South Africa’s firefighting crews have once again answered the international call to service with gusto. Alberta, a province in Canada, needed fast and experienced aid after it was hit by more than 550 wildfires this season. As a result, the Working on Fire (WoF) programme from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment has deployed 200 highly trained firemen and 13 seasoned managers to assist with the firefighting efforts. The Mzansi Hotshots 2 of South Africa have teamed up with their Canadian counterparts to put out the wildfires that have plagued both countries.
International Teamwork
This fifth firefighting collaboration between South Africa and Canada is made possible by the tight working connection between the two countries, codified by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2019. The two nations have agreed to pool their resources to combat wildfires as part of this MOU. The Mzansi Hotshots 2 have been fighting fires for three years, are well-versed in Canadian pump operation procedures, and have members with foreign firefighting expertise.
The addition of our South African firefighting crews will greatly improve our ability to put out and control the flames in Alberta. Minister for Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Barbara Creecy remarked, “We take great pride in mobilising such qualified and diverse teams.”
An unprecedented number of wildfires have ravaged Alberta this year, destroying homes and businesses and causing thousands of people to flee their homes. There has never been a time when more assistance was needed to fight these devastating wildfires. The help from South Africa is timely and represents the spirit of international cooperation and mutual aid.
Opportunities that Can Change a Young Person’s Life in South Africa
South Africa’s WoF initiative is more than a fire prevention programme. It’s an EPWP, or Expanded Public Works Programme, designed to put young people to work. The 23 CHARLIE boys course at Chrysalis Academy is an example of a life-altering opportunity.
Young men in the age range of 18 to 25 are encouraged to apply for the January 2024 intake by the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety. First aid, basic cooking, security training, welding, office administration, and electrical work are just some of the many skills that will be covered in this comprehensive course. The programme also includes sessions on fitness training, personal development, emotional intelligence, leadership, and diversity.
This programme is designed to help young people in South Africa get started in a variety of disciplines, including the fire service. The EPWP also provides graduates with a 12-month job offer after they graduate.
On June 1st, 2023, registration opened for the 23rd CHARLIE Males Course, and it will close on July 31st, 2023. Collaborative spirit and mutual help amongst nations are what matter in times of global calamities like Alberta’s wildfires. Albertans should look to the success of South Africa’s WoF programme as an example of how to make a positive change in the world. The WoF project represents a dedication to growth, creativity, and unity that transcends borders, whether through the chance to contribute on the global stage or through local skill development and employment prospects.
About The Author:
Sizwe Mikhwenya is a seasoned journalist specialising in business, the environment, and current affairs. With a decade-long career reporting on the pulse of South Africa, Lethabo’s work has been featured in some of the country’s most respected publications, earning recognition for her insightful, comprehensive reporting.
