Edenvale bids farewell to firefighter

After 40 years of service, Edenvale bade farewell to firefighter Robert Risinge Manganyi.

ALSO READ: CoE firefighters undergo lifesaving training

Born in Giyani in Limpopo, Manganyi started at the Edenvale Fire Station in 1983 as a recruit firefighter.

He then became an ambulance assistant and retired at the end of last month as a crew commander.

Media liaison for the City of Ekurhuleni DEMS, William Ntladi, described Manganyi as a passionate firefighter who loved his duties.

“He was always on duty as required and never broke service. Manganyi would sacrifice his time off just to assist community members.”

His last words to the firefighters were to act responsibly, have a willingness and take accountability.

He told them that unity is strength and that the firefighters must stay focused and build unity among themselves.

During his farewell, former firefighter Abram Milla congratulated his longtime colleague on his many accomplishments.

ALSO READ: Firefighters delight at FTC

Milla mentioned the changes that firefighters and emergency services have experienced since he retired in 2019.

“The fire department and the ambulances services lost their original character,” he said, referring to Manganyi’s retirement.

Milla encouraged the firefighters to respect their jobs, which he described as a calling from God.

Several speakers spoke about how Manganyi had taught them responsibility and honesty in their firefighting jobs.

Ntladi said Manganyi was named Navigator because he knew Edenvale like the palm of his hand.

ALSO READ: City appoints 50 new firefighters

“He was a dedicated firefighter who loved his job and was willing to assist those who wanted to nurture their career to greater heights.

“As much as he is a guru in the department, he was willing to take instruction from the managers who are younger than him.”

Also follow us on: