We are currently at the start of our 2016 Winter Fire Season and the predictions are that it will be a difficult season which has been exacerbated by late summer rains as well as expectant high and dry temperatures and heavy winds throughout the winter.

I want to commend our fire fighters (our participants) whom we all believe will continue to provide an excellent service in fighting these fires. Let me assure you that your great efforts on the fire lines are continuing to be appreciated by all our partners and in particular government.

We want all our firefighters to continue to be vigilant and to maintain high safety levels on the fire line during the next few months. June was National Youth Month and in his National Youth Day speech this month President Jacob Zuma highlighted the fact that the EPWP’s environmental initiatives which includes Working on Fire will continue in support of youth development.

WOF will play a key role in support of this announcement by the President and all our participants can be rest assured that they will continue to be part of this programme.

We are immensely proud of the fact that our participants continue to be drawn from the ranks of the unemployed, poor youth and that today through our skills and development programmes, they have become confident and highly motivated young men and women making up a disciplined and highly trained fire fighting force.