KOUGA – Kouga Local Municipality is immensely proud of the seven firefighters who represented the municipality with courage, determination and professionalism at the Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition 2026, held in George from 1 to 3 October.

The gruelling competition tests firefighters’ physical strength, endurance, agility and mental resilience, with participants pushed to their limits through a series of challenging firefighting-related tasks.

The 2026 Kouga team comprised Fireman Geoffrey Smith from Hankey Fire Station; Firemen Jermaine Groep and Sean du Toit from Humansdorp Fire Station; Senior Firefighter Ashley Makoba, Fireman Curtis Jantjies and Fireman Pieter van Taak from Jeffreys Bay Fire Station; and Fireman Benito Wabani from St Francis Bay Fire Station.

Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman congratulated the firefighters on their participation and praised their commitment to representing the municipality.

“Kouga is immensely proud of these seven firefighters who stepped forward to take on such a demanding competition. Their participation is a reflection of the courage, discipline and determination that characterise our firefighting teams.”

Bornman said the competition provided the firefighters with an opportunity to challenge themselves, test their skills and demonstrate the level of physical and mental preparedness required in their profession.

“Toughest Firefighter Alive is a true test of endurance, strength and mental resilience. These are qualities that our firefighters rely on every day when responding to emergencies and protecting our communities.”

He added the municipality’s firefighters are regularly called upon to operate under difficult and dangerous conditions, often responding to fires, accidents and other emergencies where quick decision-making, teamwork and physical fitness are essential.

“Their participation in the competition highlights the dedication of Kouga’s firefighting personnel and their commitment to maintaining the high level of readiness required to serve communities across the municipality.”

Bornman also acknowledged the support provided by the firefighters’ colleagues and families.

“The demanding work of a firefighter does not stop when a shift ends. It requires ongoing training, dedication and sacrifice, and families and colleagues play an important role in supporting them. Kouga appreciates the commitment of everyone who contributes to keeping our communities safe.”

Looking ahead, Kouga Local Municipality hopes to build on its participation in the competition by pursuing an opportunity to host the Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition in Kouga within the next two years.

Bornman added that hosting the prestigious competition would provide an opportunity to showcase Kouga’s firefighting services while bringing competitors, officials and visitors to the region.

“We would be honoured to host the Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition in Kouga. We hope to secure the rights to host the event within the next two years.

It would be an excellent opportunity to showcase our firefighters, our emergency services and our beautiful municipality, while giving our local communities the chance to witness this incredible display of skill, strength and determination,” said Bornman.

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