On Friday, 6 September 2024, the remarkable achievements of 36 new firefighters were celebrated as the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM’s) Fire Services Training Academy welcomed the Winter Class of 2024 to the fire services fraternity at their passing-out parade in Stellenbosch. The ceremony featured an impressive motorcade and goosebump-worthy drill demonstrations.
From 12 May to 6 September 2024, these graduates underwent intense and rigorous training, including Firefighter 1 and 2, Hazmat Awareness, and Hazmat Operations. The class was praised by their instructors for having no discipline issues and achieving a remarkable 100% pass mark for the Hazmat Operations course – a first in the academy’s history.
“I am extremely proud of each one of you. Your dedication, teamwork, and perseverance have earned you a place among the finest firefighters. I look forward to working alongside you at incidents, knowing that together we will make a difference and keep our communities safe,” said Mr Heinrich Louw, Head of the Training Academy for CWDM Fire Services, in his final address to the graduates.
The training programme covered both theoretical and practical aspects, with the physical component often proving to be the most demanding. Even though this was an exceptional group of new firefighters, there were a few students that stood out and received awards as the top students of the course:
- Best practical student of Firefighter 1 Course: Lieyton Fortuin
- Best theoretical student of Firefighter 2 Course: Yaurghin Daniels
- Best theoretical student of Hazmat Operations Course: Antony Mpho Matlala
- Best practical student of Hazmat Operations Course: Cameron Visagie
- Best theoretical student of Firefighter 1 Course, best practical student of Firefighter2 Course, and best student of Hazmat Awareness Course: Bruno Herrman
- Most improved student: Terence Januarie
- Most disciplined student: Anga Ngongose
Graduate Cornelius Fourie emerged as the student of the course. “The support of my family and the unbreakable bonds formed with my fellow graduates, supporting each other through the toughest moments, are what carried me through – carried us all through the training, and motivated us to show up and put in 110% every day,” Cornelius explained.
The graduates originate from across the province and from different walks of life. The oldest student, John Hendricks, at 52 showed that it is never too late to serve your community, while the youngest, Jacobus van Dyk, at 19 brought youthful passion that will fuel the future of firefighting in this region. The six remarkable women among the graduates are a testament that strength knows no gender and that bravery is universal. The graduates hail from a wide array of municipalities and organisations, including the Cape Winelands District, Bergrivier, Stellenbosch, Langeberg, Overstrand, Cederberg, Swartland, Breede Valley, Garden Route District, as well as the South African Navy. This diverse group showcased the unity and cooperation that define our firefighting community.
“The Cape Winelands District is immensely proud of you. We are confident that you will serve with honour, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of our people. As you don your uniforms and take your place in our firefighting ranks, know that you embody courage, selflessness, and service,” said Executive Mayor, Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht, during her keynote address to the graduates.
