Randfontein’s very own to fight fires in Canada
As part of the Working On Fire Kishugu Joint Venture, 200 wildland firefighters have been deployed to Canada to lend a helping hand, and Randfontein's Cynthia Madisha is one of them.
One of Randfontein’s very own firefighters Cynthia Madisha is currently in Canada as part of the Working On Fire (WoF) Kishugu Joint Venture team.
In a statement issued by WoF’s provincial communications officer Parapara Makgahlela, Cynthia is one of 200 firefighters deployed on a humanitarian mission for at least 39 days to stop raging fires in Canada.
Cynthia is the Crew Leader Type 2 for Randfontein Emergency Services. This means she is the second in command in the team of wildland firefighters she leads, which consists of 14 firefighters. Since the beginning of the winter fire season, they have battled at least 20 fires.
“When I told my son that I was going to Canada he said to me ‘mom, make us proud but execute the assignment with aplomb. I love you’. This made me recognise how vital my job is,’’ Cynthia said.
Parapara further explained that WoF implements the Working on Fire Programme which is part of the Expanded Public Works Programmes under the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment.
“The programme aims to skill young firefighters as wildland firefighters and then offer them work opportunities. They currently have 200 bases across SA. This is the sixth year they are deploying to Canada, they’re biggest deployment was last year when 1 000 wildland firefighters went to Canada. At least 18.5 million hectares of plantations were scorched,” Parapara said.
He added this is the second time Cynthia has been selected to be deployed to Canada.
“Saving lives and protecting the environment is what she does as a firefighter daily. She broke a rookie shell when selected to partake in the 2023 deployment,” said Parapara.
‘‘I work well under pressure with dedication and commitment. My strengths are complemented by others’ strengths. This is a vote of confidence in me by the management. I won’t disappoint them,” stated Cynthia.
According to Parapara, each wildland firefighter must have five years of experience, have a valid SA passport, and pass physical fitness tests before being selected.
“Collectively they hope to make a positive contribution and lend a helping hand to others. They are to serve and protect the environment even outside of South Africa.”
