The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) Fire Services Training Academy celebrated a significant milestone on Friday, 16 October 2026, as 20 aspiring firefighters officially joined the fire service fraternity during a Passing Out Parade held in Stellenbosch.
The graduates, who came from across the Cape Winelands District, began their journey at the Academy on 13 July 2026 as strangers. Eight weeks later, they marched off the parade grounds as a unified team, bound by shared experiences, challenges and a commitment to serving their communities. The youngest learner in the class was 20 years old, while the oldest was 35.
During the intensive eight-week programme, the students successfully completed the Firefighter 1 as well as Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Awareness and Operations courses.
The graduates endured long days, early mornings and late nights, balancing demanding practical training with classroom studies. For many, the challenge extended beyond the training grounds as they continued to fulfil their responsibilities as sons, husbands, partners and fathers at home.
Addressing the Spring Class of 2026, Executive Mayor Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht reflected on what would be her final Passing Out Parade as Executive Mayor of the Cape Winelands District Municipality. “Graduates, I welcome you into this fraternity. Serve with courage. Serve with compassion. Serve with honour. And always make the communities you serve proud of the uniform you wear.”
In a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, the Executive Mayor formally handed the baton to the administrative leadership, expressing her confidence in their ability to continue the outstanding work achieved during her tenure and to lead Fire Services into its next chapter under the new leadership.
The graduates received Statements of Results for the NFPA 1001 Programme, with certificates presented by Executive Mayor Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht, Executive Deputy Mayor Ald Margie Sampson, Speaker, Ald Donovan Joubert and Portfolio Holder for Fire Services Ald Regie Farao. They were joined by Chief Fire Officer Wayne Josias, Municipal Manager Henry Prins and Executive Director: Community Development and Planning Services Pietie Williams.
One of the most moving moments of the ceremony unfolded when the audience erupted in cheers, embodying the spirit of ubuntu and demonstrating that every graduate’s achievement was celebrated as a collective success. Embodying the spirit of ubuntu and demonstrating that every graduate’s achievement was celebrated as a collective success. Proud parents, grandparents, spouses, children and supporters filled the venue with applause and words of encouragement.
Throughout the ceremony, one message rang clear: “We love you. We are proud of you.”
The Academy also recognised outstanding achievement through its Awards of Excellence:
Student of the Course: Edwill Pietersen
Best Theoretical Student (Firefighter 1): Mark Junior Hendricks
Best Theoretical Student (Hazmat Awareness): Mark Junior Hendricks
Best Theoretical Student (Hazmat Operations): Luthando Tloti
Best Practical Student (Firefighter 1): Nashwell Vermeulen
Best Practical Student (Hazmat Operations): Matthayo September
Most Improved Student (Heinrich Louw Award): Mulder Steyn
Most Disciplined Student: Reagan Fielies
Drawing on his own experiences in the fire service, Chief Fire Officer Wayne Josias encouraged the graduates to remain lifelong learners, embrace opportunities for growth and seek wisdom from those who have gone before them. He expressed confidence that the future of community safety is in capable hands.
Reflecting on the experience, graduate Mulder Steyn described the programme as “the most fun they would never want to have again.” He added that, despite its challenges, the course taught the class a code to live by and values they would carry throughout their careers. He said he would not trade the experience shared with his brothers for anything.
The ceremony featured several memorable traditions, including the ringing of the bell ceremony, the firefighter’s prayer and the highly anticipated squad drill display, all of which served as reminders of the proud traditions and responsibilities associated with the profession.
As they marched off the parade grounds, the graduates left with more than certificates. They departed with a responsibility to protect and serve their communities and to uphold the values instilled in them by the Academy.