WITH the rampant fires experienced in the metro recently, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality was pleased to welcome 33 new firefighters, to boost fire and emergency service teams.
The excited and fit recruits recently commenced with induction, in preparation for the enormous task ahead.
NMBM Safety and Security Member of the Mayoral Committee, Councillor Stag Mitchell, said that the recruitment was the biggest one yet in the metro.
“It is the first time that we have recruited such a big number of firefighters in our metro at once. Before this recruitment we had a staff complement of about 211 officials, and the additional 33 will assist in increasing our manpower. We will admit that we need more firefighters, but we believe that this is a good start to service our people better,” said Mitchell.
He added that the recruitment happened at the right time for the upcoming winter season, as more fire incidents are expected, especially in informal settlements.
“We continue to educate our residents about the prevention of these fires, but in the event that fires break out, our teams will be ready to serve with pride. This addition will help alleviate the pressure the department is currently under, due to a shortage of manpower. With the assistance of the existing staff, our new officials will be guided.
“We expect them to be on the ground later this month to save lives, prevent the destruction of property by fire, and serve the metro with bravery, courage, and honour,” the MMC said.
For 30-year-old Blaine Slater, the recruitment is a fulfilment of his childhood dream of one day becoming a firefighter.
Slater said he was honoured to be part of the group of new firefighters, with the important job of protecting and saving lives in the metro.
Pumeza Sundu (37) said that as a woman she was looking forward to working in what used to be a male-dominated industry.
“Things are changing a bit. I want to help my community in KwaZakhele to prevent fires from happening.
“I will take the knowledge I learn at work back to my community, to play my part as fires break out especially during loadshedding,” she concluded.
