Cynthia Maqunguho has been selected as one of four finalists standing the chance of winning the 2015 Centrum Guardians accolade.
Maqungu, a reservist firefighter for Ekurhuleni Metro Emergency Services, saved three people from a burning shack in the Ramaphosa informal settlement, on October 28, 2013.
As a reservist, Maqungu works with the PIER (Public Information, Education and Relations) group, who are trained to assist in informal settlement emergencies.
One of the adults Maqungu saved that night was a woman named Maria Shilaluke, a sangoma who consults in the area.
When Shilaluke was asked to comment on this experience and what she thought of Maqungu, she said she was deeply grateful for being saved.
The four finalists were introduced by former iconic Carte Blanche presenter Ruda Landman, at the 2015 Centrum Guardians launch, hosted at the Leon Ferreira Fire Station, on July 1.
The other finalists include Michael Callow, an ALS (Advanced Life Support) paramedic for Ekurhuleni Metro Emergency Services for the past 24 years.
He was active in saving the lives of an innocent bystander and two Metro Police Officers – one of whom was shot three times and the other 12 times, during one of the bloodiest shootouts in the city’s history.
The two EMPD officers who were shot on that fateful day were under cover in a joint operation with the National Crime Intelligence and the SAPS K9 Units.
Also nominated is the structural collapse 100-crew rescue team made up of members of a numerous emergency services.
According to the Ekurhuleni Metro spokesperson, Themba Gadebe, they are proud of the emergency services members (Maqungu and Callow) who were selected amongst hundreds for their selfless acts of bravery and stories of courage.
“We are proud of these nominations and encourage residents from Ekurhuleni to vote for the nominated finalists who put their own lives at risk to save the lives of their fellow Ekurhuleni residents.”
Guests also had the opportunity during the unveiling of the finalists of taking part in practical emergency and rescue demonstrations.
Live demonstrations – conducted by professionals with the help of enthusiastic participants – included, high angle rescue with K9 dogs, how to deal with gas in your home, extinguishing fires and rescuing motor vehicle accident victims.
Since 2008, Centrum has been recognising the awe-inspiring work of these individuals through the pioneering Centrum Guardians Project.
“For the last eight years, Centrum has been the very proud sponsor of this initiative,” said Natasha Macdonald, the Centrum Brand Manager.
Watch video on high angle rescue with K9 dogs:
Watch video on the procedure of putting out a fire:
“We have met many dedicated men and women who put their own lives at risk to save the lives of their fellow South Africans.
“We have heard dramatic stories of rescues that have taken our breath away and brought tears to our eyes.
“We are constantly amazed at the modesty of the nominees and finalists when we ask how they were brave enough to run into burning buildings or swim into dark, stormy waters to save lives.
“We have a renewed respect for what it takes to be an emergency services member, whether they are a firefighter, rescuer or paramedic.”
* Watch the finalists’ stories and vote for your favourite on the Centrum Guardians website at www.centrumguardians.com. Voting is now open and closes at midday, on August 20.
The winner will be announced online at the Centrum Guardians website and www.facebook.com/CentrumSA, on August 25. – @IschkeBoksburg
Galleries:
2015 Centrum Guardians: Guests participate in demonstrations (1)
2015 Centrum Guardians: Guests participate in demonstrations (2)
