Theresa Geldenhuys inaugurated as SAESI’s first female president
Theresa Geldenhuys of Whitfield has made history as SAESI’s first female president, bringing decades of firefighting experience and a strong focus on training, skills development, and professional excellence.
Witfield resident and senior district manager at the City of Ekurhuleni’s DEMS Training Academy, Theresa Geldenhuys, was officially inaugurated on November 27 as the first female president of the Southern African Emergency Services Institute (SAESI), the professional body for firefighters in Southern Africa.
Geldenhuys’s journey in emergency services began over 32 years ago. Originally a nurse, she was inspired to join the fire service while treating patients brought in by firefighters.
“It looked interesting, and I joined the fire service as a volunteer. At the first motor vehicle accident, I was told to stand next to the fire engine and watch what the firefighter did. I was hooked. Then came the first factory fire. I was given an axe, and two of us were sent up on the roof to create ventilation openings. What an experience. I knew this was what I was meant to do,” she recalled.
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Starting as a volunteer at Germiston Fire Station in 1990, Geldenhuys later moved to Leon Ferreira Fire Station in 2003. Over the years, she rose through the ranks from firefighter to divisional officer, ultimately taking on her current role as manager of the city’s Training Academy for emergency services.
Her involvement with SAESI spans years of dedicated service, including roles in accreditation, research, and committee work.
“Being elected by council members shows their trust in my abilities. I see it as a responsibility to drive professional standards and make a difference in the lives of firefighters,” she said.
As president, Geldenhuys plans to focus on enhancing training and education for emergency service personnel, addressing skills gaps, and improving recognition of qualifications.
“SAESI has developed seven new skills programmes, which will be submitted for approval and are expected to be implemented nationally next year. The organisation also ensures that firefighters meet international accreditation standards through the International Fire Services Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes.”
Reflecting on her career, Geldenhuys emphasised perseverance, passion, and lifelong learning.
“Never stop learning. Never sell yourself short. You can make a difference. Helping people is my passion, and I feel fortunate to do work that matters every day,” she said.
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