The introduction of the newly trained fire fighters in the eThekwini Municipality will help ease the number of fires which are reported in various parts of the City. About 34 fire fighters graduated today, 16/08/13, at Illovu Training Centre.

The Municipality’s Chairperson of Governance and Human Resources Committee, Councillor Nondumiso Cele congratulated graduates for their decision and commitment to be fire fighters.

“The Municipality is prepared to assist the youth with employment, as we have a lot of opportunities for the youth and we are prepared to help them follow their career dreams. They are strong enough to carry fire fighting services as they were recruited amongst 15000 participants. They have been involved in an extensive six month theoretical training, which ended on Tuesday, this week,” said Cele. She said the Municipality has trained 250 fire fighters since 2004.

The Deputy City Manager of Community and Emergencies Services, Dr Musa Gumede said: “Fire fighters are the base of our lives and it is important that we have well trained fire fighters to help alleviate fires which are posing danger to the community. We train a lot of trainees in this facility.

He said the Municipality is working in partnership with the petroleum industry as two of the trainees are from Sapref. Of the 34 trainees five are females.

Seshan Nookiah, said he is prepared and committed to utilise the skills and knowledge he has acquired during the training to prevent fires, save lives and protect properties.

“The training has not been easy. Wearing a bunker gear and self contained breathing operator (compressed air) and being on the ‘double’ (running) all the time has made me strong and fit for firefighting services,” said Nookiah.

ENDS

For more information please contact Thabo Mofokeng on 031 311 4820/ 0827317456 or email: Thabo1.mofokeng@durban.gov.za.

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality's Communications Unit. Contact Khaya Sengani on 031 311 4808/072 293 8788 or email: Khayelihle.Sengani@durban.gov.za.

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