About
Working
on Fire
Who we are
Working on fire is an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) aimed at providing work opportunities to young men and women.
Work
Opportunities
to young men
and women
Working on fire is an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) aimed at providing work opportunities to young men and women. The Programme resides under, and is funded by, the Department of Environmental Affairs.
Participants are recruited from marginalised communities and trained in fire awareness and education, fire prevention and fire suppression skills. In addition, they are also trained in skills such as first aid, carpentry, cooking, health and safety and communications.
5000
Participants
94% Youth
31% Women
3% Disabled
Working on Fire recruits and trains young men and women from across South Africa, with a strong focus on marginalized communities and people with disabilities. There are currently more than 5000 participants in the Programme, 94% of whom are youth, 31% are women (the highest level in any comparable fire service in the world) and 3% disabled.
Working on Fire promotes capacity building among participants and runs various programmes, which help to develop the social cohesion of these participants. Empowering participants to make informed decisions, and also helping them with financial and social related problems, makes up a vital part of the programme’s initiatives.
vALUES
vALUES
Accountability
Showing dedication and responsibility in how we approach our actions, tasks, and contributions to the team.
Teamwork
Achieving shared goals and purpose through collective effort, focus and collaboration, while also respecting each member’s need for work-life balance.
Excellence
Being an industry leader recognised for success, renown and respect among peers, with an integrated efficient approach focused on continious improvement – simply put, surpassing others and striving to be the best.
Adaptability
Have the ability to adapt to evolving environments in order to thrive and succeed.
Making a Difference
Enhancing the quality of life for individuals and their communities through empowerment, while also fostering improvements in the surrounding natural environment and beyond.
