Firefighters firing away this festive season

True South African heroes are a term that can best describe the staff at the Fire Department. While most people are braaing, relaxing or bonding with families and friends during the festive season, fire fighters are rescuing, fighting fires and saving lives.
In an interview with the Courier, two fire fighters, Thandazile Mbatha and Phakamani Buthelezi offered an in-depth look into the lives behind these fire warriors.
Thandazile began her career in February 2009 and has spent many festive seasons on the road saving lives, whilst leaving her two children at home.
Thandazile will not be working this Christmas and looks forward to this time with her family, however she will be on duty on December 31.

Phakamani has been with the Department for seven years. He, too, has toiled previously during the festive season. This season is a busy period and many accidents plague our roads during this time. As a result many firefighters are on the road lending a hand to the victims of the accidents and preventing more road tragedies. On the road and away from home is a feeling that disturbs Phakamani. “When we work during the festive season, we miss family gatherings and home-cooked food.
“They bring food for me but it is simply not the same. During the celebrations leading to New Years Eve, crackers can be heard and seen going off from the office windows, but we are here,” Phakamini added.
Fortunately this year he will be able to enjoy the festivities as a result of there being extra volunteers on the force. Zamani Mhlungu, Fire Department office manager, also commented on the challenges these men and woman face during the festive season.
“Besides being away from home, a lot of physical training goes into it and there are many risks involved in terms of exposure to danger and crime during this season”. Despite all the challenges, the fire department still stands strong and these fire men and women will continue to save lives and make a difference to the lives of many.