Krugersdorp’s Manie ‘the toughest firefighter’

Being a firefighter can be a very under-appreciated job yet they put their lives on the line to save others.

Here on the West Rand the community can rest assured knowing that when they run into trouble, the ones coming to save them are the best of the best, as proven at the most recent Toughest Firefighter Alive competition.

This competition saw the toughest of South African firefighters competing for the coveted title, and yes, the toughest firefighter for 2022, Manie Gouws indeed hails from Krugersdorp. At the last four competitions he finished second to Emile Conrad, and finally this year he took the title from him.

The N’Zuri team has been training four to five times a week to prepare for the competition that took place in Mossel Bay on September 16 and 17.

In the individual challenges Ontiretse Pule won gold in the 45 to 49 age category, and she finished third overall among the women. Lesego Molikwe won silver in the 30 to 34 age category, finishing second overall. Bongiwe Khubeka won bronze in the 30 to 34 age category, finishing sixth overall, while Maite Thoka won bronze in the 18 to 29 age category, finishing fifth overall.

In the men’s individual challenges Manie won gold in the 40 to 44 age category while, Thato Molefe won silver in the 18 to 29 age category and finished seventh overall, Gift Molejwe won bronze in the 30 to 34 age category and finished eighth overall, Thulani Ngozo finished 12th overall and competed in the 35 to 39 age category, and Sam Mokemane finished 23rd overall and competed in the 35 to 39 age category.

The teams also won the relay races and were named the best men’s and women’s team, while Lesego won the award for the best first-time participant.

The last time the N’Zuri team competed in this challenge was in 2019 as a men’s team only. Gouws explained that there aren’t many female competitors because the challenge is so tough, but the West Rand team felt that their ladies would be able to give others a go.

There are four stages to take part in; the first is the hose drag, then there is an obstacle course to complete followed by the tower, and lastly competitors had to run 800m along the beach in full kit. During the individual competition each competitor had 10 minutes before the start of the next stage, and if you finish quick you had that time to rest.

The competition saw a record number of entries this year and Gouws explained that their competition was tough, especially with all the newcomers. In 2019 the N’Zuri team beat the team from Cape Town by one second, so this year the Capetonians were ready for the team from Krugersdorp.

But we kicked dirt in their eyes,” he added, laughing.

Gouws said Krugersdorp’s higher altitude played in their favour – that and the fact that they trained very hard with heavier weights. But now the training for next year starts again, and this time it is not only to win the titles but to retain them. Other firefighters already want to join the team next year.

But all of this might not have happened, because three weeks before the competition the team had only raised R3 000 of the funds needed. They then planned on only sending the men, but through great sponsors they eventually managed to raise enough funds to send all of the team members. Gouws and his team believe it was by God’s grace that they were able to compete this year.

The team plans on staying in the top 10 next year and would love all to compete in the international competition in 2024.

I have had this team under my wing since 2019 and as a veteran I am so proud to be giving back and teaching the younger ones in order for them to go on and one day beat me.”

He told his team to follow Proverbs 21 verse 31: ” The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord”. Win or lose, it is only by God’s grace.