“And if according to Your will, I have to lose my life, please bless with Your protecting hand, my children and my wife.”
These lines, taken from A Fireman’s Prayer, are a source of courage and strength for firefighters.
In light of the upcoming International Firefighters Day on May 4, the Germiston City News/Bedfordview and Edenvale News spoke with City of Ekurhuleni DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi, who has 36 years of experience in the profession.
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In commemoration of the day, Ntladi reflected on the challenges firefighters face and shared insights from his distinguished career.
“Firefighters’ efforts to protect their communities and the environment are honoured on this globally observed day. It also serves to remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Ntladi.
“Firefighters dedicate their lives to protecting nature, animals, property, and, most importantly, human life.”
According to Ntladi, such dedication often spans many years and countless hours. He noted that global recognition of firefighters and their sacrifices is always a privilege.
International Firefighters’ Day originated after five Australian firefighters died while battling a bushfire.
“Before responding to a scene, every firefighter says a prayer. This profession is high-risk, and that prayer gives us the strength and confidence to face emergencies,” Ntladi explained.
A member of Rescue South Africa, Ntladi has participated in three international rescue missions. His career began on May 16, 1989, when he was hired as an ambulance assistant by the Germiston City Council. Through dedication and further study, he advanced steadily in his profession.
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In 1993, he became the first black firefighter appointed by the Germiston City Council. The following year, he qualified as a paramedic, enabling him to perform both firefighting and paramedical duties.
In 2000, when the City of Ekurhuleni was established, Ntladi resigned from Germiston and joined the Boksburg Emergency Services as a leading firefighter (shift manager) on March 1. The city was officially amalgamated on December 5 that same year.
“I worked through my classes and later became a rescue technician,” Ntladi recalled.
“We completed modules on water rescue, building collapse, high-angle rescue, and vehicle extrication, among others.”
He noted that the September 11 attacks in 2001 had a profound impact on him.
“Having just completed training, witnessing firefighters risk everything during the Twin Towers collapse was a turning point. It deepened my understanding of A Fireman’s Prayer.
“Firefighting isn’t just a job. It demands compassion, dedication, and passion—it’s a calling. People often say firefighters have the wings of angels. When real angels can’t go in, we must go in.”
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Ntladi’s first international rescue mission was in 2003 during an earthquake in Algeria.
“It was an eye-opening experience. Most of the junior team members had to prove themselves in action,” he said.
He also completed fire life education courses, which teach communities how to prevent and respond to fires.
In 2006, he began studying Fire Technology Engineering at Tshwane University of Technology, graduating in 2009 with a diploma, later upgrading it to a bachelor’s degree.
He was the first in his family to obtain a university qualification.
“As the only boy in my family, earning my diploma was a major milestone. Financial constraints prevented me from pursuing further education after matric, so I had to find work while studying,” he shared.
He also holds certifications from the Southern African Emergency Services Institute (SAESI) and International Fire Engineering (IFE). In 2007, he was promoted to station manager in Boksburg.
In 2010, after the Haiti earthquake, he received his second international deployment.
“It was catastrophic. Although it was overwhelming, my previous experience helped me stay focused,” said Ntladi.
His third international mission followed the March 11, 2011, tsunami in Japan.
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“Due to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant disaster, many countries chose not to send rescue teams. It was the most significant nuclear incident since Chernobyl.”
Despite those traumatic international missions, Ntladi regards the Boksburg gas tanker explosion on December 24, 2022, as the most devastating tragedy he has experienced.
“That one hit close to home. If it weren’t for the heroic actions of officials and community members, the damage would have been far worse.
“In terms of devastation, it mirrored the September 11 scenes. It’s a miracle no firefighters died,” he said.
In 2012, Ntladi was appointed media liaison officer for the City of Ekurhuleni, a role he still holds today, based at the Germiston Fire Station.
As he nears retirement, Ntladi has discovered a new passion—farming—and is now working toward becoming a full-time farmer.
