THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is beaming with pride, as three of its brave firefighters, Alton and Riaan Senekal, and Roland Jerling, are competing in the World Firefighter Games in Aalborg, Denmark.
The Senekal brothers, station commanders at the KwaNobuhle Fire Station, and Roland Jerling, a senior firefighter at the South End Fire Station, are showcasing their skills alongside approximately 6 000 firefighters from around the globe, in over 50 events.
For the Senekals, this is not the first time they are representing their country on a global platform. Two years ago, they managed to bring home 11 medals between them from the World Firefighters Games held in Portugal.
Together the Senekal brothers have worked a combined six decades for the Nelson Mandela Bay municipal fire department. Alton has been with the department for 30 years, while Riaan has been with the department for 32 years.
Jerling, in addition, has always been passionate about saving lives and recruiting others to share in this passion.
Whether it’s saving people from fire or water, you can always sign him up. In 2016, he told the PE Express that lifesavers are a dying breed, and they need to do something to get kids interested in the sport again.
“Lifesaving is not just about saving lives. It is also a sport. It’s about having fun,” he said at the time.
“Their dedication to their profession and commitment to excellence is truly inspiring. They risk their lives to serve our communities and have also achieved top physical condition to represent our country,” said Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk, praising the trio.
“I have no doubt they will fly the South African flag high and bring back medals. Remember, when the going gets tough, Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie (loosely translated to ‘they don’t know what we know’).”
The World Firefighter Games, being held from September 7 to 14, provides a platform for these local heroes to demonstrate their expertise and passion for their work.
