|
|
|
|
|
7 November 2025
|
Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa 2025 – Rising to the International Stage
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 2025 Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) Competition, proudly hosted by the Garden Route District Municipality in George, marked a defining moment in the history of TFA South Africa. This year’s event was not only a true test of strength, endurance and spirit - it was a celebration of unity and growth. With over 146 individuals and 42 relay teams, this year’s TFA SA saw fire chiefs competing, including a female fire chief, as well as a team from Botswana.
Congratulations to the top five male participants: Aphiwe Ndukbini of Metro EMS Rescue, Emile Conrad of Garden Route District Fire Department, Manie Gouws of West Rand Nzuri, Tertius Engelbrecht of Midvaal Local Municipality and Thsto Molefe of West Rand.
The top five females were: Baigum Abrahams of Cape Town Fire and Rescue, Thobeka Senatse of Cape Town Fire and Rescue, Sweetness Qinisile of Western Cape EMS, Natasha Stoltz of VWS and Tandiswa Stafa of Cape Town Fire and Rescue.
TFA SA founder and organiser, Mark Smith, said, “For the first time, TFA South Africa became a fully international event, welcoming a team from Botswana to compete alongside our local heroes. The presence of distinguished guests - World Firefighter Games Executive Director John Hartley, Mr Andrew Birch and Mr Faisal Dossary from Saudi Arabia - underscored the global recognition the event is now receiving.”
He added, “In 2025, the TFA-SA fulfilled one of its founding dreams: to stand proudly on the international stage. What began as a vision to challenge and inspire firefighters across our nation has now grown into a beacon of excellence that connects us to the world firefighting community. The event also highlighted the incredible power of community. Businesses, local residents, volunteers and firefighters all came together with passion and purpose - proving once again that the heart of TFA beats not only in the competitors but in everyone who supports them.”
“Equally inspiring was the remarkable improvement in the standard of competition. The athletes demonstrated unmatched determination, teamwork and courage, embodying the true spirit of what it means to be the Toughest Firefighter Alive. As we look ahead, TFA South Africa stands stronger than ever — a symbol of resilience, unity and international brotherhood in firefighting”, said Smith.
“Together, we rise, we endure and we inspire. TFA-SA 2025 - Tougher. Stronger. United.” ~ Mark Smith, TFA SA co-founder and organiser.
The TFA SA 2025 main sponsors included Industrial Fire and Hazard Control, George Tourism, Garden Route Mall, Form Scaff. The Silver Sponsors were Ramcom Trucks and Load Bodies, Vanguard Fire and Safety, Dräger South Africa and Survival Technology while other sponsors were MTN, SCS Contractors, Firstcare Wildfire Support, Frontier Medix, Design Plus Interior Concepts, Charnaud, SafeQuip, Absolutely Perfect Water, Pick n Pay, Tyre Mart, Henra, Chain Gang Events, Romans Pizza, J&E Communications, Exercise Teachers Academy (ETA), Safari, Premier Express Inn George and Cadidas Catering.
CFO Deon Stoffels, Garden Route District Municipality
“The Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition was a thrilling event that showcased the physical and mental endurance of firefighters from across South Africa and individual participants of Botswana and Namibia. With over 267 firefighters and 44 relay teams participating, the competition was fierce and was exactly what we aimed for in expanding the competition, which promotes fitness and health, update on skill and enhancing the general importance of the functions of a firefighter”, said Garden Route District Municipality’s CFO Deon Stoffels.
Event atmosphere
“The event succeeded to promote fire safety awareness, foster camaraderie among firefighters and inspire the next generation of emergency responders, including a popular mini firefighter competition held. The Competition was an entertaining and crowded event that pushed firefighters to their limits, showcasing their strength, agility and teamwork. With its unique blend of physical challenges and entertainment, the event was a success, highlighting the bravery and dedication of firefighters in the country.”
“The location of the Garden Route Mall indeed created an added benefit to the event, as shopping, and a variety of restaurants and food outlets were on site to which firefighters could take a deserved break and step away from.”
“In closing, it is vitally important that the longevity of our firefighters are prolonged and by having objectives like a National Skills and Fitness Competition, promotes that due to the fact that your firefighters train and prepare months in advance. This means that they are physically and mentally prepared for our busy summer periods all across the country. It is indeed a win-win situation and chief fire officers are urged to register and motivate their firefighters to partake.”
“Congratulations to All those who ended in respective podium places, however, everyone which partook are winners. Please look forward to an even better event in October 2026.” ~ CFO Deon Stoffels, Garden Route District Municipality.
Etienne du Toit, Fire and Rescue Services, Western Cape Government
“’Grit is defined as the combination of perseverance and passion for achieving long-term goals, even in the face of challenges, setbacks or difficulties’. The Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) 2025 competition, held recently in George, once again showcased the extraordinary strength, skill and resilience of South Africa’s emergency services community. The event brought together participants from across the country to compete in a series of gruelling physical and technical challenges that mirror the demands of real-life firefighting, testing endurance, agility and teamwork under pressure”, said Western Cape Government’s Etienne du Toit.
“Beyond the competition, TFA 2025 served as an important platform for promoting firefighter health, fitness and safety awareness. The event highlights the critical need for physical and mental wellness in a profession where lives depend on peak performance and sound judgment. Through open discussions and engagement among participants, the event underscored the importance of regular fitness, stress management and proactive health practices in sustaining long, effective careers in the emergency service.”
“Equally significant was the spirit of camaraderie and networking that filled the air. Firefighters and paramedics from various municipalities, agencies and disciplines exchanged experiences, built friendships and strengthened professional relationships that extend far beyond the competition field. The unity displayed serves as a reminder that, while competition drives excellence, collaboration is what sustains the fire service as a collective force for public safety.”
“Although the event is fiercely contested, the healthy competition ensures that every participant emerges a winner, each pushing personal limits and demonstrating dedication to the profession. The growing standard of the TFA each year continues to astound spectators and inspire peers, reflecting both improved training regimes and the evolving professionalism within South African fire services. The Toughest Fire Fighter Alive 2025 once again proved that strength, teamwork and passion are the foundations of a safer and healthier firefighting community and a proud testament to the calibre of the men and women who serve.”
“The Western Cape Government proudly supports the Toughest Fire Fighter Alive event, a powerful testament to courage, resilience and excellence in our fire and rescue services.” ~ Etienne du Toit, Fire and Rescue Services, Department of Local Government, Western Cape Government.
John Hartley, World Firefighter Games 2026
“I would like to say that I was both inspired and amazed at the way the organising committee and competitors displayed their dedication to the event. I believe that in just a few short years the TFA South Africa will be visited by more and more international competitors as the word spreads about the speed, skill, stamina and strength of the South African firefighters and of course the hospitality shown by all. I’m looking forward to many of the competitors next year in Saudi. Until then, I hope you all stay safe and on behalf of the World Firefighter Games (WFG), we wish you all a very merry Festive Season! ~ John Hartley, World Firefighter Games 2026
Andrew J Birch, World Firefighter Games 2026
"The South African TFA 2025 showcased incredible strength and determination from both male and female firefighters, all pushing their limits in true TFA spirit. It was inspiring to witness such passion, teamwork and resilience on display — and even more rewarding to see strong international participation, reflecting the growing global unity and prestige of the Toughest Firefighter Alive". ~ Andrew J Birch, Director: Sports and Competitions, World Firefighter Games 2026.
Gallery and video compilations: https://www.frimedia.org/tfa-2025-gallery.html
Results: https://www.mobiielite.com/results/RaceID/36e9c2c0-1373-4798-ba14-13a233ea3b17
We are still uploading more photos to the gallery J
Congratulations to all participants! See you all in George on the Garden Route from 1 to 3 October 2026 for TFA SA 2026!
Quote of the week
“Leadership is unlocking people's potential to become better.” ~ Bill Bradley
Fire and Rescue International is your magazine.
Read it, use it and share it!
Read the latest FRI magazine: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-vol-8-no-2.html
Read the latest Disaster Management Journal: https://www.frimedia.org/dmj-vol-7-no-1.html
FRI magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-archives.html
DMJ magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/dmj-magazine.html
Enjoy the read!
Lee Raath-Brownie
Managing director
Cell: 082 371 0190
Contact us
Tel: 011 452 3135 or Email: [email protected]
Websites
www.fireandrescue.co
www.frimedia.org
Facebook
www.facebook.com/FireandRescueInternational
Twitter
www.twitter.com/FRI_magazine
LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-raath-brownie-16668065/
Congratulations to the top five male participants: Aphiwe Ndukbini of Metro EMS Rescue, Emile Conrad of Garden Route District Fire Department, Manie Gouws of West Rand Nzuri, Tertius Engelbrecht of Midvaal Local Municipality and Thsto Molefe of West Rand.
The top five females were: Baigum Abrahams of Cape Town Fire and Rescue, Thobeka Senatse of Cape Town Fire and Rescue, Sweetness Qinisile of Western Cape EMS, Natasha Stoltz of VWS and Tandiswa Stafa of Cape Town Fire and Rescue.
TFA SA founder and organiser, Mark Smith, said, “For the first time, TFA South Africa became a fully international event, welcoming a team from Botswana to compete alongside our local heroes. The presence of distinguished guests - World Firefighter Games Executive Director John Hartley, Mr Andrew Birch and Mr Faisal Dossary from Saudi Arabia - underscored the global recognition the event is now receiving.”
He added, “In 2025, the TFA-SA fulfilled one of its founding dreams: to stand proudly on the international stage. What began as a vision to challenge and inspire firefighters across our nation has now grown into a beacon of excellence that connects us to the world firefighting community. The event also highlighted the incredible power of community. Businesses, local residents, volunteers and firefighters all came together with passion and purpose - proving once again that the heart of TFA beats not only in the competitors but in everyone who supports them.”
“Equally inspiring was the remarkable improvement in the standard of competition. The athletes demonstrated unmatched determination, teamwork and courage, embodying the true spirit of what it means to be the Toughest Firefighter Alive. As we look ahead, TFA South Africa stands stronger than ever — a symbol of resilience, unity and international brotherhood in firefighting”, said Smith.
“Together, we rise, we endure and we inspire. TFA-SA 2025 - Tougher. Stronger. United.” ~ Mark Smith, TFA SA co-founder and organiser.
The TFA SA 2025 main sponsors included Industrial Fire and Hazard Control, George Tourism, Garden Route Mall, Form Scaff. The Silver Sponsors were Ramcom Trucks and Load Bodies, Vanguard Fire and Safety, Dräger South Africa and Survival Technology while other sponsors were MTN, SCS Contractors, Firstcare Wildfire Support, Frontier Medix, Design Plus Interior Concepts, Charnaud, SafeQuip, Absolutely Perfect Water, Pick n Pay, Tyre Mart, Henra, Chain Gang Events, Romans Pizza, J&E Communications, Exercise Teachers Academy (ETA), Safari, Premier Express Inn George and Cadidas Catering.
CFO Deon Stoffels, Garden Route District Municipality
“The Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition was a thrilling event that showcased the physical and mental endurance of firefighters from across South Africa and individual participants of Botswana and Namibia. With over 267 firefighters and 44 relay teams participating, the competition was fierce and was exactly what we aimed for in expanding the competition, which promotes fitness and health, update on skill and enhancing the general importance of the functions of a firefighter”, said Garden Route District Municipality’s CFO Deon Stoffels.
Event atmosphere
“The event succeeded to promote fire safety awareness, foster camaraderie among firefighters and inspire the next generation of emergency responders, including a popular mini firefighter competition held. The Competition was an entertaining and crowded event that pushed firefighters to their limits, showcasing their strength, agility and teamwork. With its unique blend of physical challenges and entertainment, the event was a success, highlighting the bravery and dedication of firefighters in the country.”
“The location of the Garden Route Mall indeed created an added benefit to the event, as shopping, and a variety of restaurants and food outlets were on site to which firefighters could take a deserved break and step away from.”
“In closing, it is vitally important that the longevity of our firefighters are prolonged and by having objectives like a National Skills and Fitness Competition, promotes that due to the fact that your firefighters train and prepare months in advance. This means that they are physically and mentally prepared for our busy summer periods all across the country. It is indeed a win-win situation and chief fire officers are urged to register and motivate their firefighters to partake.”
“Congratulations to All those who ended in respective podium places, however, everyone which partook are winners. Please look forward to an even better event in October 2026.” ~ CFO Deon Stoffels, Garden Route District Municipality.
Etienne du Toit, Fire and Rescue Services, Western Cape Government
“’Grit is defined as the combination of perseverance and passion for achieving long-term goals, even in the face of challenges, setbacks or difficulties’. The Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) 2025 competition, held recently in George, once again showcased the extraordinary strength, skill and resilience of South Africa’s emergency services community. The event brought together participants from across the country to compete in a series of gruelling physical and technical challenges that mirror the demands of real-life firefighting, testing endurance, agility and teamwork under pressure”, said Western Cape Government’s Etienne du Toit.
“Beyond the competition, TFA 2025 served as an important platform for promoting firefighter health, fitness and safety awareness. The event highlights the critical need for physical and mental wellness in a profession where lives depend on peak performance and sound judgment. Through open discussions and engagement among participants, the event underscored the importance of regular fitness, stress management and proactive health practices in sustaining long, effective careers in the emergency service.”
“Equally significant was the spirit of camaraderie and networking that filled the air. Firefighters and paramedics from various municipalities, agencies and disciplines exchanged experiences, built friendships and strengthened professional relationships that extend far beyond the competition field. The unity displayed serves as a reminder that, while competition drives excellence, collaboration is what sustains the fire service as a collective force for public safety.”
“Although the event is fiercely contested, the healthy competition ensures that every participant emerges a winner, each pushing personal limits and demonstrating dedication to the profession. The growing standard of the TFA each year continues to astound spectators and inspire peers, reflecting both improved training regimes and the evolving professionalism within South African fire services. The Toughest Fire Fighter Alive 2025 once again proved that strength, teamwork and passion are the foundations of a safer and healthier firefighting community and a proud testament to the calibre of the men and women who serve.”
“The Western Cape Government proudly supports the Toughest Fire Fighter Alive event, a powerful testament to courage, resilience and excellence in our fire and rescue services.” ~ Etienne du Toit, Fire and Rescue Services, Department of Local Government, Western Cape Government.
John Hartley, World Firefighter Games 2026
“I would like to say that I was both inspired and amazed at the way the organising committee and competitors displayed their dedication to the event. I believe that in just a few short years the TFA South Africa will be visited by more and more international competitors as the word spreads about the speed, skill, stamina and strength of the South African firefighters and of course the hospitality shown by all. I’m looking forward to many of the competitors next year in Saudi. Until then, I hope you all stay safe and on behalf of the World Firefighter Games (WFG), we wish you all a very merry Festive Season! ~ John Hartley, World Firefighter Games 2026
Andrew J Birch, World Firefighter Games 2026
"The South African TFA 2025 showcased incredible strength and determination from both male and female firefighters, all pushing their limits in true TFA spirit. It was inspiring to witness such passion, teamwork and resilience on display — and even more rewarding to see strong international participation, reflecting the growing global unity and prestige of the Toughest Firefighter Alive". ~ Andrew J Birch, Director: Sports and Competitions, World Firefighter Games 2026.
Gallery and video compilations: https://www.frimedia.org/tfa-2025-gallery.html
Results: https://www.mobiielite.com/results/RaceID/36e9c2c0-1373-4798-ba14-13a233ea3b17
We are still uploading more photos to the gallery J
Congratulations to all participants! See you all in George on the Garden Route from 1 to 3 October 2026 for TFA SA 2026!
Quote of the week
“Leadership is unlocking people's potential to become better.” ~ Bill Bradley
Fire and Rescue International is your magazine.
Read it, use it and share it!
Read the latest FRI magazine: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-vol-8-no-2.html
Read the latest Disaster Management Journal: https://www.frimedia.org/dmj-vol-7-no-1.html
FRI magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-archives.html
DMJ magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/dmj-magazine.html
Enjoy the read!
Lee Raath-Brownie
Managing director
Cell: 082 371 0190
Contact us
Tel: 011 452 3135 or Email: [email protected]
Websites
www.fireandrescue.co
www.frimedia.org
www.facebook.com/FireandRescueInternational
www.twitter.com/FRI_magazine
http://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-raath-brownie-16668065/