Ekurhuleni firefighters recognised in DEMS International Firefighters’ Day event
In celebration of International Firefighters Day, City of Ekurhuleni’s DEMS conducted a lucky draw entry where 11 winners were chosen.
DEMS decided to celebrate International Firefighters Day 2026 by giving back to all the city’s firefighting staff.
City of Ekurhuleni’s DEMS Training Academy District manager, Theresa Geldenhuys, said the staff had to complete a questionnaire for their names to be entered into a lucky draw.
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The questions focused on International Firefighters’ Day, including how it began and its purpose.
Geldenhuys said May 4 was declared International Firefighters Day in honour of five firefighters who died in 1998 in Australia in the line of duty. The commemoration began in 1999.
“It’s actually a celebration because we celebrate firefighters regardless of whether they passed away or are still alive,” explained Geldenhuys.
She shared that the colour of ribbon traditionally worn on the day is red and blue.
Acting divisional head of emergency services, Lifty Koena Ngoepe, said this year South Africa would celebrate the International Firefighters Day in Rustenburg.
He said all firefighting staff from Ekurhuleni had entered the Lucky Draw.
The draw’s prices were donated by stakeholders, including Skills Training, Aquila Corp, Southern African Emergency Services Institute, and Stadio. Ngoepe drew 11 names from the entries, and they were declared the winners.
DEMS media liaison officer William Ntladi urged residents to be more cautious in how they use fire as we enter the winter season.
