Media Release: Holy Cross Primary School visits GRDM Firefighters
13 May 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Firefighters were visited by learners from the Holy Cross Primary School in George on Wednesday, 9 May 2025. The event, described as an enjoyable experience where both learners and teachers were made aware and educate on very important basic fire safety dos and don’ts.
Firefighters enjoyed educating and entertaining the youngsters, who showed a keen interest in the field of firefighting. Presentations were made about essential fire safety elements around the home, at school, as well as what to do when spotting a fire elsewhere. In a fun-filled and interactive way, learners were also taught the relevant emergency contact numbers of the emergency services.
“The learners enjoyed interacting with real firefighters and trying on the protective gear,” said Elana Basson-Coetzer, Platoon Commander.
“The ‘little ones certainly enjoyed their visit at the GRDM fire station.”
The young learners enjoyed their time with the firefighters.
The most exciting part of the visit to the fire station was when water was sprayed from the high-pressure hose, allowing the children to experience how flames are extinguished. They were also fascinated seeing how foam is generated, which is used to remove oxygen from certain fire types.
The visit was facilitator by Elana Basson-Coetzer and learner firefighter Corne Fourie. Both indicated that they equally enjoyed empowering the youth of Garden Route, and the leaders of tomorrow.
Please contact Devonia Cupido, Acting Station Officer: Fire Safety & Training, at Devonia@gardenroute.gov.za if you would like our firefighters to visit your location.
Media Release: Garden Route Forest Villages receiving life-saving training
For immediate release 5 May 2025
Since the start of April, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services Unit is visiting forest villages in the region. To date, community members from Witfontein in George, Diepwalle and Goudveld (Bibby’s Hoek) in the Knysna, as well as Ruiterbos in Mossel Bay, have received awareness about fire safety.
Among the topics covered in relation to veld and mountain fire safety awareness, information, and education intervention, are:
Historic wildfire path in relation to their location;
Risk Awareness;
Preventative Measures;
Clearing methods;
Safety measures in the home;
Designated and safe burn areas (waste); and
Escape routes in case of approaching fires.
Several forest villages in the region are subject to high risk in terms of wildfires especially and these interventions aim to make the inhabitants more fire resilient with good knowledge and tips to understand wildfire behaviour, and how to best protect themselves with safeguarding practices.
It is to note that whilst it is important to continuously inform and educate, firefighting authorities will prioritise rapid response to these remote areas in case of fire break out close to, and in proximity of.
More campaigns to be rolled out during May, include:
Bergplaas and Uitsig, George
Beervlei, Knysna
Kransbosch, Bitou
For more information regarding Fire Education related queries, contact the Deon Stoffels (Fire Chief), deon@gardenroute.gov.za.
Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders roll out a Recognition of Prior LearningOccupational Firefighting Certificate
For immediate release 21 February 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is pleased to announce the commencement of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Occupational Firefighting Certificate Programme. “This initiative reflects GRDM’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the skills and expertise of firefighters in the region,” said Ald. Nompumelelo Sumeia Ndayi, MMC for Corporate Services.
Information sessions with candidates from the Heidelberg and Riversdale regarding the RPL Programme.
The Occupational Certificate: Firefighting, is a national qualification that equips firefighters with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond to emergency situations. Being designed to recognise the prior learning and experience of firefighters, it will allow them to obtain the Occupational Certificate without undergoing the full training program.
The RPL programme offers several benefits to firefighters, including enhanced career prospects as it is a recognised qualification that can enhance career prospects and opportunities for advancement. It will furthermore provide firefighters with recognition of their prior learning and experience, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
The RPL programme will be implemented in partnership with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) and other stakeholders, including Hessequa Municipality, Kannaland Municipality, Bitou Municipality, Central Karoo District Municipality, Prins Albert Municipality, and Beaufort West Municipality. The rollout will occur in phases, with Phase 2 focusing on Candidate Self-Evaluation and the Formative Assessment Agreement.
Mayor Andrew Stroebel also added that the GRDM is committed to providing opportunities in the field of firefighting and providing necessary skills and knowledge to respond to emergency situations. “This RPL programme is an important process, aiming to improve their career prospects, by formally recognising their skills, knowledge and experience.”
Feature Image: Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels (2nd from left), addressing the candidates from Hessequa during the information session.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality completes final phase of the installation of Smoke Detection Devices in Rheenendal
For immediate release 11 November 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with the Knysna Municipality, today (11 November 2024) completed the installation of over 60 smoke detectors in homes within the Rheenendal community near Knysna. This marks the final phase of the project to install almost 500 smoke detectors in the area.
The detectors were installed by firefighters with councillors fulfilling an oversight role. Firefighters, while installing the devices, also educated home-owners about the use of the devices.
The team of firefighters ready to install the smoke detectors at dwellings situated in the Rheenendal area.
Smoke detectors, or smoke alarms, are devices designed to sense smoke and emit an audible or visual alert to warn of a fire.
Today’s installations covered the following areas within Rheenendal:
Monkey Valley (9 homes)
Soccer Valley (9 homes)
Lapland (18 homes)
Pine Valley (3 homes)
Busy Corner (5 homes)
Uitsig Section 5 (2 homes)
Uitsig Sections 1, 2, 3, and Honey Valley (15 homes combined)
Hou my nat (2 homes)
The project has been supported by Cllr Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Knysna and GRDM Councillor, Deon Stoffels, GRDM’s Chief Fire Officer, Marthina Tieties, Community Facilitator from Asivikelane representing the Rheenendal community, as well as GRDM firefighters and officials who all formed part of the installations.
During his address as part of the formal programme, Cllr Hoogbaard said: “The installation of smoke alarms in informal dwellings is a critical step towards preventing fire-related tragedies and promoting a culture of fire safety. This project aligns perfectly with our municipality’s goals of providing a safe and healthy environment for all”.
Hoogbaard further commended the project’s organisers for their proactive approach to addressing this pressing need. “The partnership between GRDM, Knysna Municipality, the Provincial Government, as well as the community, demonstrates our collective commitment to improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents,” he added.
The project’s objectives include:
Reducing fire-related deaths, injuries, and property damage;
Educating residents on the importance of smoke alarm installation and maintenance;
Assisting residents in developing and practicing home fire escape plans;
Helping municipalities comply with legislative requirements under the Municipal Structures Act, Disaster Management Act, and Fire Brigade Services Act;
Enhancing relations between the community and local fire departments.
Smoke detectors installed at various dwellings within the Rheenendal area.
Early detection of home fires is crucial for reducing fatalities and injuries. Fires can smoulder before igniting into flames, often releasing toxic gases that cause suffocation – the main cause of fire-related deaths. Smoke can disorient or incapacitate people quickly, especially during sleep, as studies show that the smell of smoke does not wake people. Detecting a fire early, while it is still smouldering, allows time for safe evacuation, and reduces the risk of suffocation.
GRDM therefore remains dedicated to enhancing fire safety for communities within the Garden Route.
Media Release: GRDM’s Fire & Rescue Services completes the first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment for Firefighting in South Africa
For immediate release 26 August 2024
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and Fire & Rescue Services through the municipality’s Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) programme on 22 August 2024, completed their first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) for Firefighting in South Africa.
Learners undertaking their final assessment as part of the External Integrated Summative Assessment.
The Assessment was performed in collaboration with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA). The EISA were conducted at the Municipality’s Calitzdorp Hot Springs, which is also accredited by the QCTO as a Training Assessment Centre.
Deon Stoffels, Chief Fire Officer at GRDM Fire and Rescue Services said: “The External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) is the final assessment managed and conducted by the Quality Partner/Assessment Quality Partner; used to assess all learners nationally. In the EISA the learner proves his/her competence against the Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification. Learners qualify for entry into EISA via a Statement of Results (SoR) issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) – the GRDM in this regard”.
Learners pictured with the LGSETA External Integrated Summative Assessment Facilitators and Invigilators. Front: Gillian Tobin (middle), Mpume Madondo (right) and back Donald Mathebula (right) and Albert Sekhwela (far right). Also in the picture is Daniel Dippenaar, GRDM Station Commander: Fire Safety & Training (far left), who took over as lead facilitator from the now retired, Brian Afrikander, and successfully saw out the last quarter of the program.
In August 2023 the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services commenced with the implementation of the NQF Level 04 Occupational Certificate in Firefighting. This qualification is a national qualification that is achieved through a training program offered by an accredited fire training institution or a fire department. The GRDM obtained accreditation as a Skills Development Provider for this qualification in September 2022. This accreditation was obtained through joint efforts of the GRDM and the Fire & Rescue Services.
The qualification bears 149 credits, equating to 1490 notional hours of learning, and in effect a total of 187 days of training, including classroom study, assignments and examinations.
This qualification addresses a need to have qualified entry level firefighters who can respond to both structural and incidental emergency situations in South Africa.
It is an entry-level qualification for persons wishing to start a career in the emergency services, especially fire and rescue services. It is aimed at learners from formal schooling background and/or employees who are currently employed as fire fighters or individuals performing firefighting related activities.
Stoffels added: “Learners who successfully complete this qualification will have a range of foundational competencies relating to emergency services, firefighting, rescue operations, victim care and protection of property and the environment, as well as generic skills in workplace processes”.
The completion and attainment of this qualification will benefit learners in terms of employment in various public and private sector organisations, as they will be in possession of the required skills. In addition, Stoffels highlighted: “The employment of qualified learners by the industry will benefit both the communities and the South African economy at large”.
The 24 learners who completed the programme include three (3) members from Bitou, five (5) from Knysna, two (2) from Mossel Bay, three (3) from Kannaland, three (3) from Oudtshoorn, two (2) from Hessequa, as well as six (6) members from George.
Students will be capped at a passing out parade on 27 August 2024, whereafter they will be eligible for work opportunities locally, as well as elsewhere.
It is a good example of how the GRDM through the GRSM initiative, continues to lead skills development throughout the district in a collaborative, cooperative and integrated manner.
Did you know?
The qualification has been developed in compliance with the South African National Standards, particularly Community Protection against Fire (SANS 10090:2003). This SANS standard, in turn, gives normative references to seven National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards that are registered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The most relevant NFPA standards for this qualification are NFPA 1001 and 472.
The International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) is an international organisation that accredits over 100 Fire Service Providers internationally basing its accreditation on NFPA standards. This qualification has been compared against four NFPA certificates which deal with entry-level fire-fighter requirements, namely: (1) Fire fighter 1; (2) Fire fighter 2; (3) Dangerous goods awareness; and (4) Dangerous goods operations.
Feature Image: A happy and relieved group of learners after the completion of their final assessment.
Media Release: Fire Safety Education rolled out to residents of Herold
4 July 2024
In a dedicated effort to educate residents of the Garden Route on vital fire safety practices, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Firefighters recently held a ‘Fire and Life Safety’ talk for children and a few adults from Herold.
Some of the pictures captured during the education session.
The event, which took place on July 3, 2024 involved a group eager to learn how to stay safe in various emergency situations. Senior Fire Fighter Bennie van Vuuren, Martino Jacobs, and Volunteer Fire Fighter Jivika Balram delivered an engaging presentation to 40 children. Essential topics such as what to do in case of a fire, dialing 112 or 044 805 5071, and recognising potential hazards at home, are some of the topics they focused on.
Senior Firefighter Bennie van Vuuren.
Senior Firefighter Martino Jacobs.
The group participated in hands-on activities, including practicing stop-drop-and-roll methods, and how to crawl or move low under smoke. They also had the opportunity to explore a fire truck and try on some firefighters’ gear.
Each child received take-home materials, including safety checklists and a family emergency plan template, to share with their loved ones.
Highlighting the importance of early education in fire safety, Senior Fire Fighter Bennie van Vuuren said, “Teaching children about fire and life safety from a young age is crucial. It empowers them with the knowledge they need to react appropriately in emergencies.”
The enthusiasm from the kids and the support from their parents were inspiring. The Firefighters from GRDM continue to offering educational talks regularly, ensuring that safety education remains a cornerstone of community outreach efforts.
Feature image: Some of the moments captured during the education session held in Herold.
Mediavrystelling: Basiese Brandbestrydingsopleiding na Van Wyksdorp-inwoners uitgerol
15 Februarie 2024
Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM), Brand en Reddingsdienste het hierdie week vanaf 12 tot 15 Februarie 2024, inwoners van die Van Wyksdorp-area opgelei in basiese brandbestryding.
Die opleiding het begin met een (1) dag van teorie en (1) dag van praktiese vaardighede wat gefokus het om brande rondom strukture en binnenshuis te hanteer. Die studente is ook geleer oor die basiese beginsels wat gepaard gaan met die hantering van veldbrande in hul ontstekings fase.
TDM se Brandweerdienste sal ook ‘n 1000-liter watertenk en pomp-sleepwa aan die span voorsien. Dit sal aansienlik bydra tot vinnige reaksietyd op brande wat skielik ontstaan in die Van Wyksdorp-omgewing.
Daniel Dippenaar, TDM Stasiebevelvoerder: Brandveiligheid en Opleiding, het die opleiding gefasiliteer. Hy is ondersteun deur TDM-brandbestryders van Ladismith, asook Cornelius Willemse en sy medewerkers van die Kannaland Munisipaliteit se Beskermdienste.
Soorgelyke opleiding word beplan om plaas te vind aan die einde van Februarie 2024 vir die Witsand-area in die Hessequa-streek.
Die handtering van ‘n brandblusser om ‘n vuur te blus – dit sluit die “P.A.S.S.” afkorting in – “P”-pull, “A”-aim at the base of the fire, “S”-squeeze, “S”- sweep.
Stappe wat gevolg moet word waneer ‘n vloeibare petroleum-gasbottel brand en hoe om só tipe brand veilig te blus, word deur Daniel Dippenaar verduidelik.
Hier is ‘n vuurbreek gemaak tussen die veld en informele huise. Dit help wanneer daar ‘n veldbrand ontstaan om te verhoed dat ‘n huis nie afbrand nie.
Leerders word blootgestel aan die hitte wat ‘n vuur produseer en hoe wind die rigting van ‘n veldbrand binne sekondes kan verander.
Media Release: First Responder Basic Firefighting Training rolled out to Van Wyksdorp residents
15 February 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Services rolled out Community First Responder Basic Firefighting Training this week from 12 to 15 February 2024 to 15 locals.
The Training was done as a step in the direction of establishing a First Responder Team in Van Wyksdorp, Kannaland.
The training commenced with one day of theoretical and one day of practical skills to deal with fires around structures and within homes. The participants were also taught the basics of how to deal with suppressing wildfires.
GRDM Fire and Rescue Services will also supply the team with a 1000-litre water tank and pump trailer. This will greatly assist with rapid responses to fire outbreaks within the Van Wyksdorp area.
Daniel Dippenaar, GRDM Station Commander: Fire Safety and Training, facilitated the training and was assisted by the GRDM crew in Ladismith as well as Cornelius Willemse and a team of Kannaland Municipality Protection Services.
A similar intervention is planned for the Witsand area at the end of February 2024.
GRDM Firefighters present a Basic Wildland Firefighting course to farmers and farmworkers from the Heidelberg region.
A Basic Wildland Firefighting course is a critical training program that equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to combat wildfires and veldfires in its incipient stage. This course typically covers topics such as fire behaviour, safety protocols, equipment usage, and teamwork. The training presented to the group will allow them to effectively handle veldfires and to protect lives and infrastructure.
It is essential for rural communities and farmers to be equipped with basic knowledge, and especially in terms of safety around veld- and wildfires. Similar training is scheduled for more areas in the Hessequa and Mossel Bay municipal areas, set to take place in the last week of November 2023.
The basic course was facilitated by Daniel Dippenaar, GRDM Station Officer: Fire Safety and Training, with the assistance of GRDM Riversdale based Firefighter, Chris Gerber.
FIRE SAFETY AROUND YOUR HOME
Create a clear zone and / or defendable space around your house and infrastructure, regularly clean flammable vegetation around house.
Regularly remove leaves and other plant matter from gutters.
Make sure firefighters can access your home and other infrastructure. Cut away trees and branches along your access route which do not allow fire truck access.
Do not make any fires in unpermitted areas.
Do not leave braai fires unattended or discard ash or coals in grass or vegetation.
Please be alert to daily weather warnings, which will be distributed and shared on the local authorities’ communication channels.
Ensure that your house is numbered, or else in case of an emergency, first responders might not be aware of where assistance is required.
Media Release: A ‘first of its kind for Garden Route District Municipality’ – Pilot Programme for Occupational Firefighter Training
For immediate release 6 October 2023
After receiving accreditation to be a Skills Development Provider from the Quality Council for Trades and Occupation (QCTO) in the latter part of 2022, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) officially kicked off its pilot Occupational Firefighter Training programme to 24 aspiring firefighters.
The programme recently commenced at the Municipality’s Calitzdorp Hot Springs Resort, 25km from Calitzdorp, and will conclude in June 2024.
This is a milestone for the GRDM. Key stakeholder, the QCTO, plays a significant role in promoting and supporting quality occupational training and development in South Africa, ultimately contributing to a skilled and productive workforce. The main aim of QCTO is to ensure that occupational training and qualifications, in this case the one relating to firefighting, is relevant to industry needs and align with national standards.
The participants who are currently undergoing the training programme represent all seven (7) municipal areas of the GRDM, including Bitou, Knysna, George, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, Kannaland and Hessequa Municipal areas.
The programme comprises of knowledge modules, practical modules as well as a workplace-based component where students are required to apply the knowledge and practical skills. The skills and knowledge are applied through relevant assignments and ultimately aid them in reaching the required exit level outcomes.
GRDM’s lead facilitator is Platoon Commander Brian Afrikander, supported by a Skills Mecca Administrator.
At this stage, the training programme is going well and as per schedule.
ENDS
Feature Photo: GRDM’s Lead Facilitator and Platoon Commander, Brian Afrikander (11th from right), with participants of the pilot Occupational Firefighter Training programme
Media Release: GRDM Fire Services Public Education Interventions continue
For immediate release 14 September 2023
The GRDM Fire Services visited various primary schools within our district over the months of August and September 2023.
Fire safety awareness and education interventions facilitated at schools play a crucial role in ensuring that whilst learners are in the learning environment, they are also exposed to information and educated on Fire Safety prevention at school, at home and outside in the environment.
Educators are also learning with the students. They all become aware of prevention and what actions to take within their immediate environment and share the message with family and friends at home. It is a three-step process, which includes Awareness, Prevention and how to deal with fire ignition and/or occurrence and/or how to escape and protect themselves in any specific situation, as well as alerting the Fire Brigade Services about the incident.
Prioritising schools and in particular Primary Schools, is viewed as the most effective target audience in this regard.
Schools that were visited are as follows;
Avontuur Primary & Haarlem Primary – 03 August 2023
Herold Primary – 10 August 2023
Geelhoutboom Primary – 29 August 2023
Hoogekraal Primary – 30 August 2023
Franken Primary – 5 September 2023
Diepkloof Primary – 7 September 2023
Some of the key learnings that students gained from fire safety education include:
Understanding Fire Basics:
The basic science of fire, including how it starts, spreads, and the elements necessary for combustion.
Unwanted Fire Prevention:
Common causes of fires, such as electrical faults, open flames, and flammable materials.
The importance of fire prevention measures, including proper storage of flammable materials, not overloading electrical outlets, and safe handling of ignition sources such as candles, stoves, etc., other appliances, e.g., gas heaters, electric heaters, leaving candles and cooking unattended.
Cautions with Matches and Lighters:
Not to play with matches or lighters and to immediately hand over to an adult if they find them.
Learning to recognise the early signs of a fire, such as the smell of smoke or the sound of a smoke detector.
Vegetation Fires: leaving ‘outside’ fires unattended that has the potential of starting vegetation fires, the dangers of starting vegetation fires, as well as how to make and confine fires in designated areas.
Dangers of Smoke(Carbon Monoxide Awareness)
The dangers of smoke, carbon monoxide inhalation, and in particular the dangers of ‘boma’ fires within the home.
Fire Safety Equipment:
Familiarisation with fire safety equipment like fire extinguishers, fire blankets and smoke alarms, as well as other measures that can be used, i.e., sand.
How to use a fire extinguisher properly and understanding its limitations.
Actions to take: Stop, Drop, and Roll.
Teaching the “stop, drop, and roll” technique in case of clothing catching fire.
Calling of Emergency number:
How to call emergency services in their immediate areas to report a fire.
Emphasising the importance of providing accurate information and remaining calm during the call and moving to designated safe places.
Fire safety education in schools not only imparts important life-saving knowledge but also instils a sense of responsibility and preparedness in learners and educators alike. It empowers them to take correct action in the event of a fire and to promote fire safe practices within their immediate communities.
Information supplied: Heinrich Leslie, GRDM Acting Station Officer: Fire Services
