Born in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, Frans Awie Vermaak moved to Standerton in 1980 and, in 1994, began working in mining security, eventually joining the surface fire team.

Although he often encountered snakes growing up, he learned how to handle them properly only later in life.

“Security or the fire team would be called if there is a snake on the mine, and that is where my snake handling began,” said Vermaak.

In accordance with mine Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) policies, he attended a reptile-handling course with African Reptile and Venom in 2007.

Today, Vermaak is a certified snake handler who catches, treats, and cleans snakes before safely releasing them back into the wild.

“There is a place under the sun for everybody and every creature. In nature, everything works together, and when we take out certain elements, we create a problem for something else,” he explained.

“I am an animal lover and have a passion for snakes. Somebody has to look after them; that’s my philosophy.”

He said farmers often identify rodent problem areas on their properties where he can release snakes to help restore the natural balance.

Vermaak currently works as a contract coordinator and fire captain of the surface fire team at Seriti New Denmark Colliery.

“We support and assist farmers around us with runaway fires during the winter fire season. We assist with fire breaks, which I have a passion for,” he said.

According to Vermaak, summer is dedicated to snake season, while winter is fire season.

Certified in fire safety, he was selected in 2023 as manager for the Fire Protection Association Lekwa, where he works closely with the Lekwa Fire Department.

Despite his demanding schedule, Vermaak said sitting still has never suited him.

Fitness is an important part of his everyday routine, and, besides his daily exercise programme, he is an enthusiastic parkrunner nearing his 220th parkrun.

A devoted family man, Vermaak enjoys spending his free time fishing and sharing his love of model trains with his 18-year-old son, Ruwan.

Married to Elmien for 24 years, Vermaak said family communication remains important in their household.

“My hobbies are model trains, passed down from my father, and I now share them with my son over the weekends. The trains take you far away,” he said.

He added that the hobby has inspired Ruwan to pursue a future career as a locomotive driver. Vermaak also has a passion for photography and often photographs local parkrun events.

Another lifelong hobby is kitesurfing, which he learnt while growing up near the coast.

“Every time we go to the sea, I go kitesurfing. After breakfast, going to the beach, I will spend the whole day kitesurfing,” he said.

A proud supporter of the Sharks rugby team, Vermaak said his greatest appreciation lies in nature, the outdoors and staying active.