Endumeni Municipality has bid farewell to dedicated firefighter Vumani Shabalala, who will join the City of Cape Town’s emergency services next month.

Shabalala began his career as a disaster management volunteer with uMzinyathi District Municipality in 2011.

In September 2012, he joined Rural Metro as a junior firefighter working under Endumeni Municipality before later being employed full-time by the municipality.

He continued to build his skills, completing professional firefighter training in January 2013. Since then, he has completed additional courses in fire prevention, hazardous materials and wildfire fighting.

Shabalala also obtained a Higher Certificate in Fire Technology and is currently studying towards a Diploma in Fire Technology.

Phumlani Ntombela, Endumeni’s Disaster, Fire and Rescue manager, said Shabalala’s appointment was a proud moment for the local unit.

“As we bid farewell to one of our brave crew members, it is sad, but it also brings a sense of pride to see that the City of Cape Town has recognised the capabilities and dedication of a firefighter from our small town,” said Ntombela.

“We wish Mr Shabalala a successful journey in his career and hope he continues to be an ambassador for Endumeni.”

Investing in fire and rescue

Cllr Saleem Abdool, chairperson of the Community Services Portfolio Committee, also said Shabalala’s progress was a source of pride.

“It has been a great achievement to produce such a young, brave man who will now represent us in the legislative capital of South Africa,” he said.

Abdool said the municipality had absorbed 10 EPWP-trained firefighters into permanent positions, procured new firefighting equipment, installed a UPS system and introduced a 24-hour shift system.

New “jaws of life” equipment has also been purchased to assist with rescuing people trapped in vehicles following motor vehicle accidents.

The municipality plans to prioritise the acquisition of a new fire engine, while the existing vehicle is earmarked for the planned Wasbank satellite station.

An emergency WhatsApp number is also being prepared to improve communication and allow residents to share location pins when reporting incidents.

“With Mr Shabalala’s dedication and commitment, he has made it easier for us to concentrate on equipping our firefighters while they perform their duties,” said Abdool.

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