The South African Post Office launched a limited edition set of stamps during a ceremony hosted by the metro, in Bedfordview, last Thursday.
The eight stamps honour and celebrate firefighters, the unsung heroes and heroines who put their own lives on the line to save the lives of South African citizens, day in day out.
Despite the commemorative stamps being officially launched, last Thursday, they have been available at selected SA Post Offices since June 26.
Each stamp costs R3.30 and can be used as postage on a standard letter.
The artwork for the set of eight stamps was done by Jaco Botha, a 21-year-old third year graphic design student at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
The TUT graphic design department incorporated the stamp design project into their curriculum.
The design students were required to create images that reflect different aspects of firefighting and its sub-sections, as well as the history of firefighting in South Africa.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Services of the metro provided guidance in this regard, and helped to ensure that the firefighters’ uniforms, vehicles and equipment were depicted accurately on the stamps.
The back of the stamp sheet contains guidelines on fire safety at home, including hints on avoiding fires and what action to take in the event of a fire.
The role of firefighters – our real-life action heroes – is to protect lives and property.
No matter which country you live and work in, firefighters work together against one common enemy – fire.
However, firefighters are not only trained to put out fires, they are also trained as paramedics and rescuers who assist during emergencies, including local and national disasters such as floods and earthquakes and traffic accidents.
The first image on the stamp sheet depicts a 1920s Dennis fire engine, used in South Africa at the time, with a typical fire station from that era in the background; while the second stamp shows a typical modern-day fire engine and fire station.
The rest of the stamps show modern firefighters in action.
The stamps can be ordered online at www.virtualpostoffice.co.za, or you can send an e-mail to sastamps@postoffice.co.za.
Only 20 000 sheets were printed and, for this reason, the stamps will be available at selected post offices only.
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