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Search on for the grittiest fighters

Firefighters broke a sweat on Friday as they competed for the title of South Africa’s toughest firefighter. The two-day “Toughest Firefighter Alive” competition took place at the Roeland Street Fire Station­.

Firefighters from around the country signed up for the event, which is recognised as the most difficult firefighter competition in the world. The challenge includes an individual category as well as a relay category. Firefighters are measured in terms of their fitness, endurance and skill sets and have to complete a number of challenges in full firefighting gear, including a hose drag, obstacle course, tower ascent and 800m run.

City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service’s new recruit Baigum Abrahams walked away as the winner of the female competition. Abrahams (24) from Strandfontein just graduated in July. The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue team also won the female relay competition while eThekwini Municipality firefighters won the male relay event.

Mayco member for safety, security and social services, JP Smith, welcomed the contestants. “Firefighting can be a very physically demanding job and this competition asks some tough questions of the participants. It’s amazing to watch and just further cements the respect I have for those in the profession. South African firefighters are up there with the best and have proven themselves on the international stage.

“Last year, a male relay team came fifth overall in the European Open in Germany and the overall female winner was a firefighter from Durban, Simangele Mbanjwa. It is an honour to have some of these competitors showing off their skills in Cape Town this year,” said Smith.

The Toughest Firefighter Alive competition aims to promote a spirit of excellence in firefighters; produce firefighters who are able compete on the international stage; equip firefighters with skills that enable them to perform at the peak of their abilities; continue to push the boundaries in delivering a better, high-quality service; boost firefighters’ morale whilst promoting the profession through media coverage, and promote relationship building with previously disadvantaged communities.

Firefighters broke a sweat on Friday as they competed for the title of South Africa’s toughest firefighter. The two-day “Toughest Firefighter Alive” competition took place at the Roeland Street Fire Station­.

Firefighters from around the country signed up for the event, which is recognised as the most difficult firefighter competition in the world. The challenge includes an individual category as well as a relay category. Firefighters are measured in terms of their fitness, endurance and skill sets and have to complete a number of challenges in full firefighting gear, including a hose drag, obstacle course, tower ascent and 800m run.

City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service’s new recruit, Baigum Abrahams walked away as the winner of the female competition. Abrahams (24) from Strandfontein just graduated in July. The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue team also won the female relay competition while eThekwini Municipality firefighters won the male relay event.

Mayco member for safety, security and social services, JP Smith, welcomed the contestants. “Firefighting can be a very physically demanding job and this competition asks some tough questions of the participants. It’s amazing to watch and just further cements the respect I have for those in the profession. South African firefighters are up there with the best and have proven themselves on the international stage.

“Last year, a male relay team came fifth overall in the European Open in Germany and the overall female winner was a firefighter from Durban, Simangele Mbanjwa. It is an honour to have some of these competitors showing off their skills in Cape Town this year,” said Smith.

The Toughest Firefigher Alive competition aims to promote a spirit of excellence in firefighters; produce firefighters who are able compete on the international stage; equip firefighters with skills that enable them to perform at the peak of their abilities; continue to push the boundaries in delivering a better, high-quality service; boost firefighters’ morale whilst promoting the profession through media coverage, and promote relationship building with previously disadvantaged communities.

Firefighters broke a sweat on Friday as they competed for the title of South Africa’s toughest firefighter. The two-day “Toughest Firefighter Alive” competition took place at the Roeland Street Fire Station­.

Firefighters from around the country signed up for the event, which is recognised as the most difficult firefighter competition in the world. The challenge includes an individual category as well as a relay category. Firefighters are measured in terms of their fitness, endurance and skill sets and have to complete a number of challenges in full firefighting gear, including a hose drag, obstacle course, tower ascent and 800m run.

City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service’s new recruit, Baigum Abrahams walked away as the winner of the female competition. Abrahams (24) from Strandfontein just graduated in July. The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue team also won the female relay competition while eThekwini Municipality firefighters won the male relay event.

Mayco member for safety, security and social services, JP Smith, welcomed the contestants. “Firefighting can be a very physically demanding job and this competition asks some tough questions of the participants. It’s amazing to watch and just further cements the respect I have for those in the profession. South African firefighters are up there with the best and have proven themselves on the international stage.

“Last year, a male relay team came fifth overall in the European Open in Germany and the overall female winner was a firefighter from Durban, Simangele Mbanjwa. It is an honour to have some of these competitors showing off their skills in Cape Town this year,” said Smith.

The Toughest Firefigher Alive competition aims to promote a spirit of excellence in firefighters; produce firefighters who are able compete on the international stage; equip firefighters with skills that enable them to perform at the peak of their abilities; continue to push the boundaries in delivering a better, high-quality service; boost firefighters’ morale whilst promoting the profession through media coverage, and promote relationship building with previously disadvantaged communities.

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