If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not

be so welcome. Anne Bradstreet

SEPTEMBER 2011

CREATIVE INSPIRATION FROM STERKSPRUIT BASE The Sterkspruit Base was bubbling over with confidence at this years base audit with Frank Roberts. And lets be FRANK - is this not a clever thing to have furniture made from recycled cardboard that would have otherwise landed up in our already overflowing landfills?

The team has not only been busy fighting fires, educating schools and making furniture but have now come up with another innovative way of making seemingly useless objects useful once again. Sterkspruit has been collecting old light bulbs and converting them into mini-glasshouses! We encourage anyone in the area to collect old light bulbs and pass them on to our base so that we can create more of these desktop greenhouses. We sell them for R20 and if you bring in an old light bulb you will get a R10 discount! Malcolm Bain Sterkspruit Base Manager The recent involvement of WoF with fighting the Gustuv fire created quite a buzz with the Sterkspruit base fire fighters involved by bringing in the chopper and landing at the base to transport team members to the fire for quick reaction. The story was front cover news in one of the local newspapers. Way to go Sterkspruit! Yet again being put on the map!

SEPTEMBER 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

LEFPA TEAM MAKES US PROUD! On 27/08/2011 the LEFPA team participated at the Rudamans EXPO. They did a short presentation on how the team works on the fire line. While participating we had a call from Dispatch that they were needed at a real fire. The LEFPA team made us proud. All members appreciate their hard work. Within 16 months they have built up confidence, strength, endurance and a bag full of team spirit amongst them. They have a good knowledge of fires and other tasks like fire breaks, gardening and assisting of LEFPA members and communities in the area. Over the past two weeks I have received numerous calls thanking LEFPA for the team and the team assistance Thank you for the opportunity of managing a Wage Incentive Team. I am proud of them! Nerien van Heerden LEFPA Administrator

WELL DONE BARBERTON TEAM Nelspruit Laerskool (the oldest school in Nelspruit) celebrated their 95th birthday this year and invited Working on Fire to participate in their celebrations on the 9th-10th September 2011. Our Barberton team assisted with the stand and also did a drill demonstration for the children. Here are some photos from the event. Natasha De Kock Acting Provincial Advocacy Manager - MPU

SEPTEMBER 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

A SPECIAL EVENT FOR DISABLED CHILDREN HELD BY THE LEFPA TEAM On 26/08/2011 the LEFPA team decided to have a special outing for Disabled children in the Nelspruit area. A total of 42 children got together at the Nelspruit Old airport. 34 children came from Kamagugu and WoF sponsored their transport. 8 Children came from Dasha with their own transport. For all the children and some of the teachers it was the first time to visit an airport, never mind seeing a Chopper or any aircraft. They were so exited. We walked with them to the SAPS hanger where Captain van Heerden showed them the Police Helicopter and explained to them why it is used and when. There were many questions asked. Some wondered if the police use their lights at night when flying and can the helicopter fly if it rains? The best question was: "when the police helicopter see a thief, do they pick him up with the helicopter and take him to jail". After this we walked with them to the Bird -dog helicopter. They were climbing in the helicopter etc. The most humble experience was when some children went and feel how the helicopter felt. By then the children were very thirsty and we headed back to the WoF hanger were the Nelspruit team drilled for them while having drinks and snacks. Conclusion: All children have the same needs, no matter if they are disabled or normal, big or small. Thank you: to Mr Piet v.d. Merwe and his team that sponsored the

Transport and the Nelspruit team that entertained the children

We will have an outing like this again, without any doubt. It brought so many smiles and happiness to the day.

Nerien van Heerden LEFPA Administrator

SEPTEMBER 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

EASTERN CAPE NEW APPOINTMENTS Congratulations to our New Assistant General Manager The Eastern Cape is one the provinces that has been progressing quickly, especially amongst those who were fire fighters and have now been promoted to higher positions. It is with great honour that I share with the other provinces that Phumza Matitiba has been promoted as the Assistant General Manager for Eastern Cape. Phumza has started as a fire fighter, crew leader type 2, crew leader type 1 and she became a regional manager for the Eastern Cape. Being a mother, wife, sister, friend, colleague and most of all a manager for all the Eastern Cape provinces she has found a good balance in maintaining all of it and supporting everyone in the entire province by listening to all their problems, sharing ideas, advising and developing fire fighters to better people. She is one of the managers who will always say my door is open anytime. She has inspired most of the female fire fighters in the province by proving that women are strong and they can go far in life. On behalf of the Eastern Cape fire fighters and management I would like to say Congratulations sister, we are proud of you! Health and Safety Officer Newly appointed Occupational Health and Safety Officer for Eastern Cape, Ntombizandile Sompa, joined WoF on the 15th of August 2011. Welcome to the Eastern Cape WoF family, we are looking forward to working with you and all the best of luck. Stutterheim New Recruit The 8th of June 2011 is a date that changed many lives of the youth in Hekel Community. The Stutterheim fire fighters did an awareness event there where one of their objectives was to create jobs for the youth and do recruitment. When we were recruiting we informed the councillor to inform the youth to come for recruitment as we had promised to do so, but of course not everyone can get a share. But it was great when one female from Hekel, Sisanda Ncumane, made it as a fire fighter. I have interviewed her and she was so excited about being part of the WoF family and said when we did an event and mentioned recruitment she knew that it would change her life for the better. She has been battling to find a job and was sitting at home doing nothing. She said there were even times when she would find herself involved in the wrong things because of having nothing to do. She says she is proud of the job and enjoys waking up every day, going to work, doing fitness, the drill and having good crew leaders who are always motivating and encouraging. She says that one day she sees herself as one of the crew leaders. She concludes by saying, many thanks to Stutterheim fire fighter for the awareness they did in Hekelit changed my life. BY: Buyie Ngqawani MCLO EC
Love the one you are with One of the best things in a relationship is to make your partner happy. Excessive nagging can drive your partner away. You need to live with the fact that things cannot always be done your way. A relationship is not about one partners interests only. Avoid blowing things out of proportion, work towards finding a way for your voice to be heard. There is no book that justifies control of one partner by another. Respect, honour, cherish and show lots of love for your partner you will reap the reward. BY: Lukholo Mangidana, Mhlontlo Hot shot, Qumbu Slower is better Maybe you should dream what you want to dream and go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all those things you dream of and want to do enjoy every moment. But, realise that life is like a school and you are here to learn, pass all your test. Remember problems are simple part of the curriculum that upper and fade away like Algebra class but the lesson you learn will last a life time. BY: Zanele Chiloane, LEFPA Team, Nelspruit

SEPTEMBER 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

WORDS OF THANKS TO WOF Firstly let us take this chance and say thanks to WoF for giving us a job opportunity, for giving us more skills. Some of us didnt have money to the study further but WoF gave us training without paying any cent for them. We were unfit but now we are fit, we not disciplined but now we are disciplined. You gave us opportunities to go out and do awareness to the communities, schools and all those who dont know more about fires. Thank you WoF for all the skills. BY: WoF no 6513, 6523, 6508 and 6531 [Mhlontlo Hotshot] Prayer for all my country men Though now few eyes can see beyond this point and these strategic times. Men will praise your image when all those terrors and hate are dead thorugh trotting days beaten and broken some will stay pure. How to grim and endure and there are heart stayed warn and heed grow clear. BY: Nceba Payi [Ugie Flying Squad Hotshot] Sometimes it is good to have a tough history as it helps you to succeed in life. Always think positively and your results will be positive . when I found myself in front of Addo base I knew that I will make change in my life and be physical fit and I made it clear in my mind that I will make it in life. This job is full of challenges and opportunities so grab it with both hands and remember together we can make it , we will encourage each other and always keep the spirit up. We are all one no matter who you are, what culture you are or the nation. BY: Winstonia Noram [Lendlovu Hoshot] To fire fighters I salute you all the name of WoF, beings fire fighter is not only about suppressing fires but also getting more skills that will help you to prosper in general just like me I have been in the programme for quite sometime and I have been acquired a lot of skills in WoF e.g., life wise and work wise today I proudly say I know where I want to go and what I want in life so what I can say is that no matter how hard times are it doesnt matter as long as you sacrifice to make it there . you must know and remember that the road to success is not an easy one. Perseverance and endurance is the way. BY: Sivuyile Tim [Lendlovu Hot shot] WOF IS THE BEST PROGRAMME I like to thank LEFPA (WOF) to the opportunity that they have been given to me, to prove my point that I am a good and disciplined candidate. Since I was engaged with LEFPA (WOF) in April 2010. I am a very much glad that I gain a lot of experience, such as receptionist ,doing fire awareness to school and to communities, how to manage store room, how to do administration duties and many more things that I have been gain experience of. I am also happy that since I was with LEFPA (WOF). I didnt experience any problem with the company and I am very much proud that my manager didnt encounter any problem with me Until I left I left the company. So I like to encourage all WOF fire fighter that discipline is the most important thing at work, and they must not forget that the pain of discipline is far more than the pain. Thank you. BY: Zanele P Chiloane, Nelspruit (LEFPA)
SEPTEMBER 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

Fire season has come Wow! Its my first fire season and Im already enjoying it although we had to do so many sacrifice like working until late and waking up early in the morning for a call duty but what can we say it is our duty to protect the nature and homes from veld fires. Fire season is all about trust, team work and good communication on the fire line. I have experience many encouraging instincts that bolds me to be proud of where I am today. Through team spirit of my team I have no doubt that we can conquer any fire that challenges our capability and strengthens as fire fighter , until next fire season we will be ready as ever and we are in this race together. BY: Zodwa Ulana [Mazembe Hot shot] You are the light of the world Before you WoF many f us were nothing, we were jobless thats why we say you are the light. Lack of role models leads children living reckelsssyly. Families without head increases and it is a serious matter. Only few children manage to stay well mannered without parental supervision or guidance. On the case e of death parents relatives should love and protect the orphans. BY: Bukeka Mketo [Mhlontlo Hotshot-Qumbu]

Fire friend or Enemy Fire can causes death, injures and loss of property but sometime fires are caused by nature and it can be good for the environment. It is our responsibility as fire fighters to do everything in our power to prevent unwanted fires , to report any signs of fire as soon as possible . BY: Phumla Moni [Stutterheim Base]

WE MANAGED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE DURING EXTREMELY HIGH FDI On the 2nd of September 2011,our team worked under pressure because the wind was moving too fast and in a high speed of 56km/h, but we managed to cope under that situation with no injuries among us. We as fire fighters the product of WOF, became heroes at the end of the day and we are proud of being a product of WOF. Thanks to our crew leaders for leading us with a good manner. We also thank WOF to give us this great

opportunity to prevent fires from burning our communities, live stock, environment and our economy and with the opportunity to educate our communities about the dangers of fires and the important things to be aware of before, during and after fire season. BY: PAULPIETERSBURG (DUMBE HOTSHOTS)

Where is Paulpietersburg? Paulpietersburg in Zululand is a small, pretty town nestling in the foothills of the Dumbe Mountain - a big, flat-topped, triangular mountain in the middle of flatlands territory, popular with paragliders and hikers and named after the wild dumbe fruit which grows on its slopes. Paulpietersburg played its part in the military shaping of the region. The peace treaty that ended the Anglo-Boer war was signed at the nearby Egode River, while the Anglo-Zulu war site, Ntombe, is 30km away. Paulpietersburg is on the Rainbow Route, an alternative route to the coast from MPU, passing through Paulpietersburg, Vryheid, Melmoth, and Piet Retief and ends in Mtunzini. Paulpietersburg is only 3.5 hours' drive from Joburg and Durban and popular with visitors because of the 9 hot and cold mineral water pools at the Natal Spa just 9 km from town. The spa is fed by a natural, hot spring that surfaces on the southern approaches to the 1 536m Dumbe Mountain. Article courtesy of www.kzn.org.za
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ALL IN A DAYS WORK FOR MCLOS Ficksburg Base VisitA Report Back On Thursday 8 September, MCLOs Noel Molokoane and new recruit Bongani Tshabalala, spent the day with the Fiscksburg Working on Fire team. On arrival, we met with crew leader Patrick Phukuntsi who shared with us what his team has been doing at the base. Patrick reported that the team has formed a partnership with Caledon Park Primary School in Meqheleng. They had also been a part of 10 fires this season and he made mention that the team were always eager to work. Following this we had a presentation and facilitation skills session. We divided into teams of five and showed them how to facilitate training with school learners using the advocacy material. We allowed the different groups to present back to us as if they were in front of school learners of any age. Bongani encouraged the team to be creative so that the children become more engaged and ask questions. After the session, the team drilled for us and we then met up with the base manager, Mr. Brown, who told us what the team have been doing around the Ficksburg area. Noel Tlagu Molokoane Media & Community Liasion Officer: Free State
THANK YOU WOF Working on Fire is my Life Working on Fire is my Soul A strong soul that guides me When I have taken a moment of silence, Working on Fire is my Guarding Angel Im a brave young woman with all the strength, I would also like thank my Crew leaders, Philane Memela, Mthobisi Khumalo and Nhlonipho Dlamini. Thank you, I am so grateful. I have gained fitness, perseverance, WoF skills and experience. WoF gives desire, repairs and restores The rhythm and rhyme of life. Im now an expensive diamond that is Wanted by everyone, Even those who cannot afford it. All of this is because of WoF organization. I thank you Wof, Thank You. BY: Nontobeko Mthalane (Shafton Team) TEAM LOVE Love one another, but make note: a bond of love. Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your soul. Fill each others cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another your bread but, Eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone through they quiver with the same music. BY: Emmanuel Miya, One Hope Hotshot, Normandien LETS GIVE BACK WHAT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO US For us to be in a more advance position, first there must be a hand that lifts you up. There is no individual that can just get a position without him or her being assisted by someone! So that is why a human is a human by other humans. And as a person of humility you must at least try to give back to others as a form of appreciation and thanking that you have achieved your goals and dreams. A company like Working on Fire is an up-lifter, so lets not just want to be in a better position while we know that we cant deliver, we must be in better positions for the sake of service delivery, motivate others and give guidance to people who want to find themselves in higher rankings! We all must thank The Holy Spirit that every day we go to bed with a full stomach, all because of the poverty alleviator Working on Fire and in return lets give the love and support to our followers and implement our knowledge and profession to our different bases. BY: D.M. Mnyambo CL T2 Sterkspruit Base INTEGRITY IS AN IMPORTANT INGREDIENT TO ALL As we know the dictionary defines integrity as the state of being complete and unified. When you have integrity your words and your deeds match up. You are who you are no matter who or what you are with. However - sadly integrity is a vanishing commodity today. Personal standards are crumbling in a world that has taken to not pursue of personal pleasure and shortcuts to success. So integrity is not what we do so much, its who we are! And it determines what we do. Our system of values is so much part of us as we cannot separate it from ourselves. It becomes the navigation system that guides us. It establishes priorities in our lives and judges what we will accept and reject. BY: D.M. Mnyambo CL T2 Sterkspruit (Hopeful Hotshots)

SEPTEMBER 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

LET US LOVE LIFE Anyone who thinks the sky is the limit, has limited imagination. If you dont know what you want in your life you will end up getting something else. You will probably end up somewhere else. If our thought and hopes are elsewhere, it is impossible to set our faces steadily towards the work required of us. Remember this, seeing yourself as what you want to be is the key to personal growth, what we see depend on what we are looking for. Dont ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what you need and then go for it; you know whats right and what is wrong in life. Let us be honest. One lie ruins thousands truth, no legacy is richer as honesty. Honesty pays, but it doesnt seem to pay enough to suit some people. A big shot is a little shot that kept shooting to accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream ; not only plan, but also believe. Failure is only the opportunity to begin again; this time more wisely, whoever said anybody has a right to give up, we all know that the only job where you start at the top is when digging a hole. Let us love life. M.C.Dladla MCLO KZN-ZULULAND THANK YOU SANELE MKHIZE OUR DRIVER!!! Keep on Respecting yourself because you are valuable, Keep on exceeding our expectations Three things in life, once gone, never come back! Time, Opportunity, Words To those teams that didnt reach position 1, 2, an 3 at the Midmar training camp, guys forget about the past and lets think about tomorrow. You still have a chance next year. Three things that destroys life: Pride, Anger, Unforgiveness Guys we all won at the training camp, lets accept that only two teams had to go to Sun City, let us forgive and forget. BY: Zandile (Dragons Hotshot) TO ALL FIRE FIGHTERS Its fire season, its winter and we are feeling cold, and we are far away from our homes and our loved ones, so be careful, play safe because AIDS kills. Always use a condom. We cant afford to produce leaders who are only academic and are lacking in other aspects. BY: S.A Dlamini (Giants Castle) NEVER GIVE UP Success requires determination to open doors you thought are locked. Let your spirit guide you there. Joy, peace and prosperity await you on the other side of the door. If you belong there, true spirit will lead you there. Whatever was meant to be yours, will be! But it is required of you to have faith and stay focused. Fire Fighters Creed When I am called to duty God, wherever flames may rage. Give me strength to save a life, whatever is its age? Help me to embrace a little child, before it is too late. Or save an older person from, the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert, to hear the weakest shout. And to quickly and efficiently, to put the fire out. I want to fill my call and to give the best in me. To guard my neighbor, and protect his property. And if according to your will, I have to loose my life. Bless with your protecting hand, my children and my wife. BY: Mofokeng Sello, Ficksburg Achievers Hotshot THE SECRETS OF HAPPY PEOPLE There are a lot of things you need in order to consider yourself to be a happy person. Stop being consumed by the materialistic things and enjoy the nature itself. Stop regretting, collect yourself and be the best you can. Stop worrying about what you dont have and enjoy the little you have, Because its a gift from God. Knowing without acknowledging is like loving without caring. BY: ST NGUBANE (Shafton Team) BY: Michael Sibiya (Senior Crew leader) @Normandien Base (One Hope Hotshot Team)

Stand firm on your convictions Protect your heart more than anything else as you
experience personal success Continue contributing to the success of other people And never forget to think of others before yourself. BY: Ayanda Tshangase, Bulwer Crew Leader Life of a Fire Fighter It is all about sacrifice with no personal gain. It is all about teamwork with one goal at the end. It is about following command and instructions. A fire fighter must be strong and mentally fit To carry himself for the whole fire season and Always be calm and stay strong spiritually, To always stay focused and to not loose concentration To be on duty 24 hours a day for 7 days a week during fire season. And to stay tall, avoid failing and be the winner in all stages. We remember what your task is as a fire fighter, To always do what benefits the country. And to be the pride of the nation. That is what a professional fire fighter should be. ALUTA FIRE FIGHTERS ALUTA BY: Petrus Miya aka Skhehle, Golden Hotshots

SEPTEMBER 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

DEAR GOD I wont give up until I see myself in Full Incentive Team I wont give up until I attend twenty one days course or training camp. Until I see results or receive rewards. I wont give up right now. I wont give up until I feel better or things look better. I wont give up until people say they are sorry or stop talking about me. I wont give up right now. I wont give up until the pain in my body disappears. I wont give up until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief. I wont give up until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed. I wont give up because, I am alive, I have the ability and the opportunity to more and to do better. I wont give up FATHER. You havent given up on me. NB: there is light after darkness. DONT GIVE UP. BY: Masiteng Santi Julius, Warden Hotshots

10 STEPS OF LOVE 1. There is a certain somebody you always talk about. 2. You cant stop phoning that person 3. You cant sleep at night because you busy thinking about him/her. 4. You always want to visit them. 5. You know their cell phone numbers by heart. 6. Whenever you see them you cant even stop talking about silly things. 8. You will know what is wrong when you see them depressed. 9. You are busy thinking about this person, you didnt even realise that number 7 is missing. 10. You just read up and check if number 7 is really missing. You are now laughing inside knowing that I was right. BY: Mjongeni (Eshowe- Ingonyama Hotshot)

TRUE STORY How many opportunities have passed you by: Because it was presented to you like a closed door. Youll never know if the door is locked until you turn the door handle. Have you ever been to a building that is normally has the door wide open, but this time its closed? If you dont get closer to the door, you wont see the message that reads: Please come in, the door is closed on account of weather. The door of your career, relationship and business may be closed on account of certain circumstances. Get closer to your situations and you might realise that they are not as critical as you thought. BY: Michael Sibiya (Senior Crew leader), Normandien Base CREW MEMBERS Here at Working On Fire, you get skills to communicate with people in a good way and the right way. Some of the crew members are easy subjects, but some are like physical science or mathematics and you have to solve x out of them. Even if they are not your favourite subject, you have to learn them though. Thanks to WOF for the skills you gave us. BY: Emmanuel Miya, One Hope Hotshot, Normandien RESPECT Respect is very important to everyone, everywhere. If you want other people to respect you, You must respect yourself first. We must have more respect as we work with communities, so that we can earn respect from communities. BY: H.N. Khanyile - Eshowe Base (Ingonyama Hotshot) WORD OF THANKS Wiseman Sihle Mthalane was my crew leader at Richmond. He recruited me in June last year and his leadership & training produced the best S.H.E. Rep he had ever had before, thats me. I applied and got a transfer to Shafton and with his help I am now working in Shafton under the leadership of Philane Memela and Mthobisi Khumalo, my crew leaders. I thank Richmond team for believing in me and the respect they showed me. Thank you for loving me for listening to my Safety and Educational talks. You made me believe that here at Working on Fire I have a future. I miss you guys but there is no place like home. Your motivation and inspiration will guide me and lets not forget about God who protects all of us as fire-fighters. Please never forget to praise Him and give thanks to Him. Thank you very much to my Manager MR NF Dlamini. May God be with all you fire fighters. BY: Nkululeko Reggie Buthelezi (Shafton Team) RISE UP AND SHINE Rise up and change your life because if you dont nobody will. Take a step forward and seek for better futures dont wait for the things to come seek for them. Believe in yourself, trust yourself and be proud of everything you do. Dont let anybody let you down. Tell yourself you can do everything and you can achieve your goals. Rise up and shine just like a star on the sky. BY: Mbana Zenande [Ugie Base] BE YOURSELF When you encounter difficulties in life, its very crucial not to give up or make decisions that you will regret at the later stage. As human beings we need to strive for the best in order to survive & we also need to believe in what we possess. BY: D. Mkhize & B. Bhengu, Eshane LEADER: ATTENTION Counter: one Leader: give me six concor,s orders Team: One heart! One love One mission! One vision One success One achievement Leader: What is our mission and vision Team: Our mission is to Fight Fire. Team: Our vision is to concor before it concers us! Lets remember F- Fight I- In all power R- Remain in control. E- Ensure the Fire is concored. BY: Bongani Sam Fakudze (LEFPA Team)

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WHY DO WE CELEBRATE HERITAGE DAY? This day is one of our newly created public holidays and its significance rests in recognising aspects of South African culture which are both tangible and difficult to pin down: creative expression, our historical inheritance, language, the food we eat as well as the land in which we live. Within a broader social and political context, the day's events are a powerful agent for promulgating a South African identity, fostering reconciliation and promoting the notion that variety is a national asset as opposed to igniting conflict. Heritage has been defined as "that which we inherit: the sum total of wild life and scenic parks, sites of scientific or historical importance, national monuments, historic buildings, works of art, literature and music, oral traditions and museum collections together with their documentation." In an address marking Heritage Day in 1996, (former) President Mandela stated: "When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation. We did so knowing that the struggles against the injustice and inequities of the past are part of our national identity; they are part of our culture. We knew that, if indeed our nation has to rise like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes of division and conflict, we had to acknowledge those whose selfless efforts and talents were dedicated to this goal of non-racial democracy."

Information courtesy of the South African Government

21 DAYS TRAINING We went to the training course at

Nelspruit Academy on 28 May 2011. There were 3 teams namely Addo, Katberg and Stutterheim. At the Academy we learnt so many things as in how to work under pressure, work with different cultures and be one team. We participated in lots of different activities & although it was hard to work with different teams we managed to pull together and be one nation. We did Pt every morning which was a learning curve and part of team spirit. We were trained in bad weather conditions and that made us strong and fit. The Training Academy instructors taught us about the importance of time management. Everyone was positive, willing to take advice from other team members. The kitchen ladies were also good to us. A special thanks to our instructors Wanda Siximba and Mlungisi Ndamase for motivating us, keep up the good work! BY: Lendlovu Hotshot [Addo Base]

Project experience We would like to say thanks to WoF for giving us the opportunity to work in a project in Carletonville, it was a great honour. It was a challenge but we were able to overcome it with good team spirit. We thought it was going to be difficult to work with other team but with Jansenville we had good support since they have been working in projects for a long time so it made it easy. And they were guiding and motivating us all the time. We would like to thank Jansenville Team. Together we can do more BY: Lendlovu Hotshot [Strong in body and mind]

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A BIT OF FUN ON CASUAL DAY! Casual Day is always held on the first Friday of September and is the biggest fundraising and awareness-creating project for persons with a disability. It is the day on which all people in South Africa are requested to dress up or down anything other than usual. Every person who participated had to wear the official Casual Day sticker (which cost R10 and goes to charity) indicating that they are dressed differently in support of and to benefit persons with disabilities in South Africa. The theme for 2011 was Worn to be Wild with the slogan: Be a rock star for persons with disabilities. The WoF Head Office staff in Nelspruit held a small breakfast to celebrate and a trophy was awarded for the BEST DRESSED. The award went to Yolandi Swarts aka Alice Cooper but Riana, Li-Mari and Emile Grobbelaar were also strong contenders for the prize! Wilmerie Du Preez Statistician

Daphney Tshehla and Skumbuzo Mhlabane (Stats)

Madelein Jordaan (Aviation)

Debbie Davisdon (IFMS)

Fikile Sedibe (Finance) and Michelle Oliver (Procurement)

Yolandi Swarts (Finance)

Goodness Lubisi (Finance)

Emile Meatloaf Grobbelaar (FFA Group CFO)

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SEPTEMBER 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

Our Carletonville Project Experience It was tough and challenging at the same time, we had to work with another team from a different base and different region, as time went on we had a good relationship and team spirit. Working together we can do more of what we have learned at the project and now we would like to have our own project and prove our working standard. Thanks WoF and Janesville team. We salute you BY: Addo Lendlovu Hotshot

Dont lead us astray! It is painful to see many local musicians wasting their lives on drugs & alcohol. Youngsters regard these musicians as their role models and look up to them for inspiration in stepping their own future. The celebrities always preach about dangers of using drugs and alcohol all the time but they dont practise what they preach. My advice to fire fighters is : Do not allow problems to drag your to a life of regret. Problems are an integral part of life and there is always light at the end of the tunnel. BY: Nokwanda Makuzeni, Mhlontlo Hotshot, Qumbu
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Time you need to move on in life Everyone has a sad story to tell. Every living human being has been confronted by nasty and an unforgettable experience of some kind yet others have been robbed rapped and were involved in abusive relationships. The list is endless so start worrying about your future. BY: 6523 and 6516 [Mhlontlo Hotshot Qumbu] Play the ball not the man

In life good things dont come cheap It is disappointing to see our so-called future leaders embark on strike action for no apparent reason. Everyone has to work very hard for their future to avoid failure. Dont be a spoiled brat and want everything for free. Good things in life do not come on a silver platter. One has to work hard. BY: 66516 and 6523 [Mhlontlo Hotshot]

Being HIV positive is not a death sentence but being ignorant about the existence of the disease in itself is a death sentence. Let us stop criticism, discrimination and name calling those who are with the disease. Stigmatisation is one of the deadliest pandemic we need to tackle. Dont tackle the man but the ball. People should learn to distinguish between being HIV positive and living with AIDS. Let us love each other good people because we are brothers and sisters. We are stopping fires so why dont we try to stop discrimination and criticism. Always remember that one way or the other we affected by this pandemic. BY: Ncebakazi Matilose [6513-Mhlontlo HotshotQumbu] MY SUCCESS Good reactions create good results. I will like to take this change and thanks to all. I feel the pain to gain. Respect is the only key to success. From Working on Fire to LEFPA. From LEFPA to Evsolution Its a way of success, But if it was note you LEFPA. A salute goes to the following heroes Mr Andrew Scheepers (manager) Mrs Nerien Van Heerden (Administrator) Mr Mandla Mathonsi (Type 1 crew leader). Miss Tsepiso Tjiane (Type 1 crew Leader) Thulani Khumalo and Vincent Lubisi (Type 2 crew leaders). and the whole team for being supportive. True love comes inside. Today I am an operator: True power comes inside As I join EVS, I will continue be the best. You gave me knowledge of power an I will strive for the best This is the voice of heart. Halala Working on Fire halala Halala LEFPA halala. BY: Bongani Sam Fakudze (Enviro Vision) If you have to fight, fight! Most people have no jobs, Most people have nothing to put on the table Most people are dying because they sell their bodies for income but you have a job If you have to fight for it, fight! Your job is your family, without it you have no one by your side Your job is your key to a better life without it there is no life, Your job is your happiness without it there is no rest So if you have to fight, Fight! When things go wrong as they will When the roads you trudging seems uphill When funds are low and debts are high and you want to smile but you have to sigh When care is pressing you down, rest a bit Dont quit stick to the fight BY: Zintle Mangolwane [WI-Ntywenka] GUYS GO FOR IT BECAUSE YOU CAN DO IT In life there are those challenges you meet while you are planning your way forward to your goals. Others think one challenge is an end of the road. Guys, we have to understand that nothing comes easily when it comes to success, so to become something you have to be nothing. Dont worry when you feel blind because it needs to be dark to see the brightness. So please guys stop complaining and panicking - dont give up on your goals because nothing is impossible. BY: Sanele N. Sbiya-Hluhluwe (Hungry Lion Hotshot)

Educating learners in the Free State about Fire On 18 August the Bloemfontein Fire Museum was visited by 60 learners from Theenessen in the western Free State. WoF partnered with the Mangaung Fire and Rescue team to share information on the dangers of fire with the eager learners. WoF, represented by MCLOs Noel Molokoane and Bongani Tshabalala, gave out information and presented on the role of WoF across the provinces. We gave WoF brochures to the learners and teachers to take back with them to their school. The children enjoyed the session and had a lot of questions and comments to share about the dangers of fire. Noel Tlagu Molokoane Media & Community Liasion Officer: Free State

Left: Noel Molokoane, together with the Mangaung Fire & Rescue Service, gives a talk on fire awareness.

SEPTEMBER 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

Melamonyagae Lucas Setlhatlole It is with deep regret that I inform you that this morning we have lost Lucas Setlhatlole our Type 1 Crew Leader that was based at Pilanesberg. He joined the WOF programme in 2005 and became a Type I Crew Leader in Gauteng/North West in 2009. He was a great colleague and Crew Leader and will be missed. Regards Retha Naude Human Resources Officer: Gauteng/North West

FIRE SAFETY I would like to congratulate all students who have come to our training academy for training; 21 day programme, special course advance fire fighting and induction. This year we have a lot of new ladies and gentlemen who have joined our programme, we have seen you in action, the way you behave in class, practicals and drill, you all posses positive self esteem and willingness to learn. You are now professional fire fighters in the veld and forest field, so now is the time to implement what you have been taught at the academy. Remember: safety is our first priority as standard fire order no:1 states as it is now fire season please make sure that you are always situational aware and remember the following if you are in "trouble":

What to do

Passing through fire

Stay calm Stay together Do not run until necessary Look for a break in line For area of less intensity (lower flames) Protect your skin

Prepare you mind for head and smoke

Put an extra shield over your helmet visor i.e shield with gloves Take deep breaths Bend your head forward Run decisively through the fire If you fall: roll and then run

Ps: make sure that you reduce amount of clothing (i.e parker jacket), while on the other side (safety) as hyperthemia can reduce your chances of survival while at safety. If the person shows symptoms (heat fatigue) apply treatment for heat fatigue. Enjoy your fire season, do not look at it as too much work, take it as too much experience. Instructor: Mlungisi Ndamase, Port St Johns Base (EC)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS! If your articles appeared in this issue, please ensure you keep a copy on file for audit purposes. We look forward to hearing from you and trust you enjoy reading the newsletter. To ensure all entries are captured and published, all crews and regional managers are requested to submit their contributions to the Media & Community Liaison Officer in their area.

SEPTEMBER 2011 WOFIRE NEWS