South Africa’s wildland firefighters from the Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture are set to return home after a highly successful deployment in Canada, where they played a critical role in battling some of the country’s severe wildfires. The Mzanzi1 Hotshots, consisting of 216 firefighters and management, have been on the frontlines in Alberta Province, and their return marks the end of another chapter in a longstanding international collaboration.

Media representatives are invited to cover their arrival and Homecoming Ceremony:

Date: Monday, 2 September 2024
Time: 13h00 (Estimated)
Location: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and Kishugu Training Academy (Farm Highlands 240 JU, Uitkyk Road, Mbombela)

Since 2015, South African firefighters have been deployed to Canada six times under the Canada-South Africa Bilateral Agreement, which facilitates cooperation on environmental matters, including exchanging and providing firefighting personnel. The Working on Fire Programme, part of South Africa’s Expanded Public Works Programme, has sent over 1,750 firefighters and management personnel to assist Canada during its most challenging wildfire seasons.

In 2023, a historic deployment of 861 firefighters from Working on Fire helped Canada navigate one of its worst wildfire seasons on record. Their return in 2024 concludes another successful mission and they received high praise from Alberta Wildfire and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) for their exceptional fitness, discipline, work ethic, and enthusiasm.

During a reception held at the Canadian High Commissioner’s residence on Wednesday, 21 August 2024, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, extended her country’s heartfelt gratitude to the South African firefighters. She presented a special note of thanks from the Government of Canada, acknowledging the invaluable assistance provided by the Working on Fire teams over the years.

The Mzanzi1 Hotshots will be recognised in a Homecoming Ceremony. This event is set to place at the Kishugu Training Academy and will provide a unique opportunity to hear compelling stories of international cooperation and the courageous efforts of South African firefighters who have made a significant global impact.

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Issued by Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture Communications

For media inquiries, please contact:
Linton Rensburg
Stakeholder Relations Manager: Working On Fire – Kishugu Joint Venture
linton.rensburg@wofire.co.za or +27 82 508 0990