A total of 29 firefighters proudly crossed the stage and graduated from the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Training Academy in Stellenbosch on Friday 8 May.
The Fire Services Passing Out Parade saw candidates from across the Cape Winelands – Stellenbosch, Breede Valley and Langeberg municipalities – Overstrand Municipality, Oudtshoorn Municipality, CWDM, the South African Navy and Transnet successfully complete the NFPA 1001 Firefighter II course.
The course is an internationally recognised qualification preparing them to serve and protect their communities.
During the parade, Cape Winelands executive mayor Dr Elna von Schlicht praised the Autumn Class of 2026, reminding them that firefighting is built on discipline and sacrifice.
“Fire does not recognise municipal boundaries, titles or backgrounds; it recognises only courage, preparation and teamwork. Discipline saves lives.”
The firefighters went through a rigorous six-week programme that started at the end of March. The students studied theory, attended daily physical-training and practical sessions, and sacrificed their evenings and weekends to study.
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The event also celebrated Jaco Thuynsma, manager of Fire Services Support in the CWDM, for his 40 years of excellence in service. Reflecting on his journey, he recalled hydrant drills on the parade ground, colleagues lost in the line of duty, sacrifices made away from family, and the traditions that shaped the fire service.
“It was always about recovery,” he said. “Time spent here was never wasted, it was invested in service.”
Thuynsma’s reflection resonated deeply with the words of Heinrich Louw, CDWM Fire Services’ head of training, who offered a message entitled “The Gift of Time”.
“To exist is simply to occupy time,” he said. “But to live, truly live, is to fill time with purpose, with meaning, with service to something greater than yourself. You have chosen to live. Use the time well. Use it bravely. Use it in service.”
Firefighting ‘a calling’
Wayne Josias, CDWM chief fire officer, encouraged graduates to embrace resilience and humility.
“Life will present storms, but with faith and adaptability, you can achieve your aspirations. While others may flee from danger, you will stand firm and confront it. This is not a job, it’s a calling. Integrity, courage and respect are the cornerstones of our profession.”
Four students were presented with excellence awards: Marshall Koopman of Oudtshoorn Municipality was named Student of the Course; CDWM’s Gerswin Muller received the Best Theoretical and Best Academic Student awards; Caymen Muller was named Most Improved Student; and Tersius Booysen was recognised as Most Disciplined Student.
Said Muller about his journey: “The hardest part for me was returning after completing Firefighter I and feeling very small. Working with new equipment was intimidating and overwhelming at first, but now that I have finally completed the training, I feel much better and far more confident.”
The ceremony marked the beginning of the graduates’ professional journey.
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