The Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services Training Academy graduated 20 new firefighters at a Passing Out Parade held in Stellenbosch on Friday, 16 October.

The graduates, drawn from across the Cape Winelands District, completed an intensive eight-week programme that began on 13 July 2026. The class ranged in age from 20 to 35 years old.

Six graduates hailed from Breede Valley: Leighton Davids, Regan Fiellies, Edwill Pietersen, Orlando Saunders, Luthando Tloti and Rochester George. Langeberg was represented by Velencio Hoofd, Albranco Fortuin, Nathan de Beer and Mark-Junior Hendricks, whilst Witzenberg graduates included Jimeeqe Koopman, Nashwell Vermeulen and Justin Bartman.

During the programme, students successfully completed the Firefighter 1 course as well as Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations courses, receiving Statements of Results for the NFPA 1001 Programme.

Executive Mayor Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht, attending her final Passing Out Parade in the role, addressed the graduates: “I welcome you into this fraternity. Serve with courage. Serve with compassion.

“Serve with honour. And always make the communities you serve proud of the uniform you wear.”

In a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, the Executive Mayor handed over to the administrative leadership, expressing confidence in their ability to lead Fire Services into its next chapter.

Certificates were presented by Executive Mayor Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht, Executive Deputy Mayor Ald Margie Sampson, Speaker Ald Donovan Joubert and Portfolio Holder for Fire Services Ald Regie Farao, alongside Chief Fire Officer Wayne Josias, Municipal Manager Henry Prins and Executive Director for Community Development and Planning Services Pietie Williams.

The Academy recognised outstanding achievement through its Awards of Excellence. Edwill Pietersen received Student of the Course, while Mark-Junior Hendricks was named Best Theoretical Student for both Firefighter 1 and Hazmat Awareness. Luthando Tloti received Best Theoretical Student for Hazmat Operations.

Nashwell Vermeulen was awarded Best Practical Student for Firefighter 1, and Matthayo September received the same honour for Hazmat Operations. Mulder Steyn received the Heinrich Louw Award for Most Improved Student, whilst Regan Fiellies was named Most Disciplined Student.

Chief Fire Officer Wayne Josias encouraged the graduates to remain lifelong learners and seek wisdom from experienced colleagues.

Graduate Mulder Steyn reflected on the experience, describing the programme as “the most fun they would never want to have again.”

The graduates began their journey as strangers and departed as a unified team, equipped with the skills and responsibility to protect and serve their communities.

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