IN THE HEADLINES
THE PULSE
BREAKING DOWN MORE
THAN JUST BARRIERS Denise Mhlanga chats to some women who put their lives on the line to protect our communities against all odds
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he act of saving lives and protecting communities requires a selfless attitude and a genuine passion for the job. Women who pursue careers in disaster management have found their calling; they are valuable heroes who are not always recognised. “Disaster management is an essential service in the event of any unforeseen incident that could cause or threaten life, disrupt communities/individuals or result in damage to property and/or the environment,” says Kemane Mokitle, disaster management manager for the City of Joburg’s Region F. She explains that disaster management aims to save lives or ensure the safety of infrastructure within communities to reduce the risks of vulnerability and irreversible hazards that could lead to loss of life. This sentiment is echoed by firefighters Brenda Mavuso from Kwa-Thema Fire Station in Ekurhuleni, and Arlene Wehr, head District West: Operations, stationed at Roeland Street Fire Station in Cape Town. Mavuso says firefighting is about saving lives and property in the areas in which they operate. Using various skills and techniques, firefighters can stop a fire or break down walls to save people, for example. “As firefighters, we form part of the community rendering not only firefighting services, but also medical and rescue services. Other services include public education on the prevention of fires and what to do in the event Brenda Mavuso of a fire as well as very basic first aid,” says Wehr.
THE ROLE COMES WITH CHALLENGES
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Mavuso and Wehr point out that most of the challenges presented are because the work is physical, so a firefighter needs to be physically fit. “I joined the gym and did various sport codes on my off-days to keep up my fitness levels,” says Wehr. When Wehr started in firefighting 25 years ago, boots and clothing did not cater for women – they had to order smaller size boots for her. “Fire stations at the time were fitted out to accommodate men only, so I would shower last, and the water would be cold. Once I spoke to my senior officers, things started changing slowly to ensure there were ablutions for women,” Wehr recalls. Over and above physical strength, firefighters need to be emotionally and mentally strong and healthy to deal with everything that comes with the job and the associated trauma.
“As firefighters, we form part of the community rendering not only firefighting services, but also medical and rescue services. Other services include public education on the prevention of fires and what to do in the event of a fire as well as very basic first aid.” – Arlene Wehr
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Arlene Wehr
“The City of Ekurhuleni is very supportive and has put various initiatives in place for women to gather and share experiences,” says Mavuso. Mokitle uses challenges to learn. For example, conflict is a common challenge in their department, she says. “We’ve learnt to navigate through our differences knowing that our common goal is to put the safety of people and service delivery first. We acknowledge each other’s strengths and work together to improve on our weaknesses.” Furthermore, she says, barriers to entry are education and skills. “Lack of dedication and commitment can hinder an individual’s ability to prosper and succeed. We should aim to educate more young people about the jobs available within public safety.” Mavuso says that fire departments also offer various internal and external training programmes, which are useful for skills building. “I have fire engineering qualifications that enable me to work internationally. I’ve found that dedication, patience and resilience are the keys to success.” Wehr adds that the entry assessment to the Fire and Rescue Service is very physical, however, this shouldn’t stop women from pursuing it as a career. “I like this quote: ‘Don’t let anyone tell you you’re incapable because you are a woman, careers have no gender’.” ▪
VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
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