Working on Fire works in partnership with the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), a section 21 non-profit company which operates in an area of 4-million hectares covering the whole Eden District, Tsitsikamma, Langkloof and Baviaanskloof.
Their aim is to empower local communities to become more aware of the risks of fire, thus capacitating them to act pro-actively in reducing fire hazards.
Working on Fire teams are thus used to service SCFPA members and other landowners in need.
The team becomes the first response to fire emergencies.
Although this team focuses on mainly on veld fires, they are geared to assist the municipal fire department in fighting larger fires.
"The Mossel Bay base is one of eight Fire Management Units in the Southern Cape, which in turn is part of 31 spread across the Wes-tern Cape. Of our 25 newly qualified members at this, our youngest base, three are women," said General Manager of Working on Fire in the Western Cape, Shane Christian.
He confirmed that their recruitment mandate is for the team to comprise of 100% youth, being 70% male and 30% female members.
"We are also looking at employing a suitable person living with disability and would like to invite candidates to present their CVs," he said. Interested parties can email their information to shane.christian@wofire.co.za.
Alderlady Marie Ferreira, Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay, applauded the inclusion of three women, with the base manager being Juliana Boezak. As this is essentially a job creation programme, she welcomed the initiative.
"Unemployment amongst the youth plays a major role in tension amongst communities, therefore this comes at a good time."
Eden District Municipality Deputy Mayor Lionel Esau encouraged the team members to follow their dreams, as their basic training can be furthered at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University through the SCFPA.
"Furthering you education - now, there is a dream, and it is within your reach, through hard work. It is a privilege to welcome you are fire fighters."
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A joyous song rang out as the newly established Working on Fire team performed their unique base song to the audience during the official welcoming event.
ARTICLE AND PHOTO: CORNELLE CARSTENS, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST
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