wathint' abafazi wathint' imbokodo strike the woman strike the rock

AUGUST 2011 Working on Fires all women structural fire fighting team to assist Eden Fire Department
A team of women structural fire fighters, trained by the Working on Fire Programme, have started a three year programme with the Eden Fire Department following their completion of an intensive Fire Fighter 1 and Hazmat course. Working on Fire and the Eden Fire Department have a very good working relationship, so it is great to see them partnering in this way said Christalene De Kella, WoFs Media & Community Liaison Officer in the Southern Cape. The team will be based at the fire station in George and have wasted no time in getting settled into their shifts. On their second day, the team was already doing hose drills with the Fire Chief, Annelize Lamprecht, and Deputy Chief, Deon van Wyk. The existing fire fighters are really looking forward to working with the women from WoF and we are very grateful for the support said Lamprecht. They were also visited by Clive Africa, Edens Director of Community Services, who said that it was an honour to have 10 women structural fire fighters assisting them and he promised his full support in their future growth. They will learn and achieve a lot during the three years that they will be based with Eden, he said. Working on Fire (WoF) is a government-funded, multi-partner organization managed by the FFA Group of Companies, that focuses upon Integrated Fire Management including veld and forest fire fighting. It employs 3 721 veld and forest fire fighters from disadvantaged rural communities who are trained as front line veld and forest fire fighters to stop the scourge of wildfire which costs the South African economy billions of rands in lost product and productivity every year. Working on Fire has provided funding for promising wildland fire fighters to attend training in order to qualify as structural fire fighters. The aim is to raise the qualification levels of previously unskilled people to increase their likelihood of securing permanent employment. The more qualified WoF wildland fire fighters become, the greater the opportunity of recruitment by fire brigades in rural areas.

BY: Christalene De Kella Media and Community Liaison Officer Southern Cape

From left to right: Emile Conrad, Sakkie Greyling, Amelia Davids, A Mabutwana, Annelize Lamprecht, D L Springfield, Deon van Wyk, G Wewers, R C Felix, N A Daniels, M Dithobane, Metwhin Human, N Kati, E Philander, Francios, J Mathys, Sherwin De kella.

AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

Why we celebrate National Women's Day This day commemorates the 9th of August 1956 when women participated in a national march to petition against pass laws (legislation that required African persons to carry a document on them to prove that they were allowed to enter a white area). On that day in 1956, 20 000 women staged a march on the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act (commonly known as the pass laws) of 1950. They left bundles of petitions containing more than 100 000 signatures at prime minister J.G. Strijdom's office doors. Outside they stood silently for 30 minutes, many with their children on their backs. The women sang a protest song that was composed in honour of the occasion: Wathint'Abafazi Wathint'imbokodo! (Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock.). In the 54 years since, the phrase (or its latest incarnation: "you strike a woman, you strike a rock") has come to represent women's courage and strength in South Africa. The march was led by Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn.

Information courtesy of Wikipedia and www.sahistory.org.za

MOTHER HOOD AS IT IS A WOMAN MONTH I was nothing at that time but you were something, nine months you took care of me while I couldnt do it myself. Mama you didnt abort me until you gave birth, from there again you raise me and you taught me to speak and walk. Even if I was failing you were always there helping me, to respect, I took that responsibility you showed me. Where ever I am they are proud of me and this means you didnt raise me for you only but for the nation, so mother thank you so much. I wish others were raised by you as well. THANKS MAMA. BY: Sanele Sbiya, Hluhluwe Hungry Lion Hotshot WOMENS DAY As we WOF members we have to celebrate womens month because without women we cant survive, without women theres no human being. (You touch women you strike the rock) Happy womens months. BY: V.G. Mbatha, Qhudeni Team

I LOVE YOU MOM In this month I want to thank you mom for showing me a good way in life. I love you and I will always love you , you are so special to me. I love you!!!. BY: MR M.C. Mchunu, Qhudeni Base

WOMEN FIRE FIGHTERS We are celebrating women month, as women fire fighters let us embrace what God had given us. Being a women is a gift and we must be grateful to be what we are, because this is what we have. So let us find a way to upgrade what we have and you all know that we can go far as long as we have a vision, goals and dreams to fulfil. As women we can shape our lives the way we want. Nothing can stop us from fulfilling our dreams. Other people have tried to be where we are but they failed. As women let us help those who cant help themselves let us make a change into peoples life, let us save money for good purposes I know some of you, you are bread winners at home, so let us fight against poverty by using our talents. You know what you are good at so let us have our own things, let us start something new that we can benefit from as women. Makhosi Dladla MCLO KZN Zululand

HAPPY WOMENS MONTH August is Womens Month, let us take this time to respect all women of South Africa. We love you all not only for this month but you are very important - you are playing a big role in our lives as men. BY: Mfundo Mchunu, Qhudeni Team

Women are like tea bags. They don't know how strong they are until they get into hot water. E. Roosevelt
AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

LIFE JOURNEY We all want good things in life, but good things do not come easily. It all starts with one step at a time. It takes faith and courage to achieve your goals in life and perseverance is the main key to success. You do fall along the way, you lose hope and trust, sometimes you can even wish to die or you were not born at all. But by dedicating yourself and having a strong mind can keep you going no matter how long it might take to achieve your dream, but it is possible and it begins with one step. The most important step is your life. BY: Zipho Dludla- Eshowe Team OUR LIFE IN A BOOK We are the youth of Dumbe, employed by WoF as fire fighters in the poverty alleviation programme. Now we can put food on the table for us and our mothers. Yes things have changed since we started working here, no more hunger and anger we were mad because we didnt know how can we express ourselves. Things were really bad but WoF came to our rescue, with skills that will lead us to success. Thanks to WoF, now we know what will happen next in our lives, because of Working On Fire. Life is simple and fair. We will stay faithful to WoF and not change direction like air. We have been given a right and privilege to express ourselves. The skills that we got from Working On Fire are on fire but dont need fire fighters because they are hunger alleviators. YES, WORKING ON FIRE CARES! BY: S.M. Nxumalo, Paulpietersburg I HAVE A DREAM It is important to have a dream in order to improve your life. My dream is to be a beautiful wife, to have a home and children. My dream car is Mazda 3, so guys to know your dreams can help you achieve your dreams. I am proud about my dreams because I have a drivers licence and this means the car is coming soon and I also thank WoF for giving us this greatest job, now Im earning money month end and this means I can achieve my dreams soon. Thanks Working On Fire BY: Simphiwe Ngobes, Hluhluwe (Hungry Lion Hotshot) NEVER GIVE UP, BE PATIENT I know you have tried so many things, but still you failed. Be patient, dont rush things take things step by step. Try to learn from your mistakes, because in life we all make mistakes and we learn from them. Dont blame others for your mistakes but yourself. Bring yourself closer to winners, find the way forward from them, I know they would never let you down or judge you. I know it is not easy to achieve your goals but you were born to be a winner not a looser. Your day will come. It is not over until God says it over, you can do this. BY: T.B Hlabiso, Kwa-Mbonambi Hotshot YOU ARE LIFTED SO THAT YOU CAN LIFT OTHERS Are you contributing positively to the advancement of the lives of those around you? This is the question you must ask yourself and truthfully answer by yourself. You must make up your mind to live a meaningful life, one that will make the world move forward touching the lives of others in a positive way. If you bless people, you will always be lifted; this is because youre lifted as you lift others. Your promotion is in you, promoting others. Your success would be discovered when you make others successful. You will never discover the treasure God has kept in you until you reach out to help someone else become something, thats where the real joy is. If you are an employer, help those in your company to realise their dreams. God will make it happen for you, when you make things happen for others! BY: S.C. Mbuyazi, Mbonambi Hotshot NEVER SAY NEVER Never lose hope in life. You must have a vision and a dream in your life, follow your dreams, be what you want to be. You must have faith in your life. Never say I cant do it. You must say I can do it. Never say its over with your life until God says so, never give up in life. BY: Jabulile Zungu, Eshowe

AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

GAUTENG BEING PART OF THE COMMUNITY IS A GOOD THING On the 18TH of July 2011, Nelson Mandelas birthday, a community event was held in Potchefstroom, North West Province. Working on Fire was invited to do fire awareness, and the Vredefort Dome team, as well as one member of the Rust De Winter team educated the community with talks, songs and drills. In the afternoon, we went to pick up litter, clear alien vegetation from the street edges and fix the paths around the schools of Potchefstroom. The Working on Fire team proved that they can work very hard. They managed to do the job within three hours by keeping up good morale, discipline and team work. It was not an easy task because it was a cold day and we had to walk three kilometres cleaning those routes, but it was all worth it. Thank you to Phinias Mphela from Rust De Winter for assisting me.

Lerato Mokwena Trainee Media & Community Liaison Officer (Gauteng & North West)

MPUMALANGA On Friday the 21st of July, Morning Live (SABC 2) paid a visit to the Library Awareness Day in White River where the WoF team was busy doing a fire awareness demonstration. Close to 300 children attended the awareness from various schools in the Lowveld region. The aim for this awareness was to make sure that we keep on reminding our children and communities about the dangers of fire. Below are some photos of the event.

Ali Milanzi Media & Community Liaison Officer (Mpumalanga)

AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

EASTERN CAPE The Eastern Cape fire season has arrived and we have already seen an increase in the number of fires in the region. Most of these fires are started by people, and affect people be it community members, farmers or foresters, and it is therefore important to raise more awareness around fire. The WoF Stutterheim team, together with the WoF Eastern Cape MCLO, have been busy doing fire awareness talks to the surrounding farmers and community members, educating them about fire dangers, fire causes and fire prevention measures. The aim of doing fire awareness is to reduce the number of fires in the region. The MCLO gave a presentation to community members, while the fire fighters sang fire songs, and gave some practical demonstrations on the tools used to fight fires. The awareness was finished off by the WoF daily bread - a drill which symbolises team discipline, neatness and team work and is always a highlight of the day. We hope that the communities reached are now better informed on how to prevent fires and what to do if fires occur.

Buyie Ngqawani Media & Community Liaison Officer (Eastern Cape)

School Visit at WoF Head Office Chirpy Baba en Kleuter Sentrum, se 5 jarige klas het die wonderlike geleentheid gehad om Working on Fire te gaan besoek - hulle was hartlik ontvang en lekker bederf. Die hoogtepunt van die dag was natuurlik die helikopter vlug! Die kinders het dit vreeslik geniet en kon nie uitgepraat raak oor hierdie wonderlike ervaring. Chirpy Baba en Kleuter Sentrum wil graag die volgende persone bedank, wie die spesiale dag moontlik gemaak het: Johan Heine, Mike Assad, Charel Louw asook Madelein Jordaan. Thank you, Chirpy Baba en Kleuter Sentrum

AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

SAFETY IN A STORM Good people, let us take care in lightning because it can be so dangerous. Lightning goes together with a thunderstorm. People must know that the sound of the thunderstorm is not dangerous, but it is only the flash lightning that is the dangerous part of a storm and can be a killer. Things to do when we see lightning: We must stay in 1 room, cover everything that shines, move away from power lines, move away from tall trees, dont use or be near water and dont move up and down. SAFETY IS IMPORTANT EVERYWHERE YOU GO. BY: Thulisile Mthethwa (SE REP) Hluhluwe (Hungry Lion Hotshot)

DID YOU KNOW?

Lightning is a bright flash of electricity produced by a thunderstorm. What causes lightning? Lightning is an electric current. Within a thundercloud way up in the sky, many small bits of ice (frozen raindrops) bump into each other as they move around in the air. All of those collisions create an electric charge. After a while, the whole cloud fills up with electrical charges. The positive charges or protons form at the top of the cloud and the negative charges or electrons form at the bottom of the cloud. Since opposites attract, that causes a positive charge to build up on the ground beneath the cloud. The grounds electrical charge concentrates around anything that sticks up, such as mountains, people, or single trees. The charge coming up from these points eventually connects with a charge reaching down from the clouds and - zap - lightning strikes!

Information from www.weatherwizkids.com

HIV AND AIDS HIV and AIDS is no longer a killer but its just a disease like other diseases. You dont have to be scared of what people says about you and your status, go and get ARVS to save your life. If you are positive dont think committing suicide is a solution. People who are making jokes about other peoples status; they just dont know what they are doing. Being positive doesnt mean you are not a human anymore but, it means thatha izihlangu zakho uqonde empini one life will never be replaced by another Akekho omunye ofana nawe so we must take care of our life. Last month we were all celebrating Madibas birthday. He is our role model he fought for the nation to be free and he was arrested for 27 years and he did overcome all that, tell me what can stop you to fight for your life only. I repeat, HIV is not a killer but your carelessness is. BY: Nokubonga Dlamini. Eshowe Team KEY MESSAGE TO FIRE FIGHTERS The only way for someone to know his or her HIV status is to go for testing. Guys its good to know your status so that you can live the life that you want to live. I know its hard to do a blood test but firefighters, let us be brave. Let us look after ourselves and believe. BY: Nomkhosi Mntambo, Giants Castle LOVING YOUR BODY Loving your body is the key to self confidence. Keep it in good shape, you have only one body, so you must take good care of it and its only you who can decide what is happening in your body. Get to know your body you can explore your sexuality without putting yourself at risk. By this I say guys and gals in the programme HIV is alive so condomise in other to be safe. BY: Mxolisi F. Zuma, Eshowe Team (Ingonyama Hotshot)

AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

BE AWARE STAY ALIVE Ladies and gentlemen lets get tested for TB, because it is a serious killer. But it can be cured, even if you are HIV positive. The only thing to do with TB, is to follow the treatment intructions correctly and you must finish your treatment even if you feel better. BY: Z.C. Ngema, Qhudeni Team

WoF Beneficiary Risk Cover Insurance

Any occupation may present risks to health and safety, and fire fighting in particular, poses an increased risk because of the potentially dangerous work environment. While WoF makes every effort to minimise these risks and educate beneficiaries on the importance of following safe operating procedures, it is also important that insurance cover is in place in case of an accident. Working on Fire therefore carries insurance, called risk cover, on behalf of WoF beneficiaries, both administrative and fire fighters. Risk cover offers insurance against potential unexpected losses that may be suffered by beneficiaries while on duty for WoF. The risks that are covered include injuries resulting in permanent or temporary disability, and in the worst case, death caused by on-duty activities. Disability can be temporary or permanent, when one is unable to follow their usual occupation, or a substantial part of the usual occupation. Medical expenses related to the above accidents are also covered to a certain degree. A maximum of R5000 will be paid to cover the funeral and associated expenses in the case of a beneficiary suffering accidental death. Some of the exclusions to insurance pay-out include: Death and disability caused by suicide, or intentional self-injury (unless in an attempt to save human life) an existing medical condition in command of a vehicle and having an alcohol blood count higher than the legal limit a veneral disease, AIDS, HIV, or Aids Related Complex (ARC)

A poem by William Shakespeare The Passionate Pilgrim, XII CRABBED age and youth cannot live together: Youth is full of pleasure, age is full of care; Youth like summer morn, age like winter weather; Youth like summer brave, age like winter bare. Youth is full of sport, ages breath is short; Youth is nimble, age is lame; Youth is hot and bold, age is weak and cold; Youth is wild, and age is tame. Age, I do abhor thee, youth, I do adore thee; O! my love, my love is young: Age, I do defy thee: O! sweet shepherd, hie thee, For methinks thou stayst too long.
SENT IN BY: Thingazina Mgqibelo, Walker Bay Team
AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

OUR NEW ADVOCACY OFFICES I would like to take this opportunity from both Working on Fire departments (FFA section twenty one and Advocacy), to report back on our latest office news. We have been working together, but now we are divided into two. Both offices were at Kirstenbosch before, but now things have changed. The Advocacy Department is now based at Newlands, next to the fire team. The FFA section twenty one is still base at Kirstenbosch, which is just down the road. What I want to say is that to those who left behind we will always miss you. We were working together in a warm office without problems. We must accept that when the family becomes bigger and bigger we have to divide from each other so that we can have the enough space to work. We are not far from each other. We will meet each other sometimes. We have to know that always we will cry together and we will also laugh together as we always did. BY: Tembela Mtshotshisa Distribution officer/ Advocacy Department

WOF MY ROCK WOF MY FUTURE! You say you are a poverty relief programme. When I first wore my yellow t-shirt, I looked at it and said to myself this yellow means a lot to me. It portrayed a bright future for me. When I looked at the image in the front, I saw open hands and a flame in the middle; it portrayed an image that says I am welcome with both hands filled with warmth and tenderness. WoF, I saw you as a corner stone, a step forward to my future. You gave me a mission and discipline, a heart to love my fellow colleagues and my sisters and brothers, an opportunity to showcase my abilities and talents and be a role model to those who look up to me. To our Richmond team, lets keep it up, lets carry those knapsacks with pride, beat fire aggressively but also provide safety first. BY: Ntokozo Mbeje, AmaHawks Hotshot WORDS OF THANK TO MY WOF I highly appreciate the company for giving me such opportunity of being a well trained fire fighter, with no doubt WOF is my starting point and my key to open the doors to my success, for years being unemployed. Finally I found the job WOF has created for us.I m also glad and proud of the community Im living in, as it is in rural areas without development before, for not having such a team. Years ago my community was destroyed by fire, nature was damaged, the houses were burned down to ashes and people died, surely my community is safe now. I also thank the company for showing us the way and for teaching us that life is important more than anything. Theres even sense of humour within the company by not discriminating disable people. I also thank the company for giving us such brilliant and genius leaders to train us to be physically fit for the work we do. I used to be sick every now and then; due to training Im healthy now. Its like a dream come true, that is why my WOF is so special to me.WOF is poverty alleviation programme indeed as Im the orphan my poverty has been alleviated with no obstacles, Long live WOF Long live. BY: Bongiwe Ngubane, Ingogo (Amajuba Hotshot Team)

AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

THANK YOU!! Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to the Training Academy Department. We learned lot of things. I am sure that if we didnt go there last year, we wouldnt manage this year. BY: N.S Mtolo, Dragons Hotshot WOF HAS KEPT ME GOING I am proud to be employed by WoF because this job has opened my eyes to so many things that I was not aware of. I am not earning much, but I am proud to say through WoF I can now take care of my son and my mom. I am playing a big role as part of their lives like father like son. WoF is playing a big role -grow up WoF and continue WoF. BY: K.C Luthuli, Eshowe (Ingonyama Hotshot) TO ALL THE CREW LEADERS Guys we have committed ourselves at the crew leaders course that we will lead by example and develop what we have obtained to our subordinates. Let us measure our discipline equal and make ourselves available when the team needs us. As we are working on behalf of our managers let us make them proud of the work we are doing. We are the capacitated leaders that a company can lay trust in them. In conclusion, let us be proud and happy that we have also joined a queue of being future managers. BY: M. Mashinini (Bethlehem Crew leader type 2)

EXPERIENCE Thanks WoF for giving me a lot of experience. I know how to fight a fire, how to burn a fire line. Last fire season I was working very hard because of a high fuel load. Now I am working together with communities and skills I gained from WoF. WoF is now growing up. By: Mjongeni, Eshowe Team GOOD LUCK AMELIA Burning Hotshots are very proud of Amelia Davids. She is one of a few female fire fighters that went on the structural fire fighting course. She is two years in the Working on Fire programme and she deserves every opportunity she gets and will achieve. Every day we pray for her for strength mentally and physically to make it through the tough course. The team believes in her. BY: Burning Hotshots: Farleigh Base RENOVATIONS AT OUR NEW STORE Since November our estate Manager (Carol van de Merwe) and Base manager (Jonathan Britton) announced that we got a new store room. The team is very grateful for our own space. We are expecting our own lecture space, toilets with showers, lockers and our own parade ground and we also moved our garden from the community to our own space (next to the store). Our store will also have its own drive thru. We just want to thank them and we really appreciate everything they do for us. THANK YOU BY: Burning Hotshots: Farleigh Base

GUYS CRIME IS NOT A SOLUTION To be jobless is not a crime Crime is not a solution in life Life should be respected Respect is from home or culture Culture is everyone value Value is from God God knows your needs. He will give you what you ask for; if you ask for bread he cannot give you a stone. He will open a hundred doors for you if you have discipline and respect. Guys follow your dreams. Dont kill me today and think you will see me tomorrow. Crime is not a solution of life. BY: Remmy Bonga, Hluhluwe (Hungry lion Hotshots Team) LIVE FOR YOUR DREAM Your faith will lift you up to the sky. If you are not faithful to your dreams, then you are not worth that dream. One of the most profound life lessons is that we need to be faithful to our vision and value our purpose in life. If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving. You lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. So today I still have a dream. Dreams symbolise the seeds we carry in our hearts from birth. No matter how rich or poor we are where we were born, we all have dreams.

I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not shrink to a grain of sand.
BY: S.C Mbuyazi, Mbonambi Hotshot

AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

Dullstroom WI Team having fun in the snow!

KEEP MOVING If you cant run, walk, or crawl. But whatever you do, keep moving. Life is full of ups and downs Accept everything that is happening in life No matter how good or bad it is. Do not sit back and expect a miracle to happen, Identify the obstacle that hinder you, when trying to fulfill your dreams Work out some ways to overcome the challenges that we are facing in our life. Reach the moon always because if you ever try to step back, You will never achieve what wish to achieve. So do not step back in life because God is always there with a come back Harrismith Hotshots

AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE If we are unified, we can save our environment by providing safety to our beautiful lands, stop unnecessary fires and cutting down of useful plants because these plants are very important to our ecosystem. Let us all fight against killing of our animals. BY: Nqobile, Eshowe Team HAVE A DIGNITY We must learn everything and get to move on with life, you will never be lost if you do that. Dignity can make you, yourself. When you have dignity, people will give you respect and that will mean you have a discipline. But respect yourself first also. If you are looking for dignity, watch your tongue when you speak. I promise you none can take you for granted like a paper. Thanks fire soldiers. BY: E.C Luthuli Eshowe Team (Ingonyama Hotshotchainsaw operator) BE PROUD OF YOURSELF You must believe yourself and prepare for yourself and be proud of being you. Nothing is impossible, nothing succeed like success. Dont be afraid about your future. Dont be afraid of your own thoughts. If you tell yourself you want to pass you will pass. If you tell yourself you will fail then you will fail Think good and good things will follow. You must respect your own decisions BY: Khombisile Renny Zikhali -Type 2 C/L (Hluhluwe Team) TEAM WORK Team work is all about working together to achieve common goals, Its all about boosting the team spirit and morale Use the Save me and Ill save you slogan, because we from one mother who is working on Fire Fire is terrifying like a nightmare, Without team work we wont be able to deal with it. Lack of cohesion causes demoralization, Lack of team spirit results in poor performance, Save me and I will save you so that we can both make it. BY: Sipheni Ndaba, Cathedral Peak HOW CAN YOU OVERCOME YOUR PAST MISTAKES Accept that you cant change who you are, what happen and what you did. Ask for forgiveness from God or to those you wronged. Forgive yourself. Change your ways, behaviour and your attitude. Try your best to do good things every day by helping or supporting those around you. This will boost your spirit. BY: S.M. Mhlongo, Eshowe Team

LIFE SKILLS FOR SUCCES AND ACHIEVING Everyone wants to be happy and successful, however the terms SUCCESS and HAPPINESS are different for each person. For instance to person A, success might mean having a mansion and happiness might mean being married. To person B, success might mean being a great entrepreneur and might mean travelling the world. If person B gets a mansion and a proposal of marriage he/she may not be happy and believe that he/she is not successful because this is not what that person wants. It is very important in order to achieve happiness and success to find out EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT and then PLAN to achieve those goals, so that you can feel succeful and happy. S.M. Mhlongo (Ingonyama Hot shot) Humanity If you have humanity, you always help those who cannot help themselves.Human beings do not hurt other human beings. The real human gives love and tendercare as well. Humans give respect, humans do good things and lead by example. Humans do not hold grudges, humans do not revenge. We need each other in life and to have a good humanity among each other lets give love, respect and help each other. Life is all about good humanity. Written by: Phumlani Menzi Ngema and Veronica Zandile Dlamini-Springbokhotshot (Qhudeni) AM TALKING ABOUT LOVE Love is something you get from other people Love is something you can get from a person Love is a right thing Love is happiness Love is a need Love comes from the heart Love is created between His/her In this paragraph we must share WOF members by loving each other and by caring for each other in this family. BY: Mjongeni (Eshowe- Ingonyama Hotshot) My dear Veliswa Nzima, I remember my first day at work All things were new, I met different people I remember my first day wearing my new uniform I looked like a soldier. Yes I am a fire soldier My job gave a lot of things like discipline, physical fitness and motivation I love my job as I love myself My job is like a mother and father to me. BY: V. Nzima Walker Bay

AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

TIMES IN OUR LIVES Take some time to think It is the source of life Take time to plan It is the secret of success Take time to love and to be loved God give advantage Take time to be friendly It is the road of happiness Take time to laugh It is the music of soul Take time to give The time is too short to be selfish Take time to work It is the mother of success Theres a time for birth, death, Time for planting, Time for pulling up Time for sorrow, Time for joy Time for silence, Time for talk Time for love, Time for hate Theres a time for war, time for peace. By: Slindile Mbeje Qhudeni Team-Type 2 C/L MY FRIEND Lift me up my friend You are my strength You are my hope No one else can rescue me My friend lift me up Dont let me fall Dont ignore me Hear my cry my friend Dont let my enemies laugh Disappoint them and save me My friend you are my strength I will never forget you No one can stand against you I will never stop praising you You are my rock My rock thanks your love But love you know Love cant shape and size up Love dont a maximum Keep in you mind, dont rush BY: Mazulu L.G. Gileni Tamie aka Jeska, Walker Bay FIRE SEASON Fire season was expected to be critical this year due to heavy rains. In our area fuel has grown up to 2.7 meters long, but we have managed just fine as we didnt get many call outs. The snow helped us a lot. We didnt have any runaway fires. BY: S.Ndaba, Cathedral Peak

New recruits Hello WoF teams!! How was your leave? I think you all enjoyed your time at home. I would like to tell you about our new recruits at our base. In May we recruited 14 new fire fighters eight ladies and six boys, they are very excited to be part of the program and they are looking forward to being at the fire line. They are committed to their jobs. These guys are fit and fresh, so I want to say to other teams WATCH OUT for the space, here comes Fisantekraal. At training camp, I dont think there will be a team to beat us because when were together the new recruits and us we build a strong team. And I would like to say to them, guys keep up the good work. Dont lose what you have because a team with spirit is a good team. BY: B.C. Ngamlana (aka Masinga) Fisantekraal base (Ikwezi Hotshots) ALONE IN THE DARKNESS I only see myself, I only hear myself I only feel myself But as I walked around and turned, I realized I was alone in the darkness. Nobody was around me, and I realized I was alone. I walked but there was no direction, I listened but there was no sound or voices to hear me, No foot steps in the ground to reach me but it was just me and myself, I was alone in the darkness. I cried but as I cried nobody felt my pain, I was really alone in the darkness, In a place where there is no family, A place with no friends, A place with no neighbors, A sky with no stars, A sky with no moonlight. I was all alone in the darkness, BY: Philile Mbongwa, Richmond team RESPECT YOUR JOB My heart bleeds when I see our brothers and sister neglecting their jobs. People tend to forget what motivated them to apply for a job in the first place, and when they are employed everything seems to be forgotten. It seems when they enter the work environment, they dont care about their work anymore. They tend to start neglecting their duties and concentrate on negative things, such as office gossip. People should start changing their attitudes towards life. Many people dont have jobs, so I would like to encourage everyone who has a job. Irrespective of weather the job is permanent, part time, on contract bases or casual work, Please hold on to that job and respect what you have. BY: M. Mashinini, Bethlehem type two Crew leader

AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

UDESMOND TUTU U Desmond Tutu waye ngumfundisi omkhulu kakhulu wasetshetshi jikelele apha kweli lasemzantsi AfriKa. Emva kokuba kuphume uNelson Mandela wajoyina i-ANC wayinceda i-ANC ngokuthi axelele abantu ngokuba i-ANC isukaphi, isebenza njani. Kodwa nangona wajoyina i-ANC wayenokholo ngokuba waxolelanisa abantu bakweli apho kwakusiliwa. Abantu abamnyama nabamhlophe waye wabaxelela ukuba into yokuxabana ayinolisantweni elilizwe lelomntu wonke. Botsho baxolelena kwaphela nocalu-calulo kweli lizwe lase-Mzantsi Afrika wade wabekwa ngokuba ngumfundisi omkhulu wase Mzantsi. BY: Bra Tido, Walker Bay: Moonlight Hotshots NDIKHALA KUWE BAWO Nkosi emandleni akho ndibeka ikhaya lam. Kumandla akho khusela ikhaya lam. Ngaphakathi nezithuku-thuku ndizibeka kuwe, Nabangakwazi kuzithethela ndibaphosa kuwe Ngabakho Nkosi nezilwanyana ngokunjalo. Nkosi ndibeka umhlobokazi wam phambi kobuso bakho. Ukuze ulungise indlela yakhe phambi kobuso bakhe, njenjalo ukuziqoqa azekhe mzekweni kwabanye abantu. Kum ngokunjalo bawo kuba ubomi bunzima akukho ukwazi ukuthi wena wenza ngqo, lento ifunekayo nguwe wedwa owaziyo indlela zobomi. Ukohlukwazo nokunyuka kwazo. Ndiphe ubuncathu bendalo ndizibone ndingumntu onokuphosa amazwi okuwela umlambo wobomi ongaziwa mntu. BY: DJ: Sva Walker Bay: Moonlight Hotshot WALKER BAY PRAYER Lord protect this base and all who enter from sunrise to sunset, at all times through good and bad. Lord let your light shine in this base let all visitors and guests feel at home and comfortable. Lord let peace and harmony reign in this team and keep evil spirits away. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. BY: Pastor L.G. Gileni (Zulu), Walker Bay NORTHERN CAPE FIRE FIGHTERS READY AND GEARED UP It all started in April 2011 when everybody was asking him or herself whether they are going backwards or forward, not knowing what the future holds for them. It is the day we were recruited by WoF, since that day there was no turning back. We learned more than we had expected and never thought existed. At first we were just here to perform our duties of being a fire fighter but we were very wrong, we learned about being ourselves and how to adjust with the surroundings especially all in the name of fires. We are a group of 25 young males and females fighting dangerous veld fires for the past four months, at first we panicked as we were not sure if we are doing a good job but we really do excel. I just have to say Halala JKD Hotshots,Lets keep up the good work. We must know that there is nothing more important than the image you have of yourself. Self confidence comes from having faith in yourself and the future, believing in yourself, what you can do and who you can become. Confidence makes you humble enough to learn about what appears to be arrogant. We knew nothing about fire and we came from nowhere but knowing that we all have purpose in life. Lastly we would like to thank MR MOSES JAFTA our crew leader by taking our hats off and bowing down to him, and thus saying a big thank you. He has taught us many things about life and how we should be. Today we are who we are because of him, WELL DONE SIR JAFTA, WELL DONE> you have done a tremendous job and we are proud of you. BY: Nthabiseng Perseverance September Jan Kemp Dorp Hotshots -NC, Tshabalala Basta Themba

GOODBYE!! It was really a pleasure working with you Thuli from last till to date, as you are aware that I will no longer be doing Community Development but Estate Management for Dargle and Cedara, I will miss and cherish our good working relationship and I know that the new person will enjoy working with you as I did. The hard work gone towards FireWise projects did not go unnoticed, since most of my communities for example Qumeni (Makhuzeni) joined fire wise under your leadership a vast improvement in terms of fires compared to last year has been seen, and I know you contributed to the change that we see in our communities as you contributed highly trainings on making them fire wise and respect the power of fire. I will not forget also your effort in attending forestry meetings, we have seen you amongst us, with us and mostly contributing towards developing the communities and I am sure they are also proud of you. I can sincerely say that I will miss the partnership we had. Thank you, Bongiwe Chonco Community Forester Merensky

AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy affects all people, both sexes, all ages, all races, people of all levels of intelligence and of all social backgrounds. Seizures can be minor where the person looks blank and stares. There may be blinking or slight twitching. It lasts a few seconds then normal activity continues. Or the seizure can be more severe where the common sequence is: staring; stiffening of the body; possible blue colour around the mouth; jerking movements. As breathing restarts normal colour returns. There may be blood flecked saliva and incontinence (rare). Lasts a few minutes. Treatment of a persons epilepsy depends on the type of epilepsy the person has, therefore treatment is very specific to each individual. Up to 80 % of persons who have epilepsy have their condition controlled with antiepilepsy medication. Many other forms of treatment are available, such as neuro-surgery.

What to do during a seizure?

Do.. Remain calm and note the time Clear a space around the person, prevent others from crowding around Loosen tight clothing / neckwear. Remove spectacles. Cushion the head to prevent injury Put person into shock recovery position (i.e. roll person into his / her side, top leg bent, bottom arm slightly extended) Wipe away excess saliva to facilitate breathing Reassure and assist until person has recovered or become re-orientated Allow the person to rest / sleep is necessary cover with a blanket. Note the duration of the seizure and the time it took place. Provide this information to the person who had the seizure after the person has recovered fully, in order for him / her to record the information in his / her seizure diary. Do not.. Restrict or restrain the persons movements. Move the person unless the person might hurt him / herself or is in immediate danger (i.e. in a busy road) Put anything between the persons teeth or in the persons mouth Give anything to eat or drink during the seizure Give extra anti-convulsants, unless stipulated to do so by the neurologists Call a doctor or an ambulance unless the person has injured him / herself badly or the seizure lasts longer than 6 minutes, or the person has repeated seizures without recovering

DID YOU KNOW? Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition. About 1 in every 100 people has epilepsy. A single seizure does not necessarily mean you have epilepsy. Epilepsy can affect anyone, at any age. 75% of people with epilepsy have had their first seizure before 20yrs Up to 80% of people will have their epilepsy controlled by medication. Many children with epilepsy will outgrow it. Epilepsy is not a mental illness or psychiatric disorder. Epilepsy is not infectious or contagious. 1 in 20 people have a seizure at some time in their lives. A seizure is caused by abnormal chemical activity of the brain. Slightly more males than females have epilepsy. Epilepsy has not stood in the way of achievement for people like Jonty Rhodes, Vusi Mahlasela and Agatha Christie. There are different forms of epilepsy and types of seizures Some people's seizures follow a definite pattern while others have unpredictable seizures. Some people get a warning before a seizure. Most seizures are over quickly and are easily dealt with. Epilepsy affects people of all levels of intelligence and from all racial and social backgrounds Anyone cane develop epilepsy at any stage of life. For most people with epilepsy, the biggest problem they have to face is other people's attitudes to epilepsy. What people with epilepsy most need is understanding and acceptance from the public.

This information comes from Epilepsy South Africa. For more information, visit their website (www.epilepsy.org.za) or call 0860 EPILEPSY or 0860 374537. BY: Mluleki Zuma, General Admin Assistant, Cape Town Advocacy Office

AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS

FFA BEE EMPLOYEE SHARE TRUST REGISTRATION NUMBER: IT 602/11

Please allow me to explain this very exciting new venture that comes directly from the shareholders in FFA Group of companies. The Shareholders and directors decided to reward staff in the Group by founding the FFA BEE Employees Share Trust and transferring 16% shareholding in FFA Holdings (Pty) Ltd to the Trust. The Trust was formed and is called the FFA BEE Employee Trust. As an interim measure the shareholders appointed Trustees, namely Joseph Magagula, Goodness Lubisi and Anthony Mandjolo and Coenie Lamprecht. The trustees main task for the interim period will be to implement the trust and to get going with the administration load. Once the trust is fully operational, the beneficiaries of the trust will then elect the trustees to represent them on the Board. Not everybody qualifies to become a beneficiary of the trust and therefore there are some criteria that a person needs to comply with before they can become a member and benefit from the trust. The criteria of qualification as a beneficiary are as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. Must be an employee of the FFA Group of Companies. Must be an employee of the FFA Group of companies for a period of at least three years. Must be in a position of crew leader type 2 and higher. This includes therefore: Crew leader type 1 and 2, drivers, all administration and management personnel. You must be classified as a Previously Disadvantaged Individual.

Beneficiaries who qualify will be notified in due course. Coenie Lamprecht Chairman of the FFA BEE Employment Share Trust

Farewell to Zwane Lerothodi Meshack

Saturday 13 August

It is with deep regret that I inform you that on Saturday we have lost Zwane Lerothodi Meshack our Type 1 Crew Leader based at Senekal. Zwane as he was known to us, fell ill two weeks ago after which he was admitted to hospital on Thursday last week and passed away on Saturday morning. He joined the WoF programme in 2007 and became Type II Crew Leader in 2008 and Type I Crew Leader in 2010. He was a great colleague, crew leader and friend to many of us and we will miss him. Regards Roelof Geyser, General Manager - FS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS! If your articles appeared in this issue, please ensure you keep a copy on file for audit purposes. We look forward to hearing from you and trust you enjoy reading the newsletter. To ensure all entries are captured and published, all crews and regional managers are requested to submit their contributions to the Media & Community Liaison Officer in their area.

AUGUST 2011 WOFIRE NEWS