpose-built mobile Incident Command Bus, serving as a central point for dedicated fire management and deployment of resources.
In conclusion, Mayor von Schlicht stated, “The Cape Winelands is well-resourced, ready and able to take on the fire season of 2024/2025 but I implore the public to avoid making fires where there are no facilities and to, on hot days, rather pack a picnic when visiting our natural spaces.”
Photo1: The top students and top brass, shining bright together: Back row from left to right: CWDM Deputy Mayor, Ald. Margie Sampson; Henry Prins, Municipal Manager, CWDM; Executive Mayor, Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht; Jayden Booysens, Best Theoretical Student; Brandon Nicholls, awarded both Best Theoretical and Practical HAZMAT Operations; Mvuzo Mboxi, Best Practical Student of the Course; Cllr Reggie Farao, Portfolio Holder: Fire Services, CWDM; Chief Fire Officer, CWDM: Wayne Josias. Front row: Casteel Ross, Most Improved Student; Angelo Geduld, Best Theoretical Student; Neville Bhé, received the Heinrich Louw Trophy, Student of the Course.
Photo2: All the students and Top Brass!
Photo3: Most awards received: From left to right: CWDM Training Academy Head: Heinrich Louw; Henry Prins, Municipal Manager, CWDM; Brandon Nicholls, awarded both Best Theoretical and Practical HAZMAT Operations; Chief Fire Officer, CWDM: Wayne Josias; Chief Fire Officer, Theo Botha, Breede Valley Municipality.
Photo4: Lenny of the CWDM meets his new friend, Kai from CapeNature. Together these two mascots are going to share their fire safety lessons.
Source: Jo-Anne Otto, deputy director: Communication Services, Cape Winelands District Municipality