Firefighters’ Day commemorated
Mopani District Municipality’s member of the mayoral committee for infrastructure, Given Malatji has paid tribute to firefighters who put their lives in danger in order to rescue trapped victims and save properties in communities across the district.
Malatji, delivered a message on behalf of the executive mayor, Pule Shayi as the district commemorated International Firefighters’ Day in an event held at the Disaster Management Centre in Tzaneen last Tuesday.
The team from MDM was joined by firefighting personnel from Working on Fire and the Letaba Fire Protection Association.
International Firefighters’ Day is commemorated every year on 4 May to pay tribute to firefighting professionals across the world who risk their lives to save people.
“As a district, we are grateful that we have not lost firefighters in the line of duty over the past few years. However, on a day such as this, we need to remember those that have lost their loved ones across the globe.
“We know that in your line of work what may look like a normal day may change into a tragic day within seconds. The images of firefighters who died in 2018 when fighting the flames that had engulfed the top storeys of the Bank of Lisbon building in Johannesburg will remain with us forever.
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“We mourn these and other lives lost around the country, but their lost lives should serve as a reminder of our commitment to endeavour at all times to strive towards continuously improving community safety,” he said.
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Malatji went on to acknowledge the role played by volunteer firefighters.
“What is important is that we use this day to appreciate your work because you always put your own lives on the line to fight flames in order to rescue lives and save properties. We want to extend our special gratitude to those that are doing this work on a voluntary basis, which is a clear demonstration of their love for our communities. You always sacrifice your lives going all out there to fight flames, and today is about acknowledging your valuable contributions.”
Malatji said the district municipality has plans to build fire stations in Kgapane in Greater Letaba Municipality, Gavaza in Greater Tzaneen Municipality and The Oaks in Maruleng.
