ERMELO – Two first responders, Sibusiso Khumalo, a paramedic, and his wife, Amangwe, a firefighter, handle their lifestyle, marriage and raising their children like true heroes.
First responders work long hours and have varying work schedules, making it difficult for them to spend time together.
Regardless of the challenges they face, however, they make it work at all cost.
Highvelder spent some time with them and they explained that though their lives can get hectic at times, they would not have it any other way.
Amangwe, who always dreamt of saving lives, wanted to become a doctor. After she struggled to get an opening at a university to obtain her degree, she had the opportunity to train as a firefighter at the Ekurhuleni Training
College. She jumped at the opportunity in 2003.
In the same year, Amangwe and Sibusiso met and were married soon afterwards.
Sibusiso, who first worked at Telkom, decided to follow his heart to become a paramedic.
He completed his training in 2004 at De Vries Ambulance Academy in Pretoria.
Their schedules are not easily managed, as Sibusiso works 12-hour shifts and Amangwe 24-hour ones.
“It can become very strenuous, especially on our children, but we have a very strong support system, and know that both of us have to bring our part at home to make this work,” Amangwe said.
Their three children are aged 16, 12 and six. At times when the parents are both on shift, they rely on Sibusiso’s grandparents or Amangwe’s parents to help look after them.
Without the help of their family, they would not get to do what they love.
Read the complete article in the Highvelder newspaper.
