THE SA Post Office launched a limited edition set of stamps in honour of the country’s brave firefighters.
The launch was hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni in Bedfordview last week Thursday.
The set of eight stamps cost R3,30 and can be used on a standard letter and were created to celebrate the unsung heroes and heroines who put their own lives at risk daily to save the lives of the South African citizens.
Although the launch of the stamps was on July 2, they have been available at SA Post Offices since June 26.
Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) third year graphic design student Jaco Botha (21) is the genius behind the artwork on the stamps. The TUT graphic design department incorporated the stamp design project into their curriculum.
The design students were required to create images that reflect different aspects of firefighting and its sub-sections, as well as the history of firefighting in South Africa.
Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services provided guidance in this regard, and helped ensure the firefighters’ uniforms, vehicles and equipment were depicted accurately on the stamps.
These imprints were not only made for decorative purposes, but are also useful in that they provide tips on how to keep safe from fires while at home.
The back of the stamp sheet contains guidelines on fire safety at home, including hints on avoiding fires and what action to take in the event of a fire.
“The role of firefighters, our real-life action heroes, is to protect lives and property. No matter what country you live and work in, firefighters work together against one common enemy, fire,” Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Metro, said.
“However, firefighters are not only trained to put out fires, they are also trained as paramedics and rescuers who assist during emergencies including local and national disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and traffic accidents.”
The stamps can be ordered online at www.virtualpostoffice.co.za, or you can send an e-mail to sastamps@postoffice.co.za. Only 20 000 sheets were printed and for this reason, the stamps will be available at selected post offices only.
