Metro firefighters begin specialised urban rescue training
Twenty-five firefighters are undergoing advanced Urban Search and Rescue training to prepare for structural collapses, swift water incidents and other complex emergencies as the metro expands its specialist response capabilities.
The Tshwane Metro has taken a major step towards strengthening its emergency response capabilities with the launch of its first in-house Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training programme at the Erasmuskloof Fire Station Training Academy.
The initiative will see 25 firefighters trained as specialised USAR technicians, equipping them with advanced rescue skills to respond to complex emergencies, including structural collapses, trench incidents, confined space rescues, and swift water emergencies.
According to department spokesperson Nana Radebe-Kgiba, the programme marks the first time the department has trained its own members in the internationally recognised discipline, reducing reliance on external training providers while building long-term internal capacity.
She said the programme represents a significant investment in specialised emergency response capabilities.
“The Urban Search and Rescue Training Programme is designed to develop highly skilled USAR technicians who will strengthen the city’s ability to respond to technically challenging rescue incidents.
“These specialised skills will enable faster, safer and more effective emergency responses for the residents of Tshwane,” said Radebe-Kgiba.
The programme is being presented in partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni Emergency Services Department (DEMS).
To qualify as USAR technicians, firefighters must complete five of the nine accredited rescue modules.
Radebe-Kgiba said the current training covers rope rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue, structural collapse rescue, and swift water rescue.
Chief of Emergency Services Moshema Mosia said the programme demonstrates the metro’s growing capacity to provide specialised training.
“Emergency Services has now started training its own members in this specialised and dynamic programme. This demonstrates the city’s capabilities and the capacity we have built at the Training Academy to offer specialised courses and successfully implement a programme of this magnitude,” said Mosia.
He encouraged trainees to embrace continuous learning.
“Knowledge is power. A good firefighter is always willing to learn, but a bad firefighter knows it all.”
According to Radebe-Kgiba, hosting the programme at the Erasmuskloof Fire Station Training Academy will save more than R250 000 while creating sustainable in-house training capacity for future rescue teams.
MMC for Community Safety Alderman Hannes Coetzee welcomed the initiative, saying he had witnessed the critical role played by USAR technicians during the Hennops River and Wonderboom flood rescues.
The metro said the investment forms part of its broader commitment to improving operational readiness and ensuring world-class emergency response services for communities across Tshwane.
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