GQEBERHA – Emergency services personnel from across the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, including members of the Eastern Cape Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS), private ambulance services and other first responders, gathered on 21 July to honour Advanced Life Support Paramedic Sthembiso Wiseman Twala, who died in a head-on collision while on duty 15 July.

Organised by Bester Emergency Medical Service, the memorial drive brought together colleagues, family, friends and members of the public in a convoy through Gqeberha before concluding with a remembrance gathering.

A cross was placed at the intersection where the accident occurred as a tribute to the fallen paramedic.

Participants were invited to share tributes and lay flowers or light candles in memory of Twala, whose dedication and service were celebrated as emergency services personnel paid their final respects to a colleague who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Addressing those in attendance, a representative of Bester Emergency Medical Service offered words of comfort to Twala’s family, encouraging them to draw strength from knowing that he had devoted his life to serving others.

The representative also urged fellow emergency medical personnel to remain steadfast in their calling despite the pain of losing one of their own, reminding them that Twala’s legacy of courage, compassion and selfless service would continue to inspire those who wear the uniform.

The memorial was held under the theme: “A life lived in service is a life that will never be forgotten.”

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