30 August 2024 Media Release: Occupational Firefighter Course intake done and dusted with programme – GRDM the first of 44 Districts to offer it!

Media Release: Occupational Firefighter Course intake done and dusted with programme – GRDM the first of 44 Districts to offer it!

30 August 2024

On Tuesday, 27 August 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire & Rescue Services, in collaboration with the GRDM Skills Mecca programme, marked a historic milestone with the Occupational Firefighter Graduation Ceremony. This event was a significant achievement as GRDM became the first district municipality in South Africa to offer and complete this type of qualification.

The prestigious event was attended by Chief Fire Officers from local municipalities within the district, Councillors, the GRDM Municipal Manager, Skills Mecca team, firefighters, officials, graduates, and their families and training stakeholders.

GRDM Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, Portfolio Chairperson of Corporate Services, delivered the official opening at the Graduation Ceremony.

GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, delivered a word of support on behalf of the Garden Route District Municipality during the Graduation Ceremony.

In his address as the administrative head of GRDM, Municipal Manager Monde Stratu, delivered a message of support, stating, “It is indeed a wonderful day when we celebrate people who made the decision to do something with their lives, follow through with it, and see it to the end.” Stratu emphasised the importance of education, adding: “At our institution, we take education very seriously and believe that education, in any form or shape, contributes to the development of both the individual and the country. There is a concept known as human development, and countries around the world are measured in terms of human development. One of the key measurements used is education, is quality – how many people have access to it, and how long they stay in the education system.”

Stratu further highlighted the broader impact of education, remarking: “Sometimes it appears that people do not understand the value of education beyond individual benefit. When the country invests in you, you benefit individually, but the best return on that investment is societal development. Are the people we are training giving back to society and their communities, so that the communities they live in grow? That is why, in my opinion, occasions of this nature are important to underline the importance of education.”

GRDM’s Executive Manager of Corporate Services, Trix Holtzhauzen, offered words of encouragement.

Deon Stoffels, GRDM Fire Chief, sharing insights from the municipality’s journey leading up to the day’s event during the Occupational Firefighter Graduation Ceremony.

Trix Holtzhausen, GRDM Executive Manager of Corporate Services, under which the Training and Development Section of GRDM falls, encouraged and congratulated the graduates with the following words: “You have taken on one of the most challenging and noble professions. One that demands bravery, selflessness, and an unyielding commitment to protecting others. Your journey through this rigorous program has prepared you not just to respond to fires, but to lead with integrity, compassion, and strength.”

GRDM Fire Chief, Deon Stoffels, provided a brief overview of the journey leading up to the day’s proceedings, highlighting both the challenges and successes experienced throughout the process. He took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank all the stakeholders and officials involved for their contributions and support in making the event possible.

Cllr Hoogbaard delivering a heartfelt message of encouragement to the newly graduated firefighters.

Aneeka Jacobs, representing the Western Cape LGSETA Skills Development, shares an inspiring message at the Occupational Firefighter Graduation Ceremony.

During the keynote address, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, congratulated the graduates and emphasised that the training program was more than just another initiative. “It represents the various municipalities’ investments in the well-being and security of our citizens. You are now part of an elite group of professionals who put their lives on the line every day to protect others,” he stated. Hoogbaard concluded his speech by reminding the firefighters that they will face challenges that would test their physical and mental limits, but he expressed his confidence in their readiness: “I have every confidence that you are ready for it, as you have been equipped over the past months with the latest techniques, technologies, and best practices to respond to emergencies and save lives.”

Both Ms. Aneeka Jacobs, Provincial Manager of Western Cape LGSETA Skills Development, and Dr Florus Prinsloo, GRDM Skills Mecca Programme Coordinator, addressed the graduates on behalf of their respective institutions. They commended the group for their perseverance and determination, which ultimately led to their successful completion of the Occupational Firefighting NQF Level 4 Programme.

Dr. Florus Prinsloo, GRDM Skills Mecca Programme Coordinator.

Reginald Salmons, GRDM Coordinator: Skills Development, plays a fundamental role in ensuring the success of Council’s training programs through his dedication and strategic planning.

The graduates impressed the guests with a captivating display of their marching skills, showcasing the discipline, precision, and teamwork they developed throughout their training. Their performance not only demonstrated their commitment to excellence but also added a sense of pride and celebration at the graduation ceremony, highlighting the hard work and dedication they put into becoming firefighters. In conclusion, certificates were handed over to the graduates, with some receiving special recognition for their outstanding performances.

Joseph Johnston, Chairperson of the Western Cape Chief Fire Officers Committee and Chief Fire Officer of the Mossel Bay Municipality, administering the Firefighter Oath.