Vaal Marina firefighters welcomed home
"I am glad we saved livelihoods and lives of people. And we flew South African flag high’’ explained Mahlangu.
SEDIBENG.- The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries’ Working on Fire programme in Gauteng recently welcomed its 29 firefighters who were deployed to Manitoba Province in Canada to suppress fires.
The firefighters spent 35 days battling the raging fires.
The following firefighters from the Vaal Marina base were deployed to Canada namely Paulina Hlahane, Nomsa Mahlangu and Jacob Mothombeni.
Nomsa Mahlangu a firefighter from Vaal Marina base said that the fires were scary and life threatening. ‘
‘This is my first deployment to Canada. The fires were very bad. I am glad we saved livelihoods and lives of people. And we flew South African flag high,’’ explained Mahlangu. She said she was ready and fit for the purpose.
‘‘We had aced our mission. We worked with other firefighters from other countries. It was moment to learn new things,’’ said Mahlangu. She said it was good to earn international experience and skills in fighting wildland fires.
‘‘I am glad I will be seeing my family this hectic fire season in Manitoba’’ said said. GM for Working on Fire in Gauteng Province Stephen Boyes congratulated and thanked the firefighters on their successful deployment.
