On March 19, 105 new recruits of Working on Fire (WOF) graduated from the Kishugu Training Academy.

The South Korean ambassador of South Africa, Moonhyung Lee, was among the distinguished guests.

WOF-Kishugu Joint Venture’s (JV) project manager, Trevor Abrahams, said these previously unemployed youth were ready to join the extensive WOF-Kishugu JV resources on the frontlines of fire defence.

The ceremony not only celebrated their achievements, but also symbolised a crucial step forward in the global wildland fire response.

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“As we feel the impacts of climate change, wildfires have become more frequent and intense, impacting communities and ecosystems worldwide. South Korea, like many other countries, faces the daunting challenge of combating these infernos. The presence of officials from the South Korean Embassy in SA at the ceremony underscored the shared urgency in addressing this global crisis and the importance of collaboration with like-minded entities,” he said.

Abrahams said the graduation ceremony served as a platform for collaboration and was an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences with WOF-Kishugu JV’s expertise in integrated wildfire management. With South Korea expressing interest in learning from SA’s firefighters, the event marked the beginning of a promising partnership aimed at enhancing international response efforts.

The 105 graduates from across all of South Africa’s provinces represent a diverse group. Trained in a rigorous 24-day programme at the Kishugu Training Academy, they were equipped with specialised firefighting skills and a deep understanding of the importance of community engagement and environmental stewardship.

“Globally, wildfire services will be expected to reduce risks to communities, protect assets and critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of firefighters. International co-operation in wildfire management will become more critical as countries and regions will have to collaborate more intensely. We are pleased to have the officials from the South Korean Embassy present here today to see our operations, but moreover to look at how we can co-operate and share knowledge and expertise between our two countries,” said Abrahams.

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“While the contexts of wildfires may differ between countries, the spirit of collaboration remains universal. By sharing best practices and lessons learned, SA and South Korea are forging bonds transcending borders. Together, we stand united in the fight against wildland fires, drawing strength from diversity and shared commitment to saving and protecting lives and the environment.”