The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM/’s) Fire Services recently received specialised HAZMAT equipment, which was made possible by the Western Cape Government (WCG) Disaster Management. The handover of HAZMAT equipment took place in Stellenbosch on 28 August 2025.
In recognition of the critical role that suitable equipment plays in the successful management of disasters relating to chemical, biological, and radioactive substances, the WCG has embarked on an initiative to strengthen municipal fire services through the added financial support.
During the 2024/2025 financial year, R500 000 was allocated by the WCG Disaster Management to help co-fund the acquisition of specialized HAZMAT equipment. This funding enabled the CWDM’s Fire Services to procure Pneumatic Pip Plug Kits, Universal Pressure test Kits, Large Leak Sealing bags, Personal Electronic Dosimeters, Zone Tarpaulins, Hazmat Plug and Wedge Kits, Portable decontamination Showers, and Portable Rechargeable LED Light Kits.
The initiative aims to ensure that municipal fire services are compliant with national benchmarks and standards. Through the provision of essential resources, the WCG is strengthening CWDM’s Fire Services’ preparedness to respond effectively and safely to incidents involving dangerous goods (HAZMAT). This ultimately helps protect personnel, community members and our environment.
Building on this success, WCG has transferred an additional R500,000 for the current 2025/2026 financial year. The tender process for acquiring further specialised equipment is already underway, demonstrating the CWDM’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding communities where hazardous materials are stored, processed, and transported.
The CWDM’s Fire Services responded to three HAZMAT incidents during the previous financial year. All the incidents were successfully managed and had little or no impact on the environment.
