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Toughest Firefighter Alive

2026 04 30 Media Release: GRDM and Stakeholders ready to host the 11th Toughest Firefighter Alive – South Africa (TFA-SA) 2026 competition from 1 – 3 October 2026

Media Release: GRDM and Stakeholders ready to host the 11th Toughest Firefighter Alive – South Africa (TFA-SA) 2026 competition

For immediate release
30 April 2026

Today, 30 April 2026, the Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Ald. Marais Kruger, announced and declared the Garden Route as official host of the Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa (TFA-SA) 2026 competition.

The official launch took place and was hosted at the Garden Route Mall in George where the event will be held for the 2nd year in a row.

This year’s event signifies the loyal and ongoing partnership of the GRDM with the Firefighters for Excellence Foundation and the Garden Route Mall to host the 11th competition in George.

The date is set for 01 to 03 October 2026.

“Following the success of the 2025 event, the GRDM, in partnership with the Garden Route Mall, is honoured to once again host this prestigious national competition,” Mayor Kruger said. He further explained that the event signifies and celebrates the courage, strength, and dedication of firefighters who serve our communities daily, while promoting professional excellence, fitness, tourism, and regional economic growth.

In addition, Mayor Kruger, while addressing stakeholders present, reminded the public to also look forward to an exciting Mini Toughest Firefighter competition, creating an opportunity for families and communities to share in this inspiring experience. “We encourage the public to watch for registration dates and we look forward to welcoming firefighters and visitors from across South Africa to the Garden Route for another outstanding event. On behalf of the Garden Route District Municipality, I proudly and officially declare the venue and dates and warmly invite the nation to join us in George this October,” Mayor Kruger highlighted.

The Garden Route Mall is the center of retail in the region and is the largest shopping centre along the Garden Route. Set strategically next to the N2 and close to other attractions in George, spectators and competitors will enjoy a safe space with the picturesque Outeniqua Mountains in the background.

Stakeholder representatives who were also present from the Garden Route Mall include: Rion Olivier (General Manager) and Sonja Anderson (Sales & Event Coordinator), the GRDM team, including, Deon Stoffels (Chief Fire Officer), Emile Conrad (Senior Firefighter and former South African Toughest Firefighter and representatives from Metro Emergency Medical Services (EMS), including Aphiwe Ndukbini (defending champion from the Overberg), as well as Rescue Manager in the Garden Route, Jethro Jacobs, Rescue Manager in Overberg, John Davids, Rescue Technician, Rodriques Christoffels and Dane Lotter from Frontier Medix. Mark Smith from the Firefighters for Excellence Foundation virtually participated in the engagement.

𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥’𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

Previous category winners such as Emile Conrad, men’s overall category eight times and Aphiwe Ndukbini (defending champion from the Overberg) who won the competition last year, will be in action again to showcase the magnitude of their talent and overall fitness.

The Mini Toughest Firefighter Challenge will also be hosted to ensure that youngsters are able to also feel the rush and excitement of the TFA competition. Members of the public are encouraged to watch for announcements regarding registrations and spectator opportunities on the Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/104703576298608

Mayor Kruger encouraged the public and invited the nation to join firefighters across the country to gather in George this October to contribute to yet another remarkable experience for firefighters, stakeholders and the community at large.

ORIGINS OF THE TFA-SA

The event has been initially hosted in Cape Town, later in George in 2016, in Mossel Bay the competition was hosted from 2022 until 2024 and last year it has been hosted at the Garden Route Mall in George. This event attracts teams from across South Africa making the TFA-SA one of the biggest events of this nature across the globe.

According to Mark Smith, the Chairperson and founder of TFA-SA: “We are planning to make the event bigger and improve on the overall outcomes. Each year, we improve on the previous year’s event, as the competition has a massive and positive influence on Emergency Services across South Africa”. Smith further stated that the manner in which the event impacted the different areas is unbelievable – “more than what we could have imagined,” he said. Smith also highlighted how the event plays a pivotal role in ensuring improved service delivery to the communities, saying that “emergency responders must at all time be physically and mentally fit – testing their patience, resilience, camaraderie etc.”.

Aphiwe Ndukbini and Emile Conrad with loyal supporters showcasing what to expect at this year’s TFA-SA 2026.

The TFA-SA is linked to the World Firefighter Games, which was launched in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1990. It has since become the flagship competition for firefighters globally, with South Africa hosting its first TFA event in 2011 at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town. The competition, nowadays, draws competitors from municipalities, private sector businesses, volunteer organisations, airport fire and rescue services and the military, as well as international firefighters.

To compete, information will be available on the official website at:
https://www.frimedia.org/tfa.html

Members of the public who are interested in volunteering at the event, are invited to send an e-mail to GRDM Fire Services to deon@gardenroute.gov.za.

Companies interested in sponsoring/exhibiting may contact the official media partner, Fire and Rescue International’s Lee Raath-Brownie at lee@fireandrescue.co or mobile 082 371 0190.

ENDS

15 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM bags two awards during the 10th Toughest Firefighter South Africa Championship

GRDM bags two awards during the 10th Toughest Firefighter South Africa Championship

15 October 2025

George – The winners of various categories were announced last Saturday night following three days of the gruelling 10th Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) South Africa Championship, held at the Garden Route Mall in George. Firefighters and fire chiefs from across South Africa, as well as teams from Botswana and Namibia, participated in the prestigious event.

The awards ceremony which was held at the Garden Route Fire Station in George was officially opened by Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Community Services and including Fire and Rescue Services. He welcomed all attendees, referring to every participant as a winner, and congratulated them on their efforts. He concluded with the event programme director’s memorable words from the first day of the competition: “𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁.”

During a very brief keynote address, Garden Route District Municipal (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel extended a special thank you to all the sponsors, his team, including the Firefighters, Communicators, Leadership and the Organising Committee. “I hope the Garden Route treated you well. Please come back with your families and enjoy our hospitality and beautiful Blue Flag beaches ,” he said.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀:

Aphiwe Ndukbini from Western Cape EMS Rescue Services claimed the title of Overall TFA Champion, in second place was Emile Conrad from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Services, followed by Manie Gouws from the Westrand N’zuri, who secured third place.

In a historic first for the competition, the Overall Female Champion title was shared between Baigum Abrahams and Thobeka Senatse, both representing the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services. Sweetness Qinisile from Western Cape EMS Rescue Services earned second place, while Natasha Stoltz, a volunteer with Wildfire Services, took third.

The Overall TFA Relay Open Champions are firefighters from Westrand N’zuri, who claimed first place. In second place was the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, followed by the GRDM Fire Services in third place.

According to Mayor Stroebel, the Garden Route Council takes immense pride in its firefighters, who serve not only as ambassadors for the municipality but also as representatives of the region and South Africa on the global stage. Their dedication to health, fitness, and professional excellence embodies the true spirit of firefighting and serves as an inspiration to us all.

“Congratulations to Team Garden Route on their outstanding achievements and thank you to the public for their support throughout the event,” said Stroebel.

Two gentlemen, Andrew Burch and Faisel Dossary from Saudi Arabia, attended the three-day event as technical directors and event critics, providing expert insight and guidance to further develop the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) competition in South Africa and globally. They also promoted the World Firefighters’ Games, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next year and hosted by Aramco. Andrew co-MC’d the event alongside our local MC and event organiser, Mickie Louw, playing a key role in keeping the crowd engaged, entertained, and informed.

John Hartley, president of the World Firefighter Games, and his wife Laura Hartley from Australia, also attended the competition, showing their support for the event and the participating firefighters.

A huge thank you also has to go out to everyone who made this event such a huge success. The event was organised by Firefighters for Excellence, Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services, and the World Firefighter Games. It was presented in collaboration with Garden Route District Municipality, George Tourism, Garden Route Mall, and George Municipality.

The event proudly acknowledges its partners and sponsors:

  • Media Partner: Fire and Rescue International.
  • Platinum Sponsor: Industrial Fire and Hazard Control.
  • Silver Sponsors: Vanguard Fire and Safety and Ramcom Truck Load Bodies.
  • Other Sponsors: Garden Route District Municipality, Dräger, Form Scaff, FirstCare, Frontiermedix, Perfectwater, Pick n Pay, TyreMart, Henra, Kiron Pty Ltd & Project One Pty Ltd, and Design Plus.

-END-

7 October 2025 Media Release: The Toughest Firefighter Alive Championship returns to George from 9 – 11 October

Media Release: The Toughest Firefighter Alive Championship returns to George from 9 – 11 October

For Immediate Release

7 October 2025

The countdown has begun for the much-anticipated Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) South Africa Championship, which will be hosted from 9 to 11 October 2025 at the Garden Route Mall in George. This is the largest and most strenuous firefighter challenge hosted in South Africa.

This year’s event will see 267 firefighters, up 27 from last year, and 44 relay teams participate from across South Africa and teams from Botswana and Namibia. The event also includes a Mini-TFA and the TFA-Dräger Youth Challenge and several industry exhibits.

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel will be there to support individuals and teams, in anticipation of the upcoming 3-day event said:

“Beginning Thursday, the best of the best firefighters from across the country will test their skills with one goal in mind; to prove their strength, endurance, and teamwork. We are proud to host this prestigious and internationally known championship in George, the heart of the Garden Route, home to the most talented and dedicated firefighters.”

George Municipality Executive Mayor, Jackie von Brandis also shared her excitement about the upcoming event, saying: “This week, George will set the stage and not just host the Toughest Firefighter Alive Championship—we are proving once again why our city is the perfect stage for excellence. With 267 of South Africa’s finest firefighters, plus international competitors from Botswana and Namibia converging at the Garden Route Mall, we are demonstrating that George, the heart of the Garden Route, is where champions gather and legends are made. We couldn’t be prouder to showcase our beautiful city while celebrating the extraordinary courage of our nation’s bravest heroes.”

A special highlight of this year’s event is the participation of Chief Fire Officer Amanda Mgobozi from Astron Energy Cape Town Refinery. She is a trailblazer in the industry and a source of inspiration for young women aspiring to join the firefighting profession.

PROMINENT INTERNATIONAL GUESTS

  • John Hartley, President of the World Firefighter Games, and his wife Laura.
  • Andrew Birch, Director of Sports & Competitions for the World Firefighter Games 2026, Saudi Arabia.
  • Faisal Dossary, Sponsorship Director for the World Firefighter Games 2026, Saudi Arabia.

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

According to Mark Smith, organiser and founder of TFA-SA, the event is organised by Firefighters for Excellence, Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services, and the World Firefighter Games. It is presented in collaboration with Garden Route District Municipality, George Tourism, Garden Route Mall, and George Municipality.

The event proudly acknowledges its partners and sponsors:

  • Media Partner: Fire and Rescue International.
  • Platinum Sponsor: Industrial Fire and Hazard Control.
  • Silver Sponsors: Vanguard Fire and Safety and Ramcom Truck Load Bodies.
  • Other Sponsors: Garden Route District Municipality, Dräger, Form Scaff, FirstCare, Frontiermedix, Perfectwater, Pick n Pay, TyreMart, Henra, Kiron Pty Ltd & Project One Pty Ltd, and Design Plus.

WHAT TO EXPECT OVER THE THREE DAYS

Entertainment will be provided by DJ Micky Louw, who will keep the momentum alive with energetic music, engaging commentary, and a vibrant atmosphere that will keep both spectators entertained and participants motivated.

  • Day 1 (9 October): Programme opening from 08h50 – 09:45; Start of day one competition at 09h45 – 18:00.
  • Day 2 (10 October): 09:00 – 16:00 First competitors (Individuals competing); 10:00 – 14:00 TFA-Dräger Young Adults Challenge.
  • Day 3 (11 October): 09:00 – 12:00 First competitors (Individuals competing), 12:00 – 16:00 (Relays), Mini TFA (registration 09:00, starting between 09:30 and 10:00).

With the Mini Toughest Firefighter Challenge, kids can look forward to obstacle courses inspired by real firefighting drills (like crawling through tunnels, rolling hoses, and dragging dummies). Medals and gift packs will be awarded for the first 300 mini firefighters who complete the course. Parents are welcome to join in and guide their little heroes through the fun challenges

Members of the public are encouraged to attend, cheer on the competitors, and bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience of strength, skill, and spirit!

Feature Image: Emile Conrad, GRDM Snr Firefighter at the Garden Route Mall where the setup of the obstacle course already started on Monday, 6 October and is set to be completed by 8 October. 

Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality

ENDS