“As the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), we are extremely proud of commanders Flank and Esau for their astounding achievement. “
“You are a beacon of hope for young people in this country. Congratulations, may you continue the great work,” said councillor Vasco da Gama, Speaker of Council for the CoJ.
Station commanders Jocelyn Flank and Deon Esau received the Integrity Idols SA 2018 Award for their extraordinary contribution to youth development.
In a press release, the Executive Mayor for the CoJ, councillor Herman Mashaba, congratulated the pair and said, “The life-changing contribution made by commanders Jocelyn and Deon to the lives of young people is immense. They have saved thousands of young people from falling into preying hands and drug addiction.These young men and women now have the competitive advantages they need to live a better quality life and uplift the communities around them.”
Jocelyn and Deon have, for the past 14 years, devoted their time and personal resources to empowering young people between the ages of 12 and 18 years, with basic skills in fire and water safety, life, leadership and community skills.
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Every year, 220 aspiring cadets are trained at the Florida Fire Station, for approximately eight hours every Saturday and Sunday, and, once they have completed the full programme and reached the age of 18, they can enroll in the EMS Explorer Programme for the full preparatory training to become qualified firefighters or emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
Since the inception of the programme, many of the cadets and explorers have become qualified firefighters and EMTs, not only for the CoJ, but also in other metropolitans, the provincial government and private institutions.
Jocelyn said, “It is humbling to be recognised for the work we have done. When we started this project it was not for the praise, but to change the lives of young people. I am very honoured and encouraged by this award.”
Deon echoed these sentiments, and added, “It’s incredible to be among such great leaders of our society who do their best every day to impact positively on the lives of others. To share a stage with these awesome people is simply amazing.”
The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, councillor Michael Sun congratulated the two winners and said, “I want to express our appreciation to them for flying the Joburg Emergency Management Services’ flag high. I look forward to seeing more young people joining the city’s emergency services. We also want to express our congratulations to all other winners of the Integrity Idols Awards, as they are true examples of civil service and society. We are proud to be part of their journey, and will continue to support them.”
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