9th Annual National Fire Safety and Prevention Seminar

 

Written by Lynelle Clark

22 February 2024 at Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg.

Theme: A Fire Service that is proactive in preventing fires and other risks.

The hall was packed with representatives from across the nation. From Fire chiefs neatly dressed in uniform to governmental officials and sponsors. Making this a very informative and busy day. The speakers presentations were to the point and factual and even for a Novus, I found it relevant and educational.

The stakeholders were the City of Ekurhuleni Municipality, the Fire Department, SANTAM, SAGLA, DDM, and the NDP.

Chief Fire Officer from the City of Ekurhuleni, Dr Mhlengi Makhubalo, opened the day and welcomed all dignitaries. Dr Tshepo Motlhale, the head of the PDMC in Gauteng, gave an overview of fire services in Gauteng. Dr Bongani Elias Sithole, head of the NDMC COGTA, addressed the keynotes.

The White Paper has been accepted at a senior level for service rendered. It is the model that service will be conducted, and a simple message of servanthood has been underlined.

Key notes were:

Fire funding model is in process, Disaster management is emphasised, Equality, and Key skills are identified.

The primary aim is to raise the standard and promote the fire department to the public. Seen as the stepchild of the government, it is necessary that everyone should step up to make the fire department more visible. Sustainable funding is insufficient, and they are looking at international peers to collaborate and secure funding for the challenges ahead.

The P4RR program has been installed to get the message across with the emphasis on capacity building, tools, training, and equipment.

Collaboration was the key word of the day, and Dr Moses Khangale, SANTAM, highlighted this most effectively. The importance of public-private partnerships to improve fire service is a must for the future of the department.

SANTAM considers these factors when helping municipalities; are the Economic downturn, climate change, social unrest and loadshedding. These factors create a storm that can be effectively addressed through collaborative approaches.

The IPCC Report identified SADC as a climate change hotspot. The three key factors that affect S.A. are fires, drought and floods and the insurance sector is concerned about the state of services. These concerns are triggered by the poor management of fire services (Brakpan’s library is a good example). Training is essential and SANTAM is ramping up training with the Metros.

Dr Khangale, SANTAM Stakeholder Management and Chairperson SAIA Property Protection Committee, underlined that municipalities should take ownership of their success. They should also get their own funding, and management should be strengthened to better themselves. These are all factors that SANTAM looks at before they get involved. He clarified that SANTAM would assist and not do the municipality’s work. Municipalities should have dedicated personnel that drive initiatives and partnerships. They must make this their focal point.

Ms Dorah Marema from SAGLA talked about the state of the local government and the impact on the delivery of fire services in the country. They are pursuing solutions for municipalities and follow the lead of the White Paper. They work closely with lobby organizations to support and advice. It is their goal to set a higher standard by looking at the poor leadership, the inefficient processes, ineffective resources, and the degeneration of poor services.

Their objective is to ensure a safe and healthy environment by upgrading the services and develop social and economic sustainability.

Until now, they assumed that local municipalities could govern themselves as stipulated by the constitution. But that assumption is no longer valid. The financial crisis is a problem, and all under-funded municipalities must show a growth of 29% before help would be offered.

Support to the fire departments is not clearly defined and the local government must play a role that would benefit them. Fire stations must receive a higher priority and the finalization of the White Paper is a must to obtain optimal growth.

Mr Marius Atterbury, FPASA, highlighted that fire stations should be classified, and that accredited courses should be implemented to raise the standard.

Private companies are willing to listen and help, but require proof of maintenance, sustainability, and growth.

Community-based fire management in rural areas is vital for fast service delivery. Homeowners must take action in securing themselves with the necessary equipment during a time of crises. Ignorance is no longer an acceptable behaviour.

Maintenance of resources is a must for effective control. Community aid and long-term planning are needed in all areas, said Mr Etienne du Toit, Western Cape, Fire and rescue Services. Duplication must be avoided. Not enough attention is given from the government, according to an expert at the University of Cape Town.

It is the responsibility of the municipalities to enforce the SPLUMA ACT and receive approval from local authorities of applications in respect of erection of buildings. According to Section 4.1 and 4.2 of the National Building Regulations Act, the applicant must be the landowner of a land. Buildings should be built with safety in mind and not to cut costs. The challenges within the building sector are that contractors don’t comply with the bylaws nor are it enforced by the municipalities.

Mr Charles Mabaso from the city of Tswane’s Emergency Services Department. He emphasised that an On Scene All Hazards Incident Management Concept that enables coordination among various jurisdictions is needed to ensure service.

Access to information is crucial to each incident and must be at a central location where the public is briefed.

Accountability:

·        Comply with SOP requirements,

·        Safety of responders, workers and public,

·        Achievement of response objectives and effective use of resources.

Skills needed of a fire coordinator:

·        Ability to motivate and guide.

·        Effective team player

·        Paying attention to detail

·        Communication skills

·        Critical thinker

·        Conflict management

Dr Tanja Tereblanche is from the city of Tswane’s Emergency Services Department. She underlined the importance for fire station to be self-sufficient. It is necessary to educate the public and look for investors. A sustainable revenue branch should be implemented to increase revenue.

Local communities must be at the forefront of reducing disasters by understanding the areas they live and the difficulties of that area.

 

Other speakers were:

Ms Rachel Aphane, Department of Employment and Labour.

Mr Roggers Mamaila from TRANSNET.

Mr John Lomberg, Executive Director Climate Resilience Fund.

Me Jappie Lengoabala, NDMC, Fire Services.

Dr Olivia Kunguma from the University of the Frees State, DiMTEC.

Mr Curvin Alexander, Eastern Cape PDMC, Fire Services.

Mr Jurgens Dyssel, NDMC—Policy, Institutional Development & Compliance Management.

Mr Thabo Khupari, NDMC—Disaster, Preparedness, Response, & Recovery Coordination.

Mr Roland Hendricks from the NDMC.