This was said by EMS spokesperson, Nana Radebe, who also stated that her department was providing much-needed services to over 3.5 million citizens within the city.
“Over the past five years, the City of Johannesburg has experienced an alarming growth in population, putting strain on already over-stretched resources. On average, the City’s emergency command centre receives over 20 000 emergency calls a month,” Radebe said.
In a recent Eyewitness News special report, it was said that firefighters had complained about appalling working conditions. It was said initially that seven firefighters came forward claiming they faced a lack of vital equipment, including fire stations that don’t have working toilets, and poor support from management. The report said the firefighters sometimes spend up to R1 000 a month of their own money on equipment they need to do their jobs.
It was also stated that at least 50 others called on management to address, what they called, a gross violation of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. Meanwhile, Radebe said EMS was composed of over 1 600 employees, of which 80 percent are dedicated firefighters who put their lives on the line responding to fires, medical and other related incidents.
“The department is currently in a recruitment drive to add 200 firefighters to the current staff complement. This is done to strengthen the dedicated work force that has been providing legendary medical and fire services to multitudes, selflessly and with excellence,” she said.
Radebe said the City took a decision to commit funds to build Protea Glen and Cosmo City firestations after a feasibility study. She added that the construction of any EMS facility is based on a strategic goal to increase the accessibility of the services by the community. Radebe said, “These facilities are an embodiment of the City’s commitment to building safe communities and, therefore, a safer city.”
She said they had an annual budget of R1 billion for operational and capital expenditure. Part of it has been allocated to the refurbishment and building of firestations. She stated that the department has adequate basic firefighting equipment. “The department procured much-needed equipment such as a Jaws of Life system, electrocardiography (ECG) monitors and self-contained breathing apparatus to the value of R11 million, and a further R13 million has been committed to procuring more equipment.
Radebe said there were proper internal processes accessible to all aggrieved employees at all times. “We will continue to engage employees to ensure a healthy workforce,” she said.
