By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
7 August 2025- The executive mayor of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokse Maje said firefighters play a crucial role in fire safety. Maje said they are the first responders in emergencies, suppressing and controlling fires.
This comes after the district welcomed 20 newly-trained firefighters recruits. The event was held at the Taung Fire Emergency offices on Wednesday.
“It is with immense pride and heartfelt joy that I stand before you today on this momentous occasion as we welcome home our 20 young heroes — the newly trained firefighter recruits of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.
“As the district, we have faced the devastating impact of wildfires in recent years. Our farms, our land and indeed our livelihoods have suffered. Despite support from partners like Working on Fire, our limited capacity has often made it difficult to respond as swiftly and effectively as we would have liked,” he said.
Maje further said that today, they stand here not to lament the challenges of the past, but to celebrate a powerful step forward. He added that, last year, the district took a bold and visionary decision — to invest in their own youth by sending 20 young people for specialized training in fire fighting.
“Today, we officially welcome them back to their community, not just as ordinary citizens, but as trained, uniformed and dedicated firefighting professionals. To the parents and guardians here today, I say thank you.
“Thank you for trusting us with your children. Thank you for allowing them to serve this district with bravery and dignity. You have raised young men and women who are not only protectors of the land, but symbols of hope and change,” said Maje.
According to Maje, from January 2026, these recruits will be permanently employed as full-time fire fighters by the municipality. He said this is not just employment — it is the purpose.
“It is an opportunity. It is the beginning of a lifetime of service.
We are proud beyond words. This initiative is not only about saving our farms and protecting hectares from destructive veld fires, but also about fighting youth unemployment and restoring dignity to our communities through skills development and meaningful work.
“Let me also take this moment to express our deepest gratitude to the MMC for Community Services, Boitumelo Setlhabetsi-Mokone, for the sterling leadership shown throughout this project. Your commitment and foresight have made today possible,” he said.
Maje said this is Setlhabetsi-Mokone’s victory too. He said to the brave recruits, they are the torchbearers of a safer district.
“Wear your uniforms with pride. Serve with integrity, discipline and humility. This is the beginning of a new chapter in your lives — one that requires strength, commitment, and selflessness.
“Let this be a reminder to all young people in our district: When we work together, we can create real change. Opportunities exist — and your local government is working tirelessly to create more. I remain committed to investing in our youth, strengthening our disaster and emergency services and building a district that is not only safer, but also more inclusive and economically empowered,” said Maje.
He also encourages them to continue to walk this journey — together — to a stronger, safer and more prosperous Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Maje congratulated new firefighter recruits once again.
“We are proud of you. We believe in you. And we stand with you,” he said.
The Guardian 