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6 March 2026
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Unveiling of 15 new bush pumpers to strengthen fire and rescue capacity for City of Tshwane
The City of Tshwane has officially unveiled fifteen newly procured bush pumpers for its Emergency Services Department, marking a significant milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to build a safer, more resilient, and responsive municipality. The unveiling ceremony took place at the Central Fire Station and forms part of a strategic investment aimed at strengthening fire and rescue operations, particularly in response to veld fires, wildland incidents, and emergencies in hard-to-reach areas across Tshwane.
The additional fleet comes at a critical time, as climate variability, prolonged dry seasons and expanding urban-rural interfaces continue to increase the risk and frequency of fire-related incidents. These challenges have necessitated proactive investment in specialised infrastructure and equipment to enhance emergency preparedness and response.
The newly acquired bush pumpers are designed to operate effectively in difficult terrain and will significantly improve response times, firefighting efficiency and the safety of operational personnel. Faster response and appropriate equipment remain vital in saving lives and limiting damage during emergencies.
Speaking at the event, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Safety, Alderman Hannes Coetzee emphasised the importance of the investment in protecting residents and firefighters alike. “This investment demonstrates the City’s firm commitment to safeguarding our communities and capacitating our firefighters with the right tools to respond decisively to emergencies. These bush pumpers strengthen our ability to act swiftly, particularly during peak fire seasons, and reaffirm our promise to deliver services that put people first,” said the MMC.
To ensure broader coverage across the municipality, the vehicles will be strategically deployed to the following fire stations: Soshanguve, Ekangala, Mamelodi, Heuweloord, Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa, Erasmuskloof, Wonderboom, Temba, Cullinan, Bronkhorstspruit, Atteridgeville, Hatfield, Phillip Nel and Rayton. This distribution will ensure that communities throughout Tshwane benefit directly from the enhanced fleet.
The Chief of the Emergency Services Department welcomed the additional resources, noting their impact on operational readiness and firefighter safety.
“While equipment on its own does not save lives, when placed in the hands of skilled, courageous, and dedicated firefighters, it becomes a powerful instrument of protection and service. These vehicles will greatly enhance our operational capacity and allow us to respond more effectively to fires and other emergencies across the City,” said the Chief of Emergency Services, Mr Moshema Mosia.
Beyond protecting lives and property, the strengthened fleet will also play a critical role in safeguarding the environment and public infrastructure, which are often severely impacted by fire incidents. The City has reiterated that investing in emergency services infrastructure is a fundamental component of building long-term resilience.
The City of Tshwane has described the unveiling as more than a ceremonial occasion, but rather a clear demonstration of delivery in action. By equipping its Emergency Services Department with modern, specialised vehicles, the City continues to advance its vision of a municipality that works for its people.
The Emergency Services Department remains committed to delivering professional, efficient, and community-centred services to all residents of Tshwane, with the newly unveiled bush pumpers strengthening this commitment through tangible action.
Source: Nana Radebe-Kgiba, deputy chief, Public Information and Liaison Services, City of Tshwane Emergency Services
The additional fleet comes at a critical time, as climate variability, prolonged dry seasons and expanding urban-rural interfaces continue to increase the risk and frequency of fire-related incidents. These challenges have necessitated proactive investment in specialised infrastructure and equipment to enhance emergency preparedness and response.
The newly acquired bush pumpers are designed to operate effectively in difficult terrain and will significantly improve response times, firefighting efficiency and the safety of operational personnel. Faster response and appropriate equipment remain vital in saving lives and limiting damage during emergencies.
Speaking at the event, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Safety, Alderman Hannes Coetzee emphasised the importance of the investment in protecting residents and firefighters alike. “This investment demonstrates the City’s firm commitment to safeguarding our communities and capacitating our firefighters with the right tools to respond decisively to emergencies. These bush pumpers strengthen our ability to act swiftly, particularly during peak fire seasons, and reaffirm our promise to deliver services that put people first,” said the MMC.
To ensure broader coverage across the municipality, the vehicles will be strategically deployed to the following fire stations: Soshanguve, Ekangala, Mamelodi, Heuweloord, Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa, Erasmuskloof, Wonderboom, Temba, Cullinan, Bronkhorstspruit, Atteridgeville, Hatfield, Phillip Nel and Rayton. This distribution will ensure that communities throughout Tshwane benefit directly from the enhanced fleet.
The Chief of the Emergency Services Department welcomed the additional resources, noting their impact on operational readiness and firefighter safety.
“While equipment on its own does not save lives, when placed in the hands of skilled, courageous, and dedicated firefighters, it becomes a powerful instrument of protection and service. These vehicles will greatly enhance our operational capacity and allow us to respond more effectively to fires and other emergencies across the City,” said the Chief of Emergency Services, Mr Moshema Mosia.
Beyond protecting lives and property, the strengthened fleet will also play a critical role in safeguarding the environment and public infrastructure, which are often severely impacted by fire incidents. The City has reiterated that investing in emergency services infrastructure is a fundamental component of building long-term resilience.
The City of Tshwane has described the unveiling as more than a ceremonial occasion, but rather a clear demonstration of delivery in action. By equipping its Emergency Services Department with modern, specialised vehicles, the City continues to advance its vision of a municipality that works for its people.
The Emergency Services Department remains committed to delivering professional, efficient, and community-centred services to all residents of Tshwane, with the newly unveiled bush pumpers strengthening this commitment through tangible action.
Source: Nana Radebe-Kgiba, deputy chief, Public Information and Liaison Services, City of Tshwane Emergency Services
