City to recruit 35 new firefighters – apply now
The City’s firefighters have extinguished 4 224 fires in the past six months but are looking to enhance their force which provides ongoing protection and assistance to the community.
IN a bid to beef up its manpower in the Fire and Rescue Department, the eThekwini Municipality is embarking on a recruitment drive.
City spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said the 35 successful candidates have an opportunity to be permanently employed after the 12-month learnership programme. New recruits will add to over 500 firemen and women already employed in the unit.
“The recruitment drive will ensure that the firefighting workforce is enhanced to assist those in need and to protect lives, property and infrastructure. Our fire stations are manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, by a highly competent team employed in the City’s Fire Department. Each of our fire stations has fully equipped state-of-the-art fire engines,” she said.
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Sisilana said the City is always able to respond in cases where there are multiple fires because of its well-maintained equipment, daily rigorous training and well-established chain of command.
The City’s firefighters work in extremely dangerous environments and have extinguished 4 224 fires in the past six months. This includes 145 fires at informal settlements, which are prevalent during the winter season.
In addition to saving lives, Sisilana said the Fire and Rescue teams also conduct public awareness and education about safety, evacuation procedures and the importance of promptly reporting fires on the 24-hour number: 031 361 0000.
“Residents can rest assured that the City’s Fire and Rescue Department is more than capable of dealing with any emergency. We also have a higher-ranking officer on standby after hours to ensure all reported incidents are promptly attended to without any compromise,” said Sisilana.
Hopefuls looking to apply for the leadership programme can find the application form online.
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“The advert for the Fire and Rescue Operations Training Programme can be found in the Metro Ezasegagasini newspaper and via the online portal at www.durban.gov.za. It outlines essential requirements, as well as the physical tests that applicants will be subjected to,” Sisilana said.
What you need to know:
- Applicants will be subjected to registration, a written assessment, a physical fitness assessment, security clearance and a medical assessment.
- All applicants must report to the Durban Exhibition Centre on August 24 from 08:00 until 16:00 for registration.
- They must bring their original matric certificate and a certified copy, original identity document and certified copy, and proof of residence.
For enquiries about the Fire and Rescue Operations Learnership Programme, contact the eThekwini Municipal Academy’s Nokulunga Sibiya on 031 322 7535 / 3192 or Confidence Gumede from the Fire and Emergency Services on 031 311 5942.
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