3 minute read
CELEBRATING WOMEN
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
The act of saving lives and protecting communities requires a sel ess 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 re ghters 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 re ghting is about saving lives and property in the areas in which they operate. Using various skills and techniques, re ghters can stop a re or break down walls to save people, for example.
“As re ghters, we form part of the community rendering not only re ghting services, but also medical and rescue services. Other services include public education on the prevention of res and what to do in the event of a re as well as very basic rst aid,” says Wehr.
Brenda Mavuso
THE ROLE COMES WITH CHALLENGES
Mavuso and Wehr point out that most of the challenges presented are because the work is physical, so a re ghter needs to be physically t.
“I joined the gym and did various sport codes on my o -days to keep up my tness levels,” says Wehr.
When Wehr started in re ghting 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 tted out to accommodate men only, so I would shower last, and the water would be cold. Once I spoke to my senior o cers, things started changing slowly to ensure there were ablutions for women,” Wehr recalls.
Over and above physical strength, re ghters need to be emotionally and mentally strong and healthy to deal with everything that comes with the job and the associated trauma.
“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, con ict is a common challenge in their department, she says. “We’ve learnt to navigate through our di erences knowing that our common goal is to put the safety of people and service delivery rst. 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 re departments also o er various internal and external training programmes, which are useful for skills building. “I have re engineering quali cations 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’.” ▪
“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
