SA firefighters who battled wildfires in Canada a team we can be proud of

It is gratifying to know that there are still parts of our South African national character which we can be proud to display on the international stage.

This week, a contingent of firefighters from the government’s Working on Fire programme returned home after a month deployed in Manitoba, Canada, helping that province deal with a spate of devastating wildfires.

The Canadians were full of praise for the professionalism of the South Africans and for their team spirit – as expressed in their displays of smart marching and spirited singing.

Local Manitoba media reports and posts on social media confirmed that our team had won the hearts of many of the Canadians they had met.

Yet, the success of the mission was more than confirmation of the success of the selection and training processes within the Working on Fire programme, which is run by the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment as part of the broader expanded public works programme (EPWP).

An initiative such as the EPWP has the power to change the lives of communities, as well as many individuals.

At the same time as it creates jobs, a properly run EPWP could also provide skills training and experience which should help people in the future.