The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) volunteers demonstrated their dedication and skill at the annual First Aid and Firefighting Competition held at the Epping Fire Station. More than a hundred volunteers, organised into 26 teams, competed in a series of high-pressure emergency simulations designed to test their training and teamwork.
This year’s competition saw 12 teams participating in the firefighting category and 14 in the first aid division. The first aid teams were challenged with a simulated shooting incident involving three casualties, requiring them to treat the injured while simultaneously securing the scene to preserve evidence.
In the firefighting segment, teams took part in a four-person hose and fire drill, showcasing precision, coordination, and technical expertise. The scenarios are kept secret until competition day to test the volunteers’ ability to respond quickly and effectively to unpredictable crises.
Alderman JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, commended the participants for their commitment. “The competition gives volunteers an opportunity to showcase the depth of their training and experience. It’s also a valuable way to assess the quality of training provided and strengthen camaraderie among teams. Volunteers are crucial in disaster risk management, extending our reach during emergencies and building resilience within communities.”
The winners of the First Aid Competition were:
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1st Place: Ottery Unit (Team 4) – Captain Jane Mejola, Shaiyene Fritz, Thaabiet Jacobs, and Jeremy Bergsma
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2nd Place: Melkbos Unit – Captain Stefan Jooste, Jacqueline Botha, Kathleen Dennis, and Dirk Jan Viergewer
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3rd Place: Ottery Unit (Team 2) – Captain Leon Samuels, Jean Pierre Orgill, Baheejah Brenner, and Conrad Samuels
In the Firefighting Competition, the top honours went to:
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1st Place: Mitchells Plain Unit – Hayden Martin, Fakir Steyn, Wahaajudeen Isaacs, and Deacon Jumat
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2nd Place: Ottery Unit – Jason Philander, Matthew Lottriet, Chadwin Freeks, and Simamkele Mnqayi
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3rd Place: Fish Hoek Unit – Jean Loius Verster, G Daniels, Sven Borgstrom, and Stephen Barnard
The DRM volunteer corps has grown steadily to nearly 600 members across Cape Town, each playing a vital role in community preparedness, awareness, and emergency response.
“The role of DRM volunteers is immeasurable,” added Alderman Smith. “They are the champions who help foster participation and promote disaster preparedness at grassroots level. Our thanks also go to the City’s Fire and Rescue Service for providing facilities and equipment to make this event possible.”
Through initiatives like this competition, Cape Town continues to build a city that is not only prepared for emergencies but also strengthened by the spirit of volunteerism and community resilience.
