They say if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.
Those words usually get an irritated eyeroll from most people – but for Ballito’s Keane Roberts they are completely true.
The 19-year-old with bright blue eyes has become a familiar face along Ballito Drive, waving at every car that passes the fire station.
Although he is not an employed municipal fire fighter, Keane has been volunteering his time for almost a year, since moving down from Pretoria.
“I have always wanted to be a fire fighter. When I was 16 I volunteered at Netcare on some ambulances. I have a passion for fire fighting so I asked if I could volunteer in Ballito.”
Keane proudly wears his uniform every day and sometimes works back-to-back shifts because the station is his home.
“I love it here. The adrenaline rush when the sirens start going off and we have to head for an emergency is amazing. I do not get scared after I pray that my brothers and I come back alive. Firemen are there to help and keep everyone safe.”
The outgoing volunteer said he would not give up his time at the station, “not even for a Golf 6 GTI”.
He believes he will be the chief of his own squad one day and plans to apply to the KwaDukuza municipality for permanent employment during the next intake of cadets.
“I cannot give up being a fire-fighter. It feels good being part of a brotherhood and inspiring people. The community looks up to us and it makes me so proud.”
