Midvaal Local Municipality's firefighters

Midvaal Firefighters triumph at Toughest Firefighter Alive competition in Mossel Bay

October 12, 2023 Gauteng, Meyerton, Midvaal, Midvaal Local Municipality, South Africa, Toughest Firefighter Alive, Walkerville

Midvaal Local Municipality’s fire department is basking in the glory of their recent victory at the annual Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition held in Mossel Bay. Over three challenging days, 237 entrants competed, making it a record-breaking event.

The Midvaal team outshone their peers, claiming the top spot in the 40+ age group category. This remarkable achievement marked their third win in firefighter competitions this year. Their journey to victory began with the Fit to Fight Fire Competition in May and was followed by another triumph at the Dräger Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge in August.

Competing in rainy weather, the Midvaal firefighters showcased their unwavering dedication, extraordinary skills, and unmatched teamwork. Their excellence also earned them several medals in individual categories.

To celebrate this remarkable achievement, a congratulatory breakfast was held on 11 October, 2023, attended by key figures such as the Executive Mayor, Alderman Peter Teixeira, the Mayoral Committee, Acting Municipal Manager Zakhele Mhlongo, Executive Director for Public Safety and Roads Eugene Lensley, and Chief Fire Officer Hannes Steyn.

Front: MMC for Public Safety and Roads, Cllr G Viljoen, Executive Director for Public Safety and Roads, Mr E Lensley, The Executive Mayor, Ald P Teixeira, Acting Municipal Manager, Mr Z Mhlongo, Pastor J Combrinck
Middle: Chief Fire Officer, Mr H Steyn, TFA Participant, Mr E Pienaar, MMC for Financial Services, Ald P Hutcheson, MMC for Corporate Services, Cllr C Gomes, TFA Participant, Mr P Zwane, TFA Participant, Mr K Luvhimbe, TFA Participant, Mr G Bellinghan
Back: MMC for Engineering, Cllr R Hubbard, TFA Participant, Mr T Engelbrecht, TFA Participant, Mr M Mommsen, TFA Participant, Mr T Mudzuli, TFA Participant, Mr T Mokgatle, TFA Participant, Mr N Gouws, TFA Participant, Mr J Moreba

The Executive Mayor expressed his immense pride in the firefighters and conveyed the community’s appreciation as well. Numerous congratulatory messages poured in on social media platforms, highlighting the community’s pride in their brave firefighters.

The Midvaal Fire Department remains committed to serving the community with the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency. Their consistent success in competitions like this underscores their unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of Midvaal’s residents.

Toughest Firefighter Alive Results for Midvaal Teams:

Teams – Age group 40+
- Midvaal Team 1 – 1st place
Teams Open (28 Teams)
- Midvaal Team 3 – 4th place
- Midvaal Team 2 – 7th place
- Midvaal Team 1 – 13th place

Individuals – Age Categories

Tertius Engelbrecht – 1st (Overall 8th)
Phiwayinkosi Zwane – 2nd
Morné Mommsen – 4th
Nico Gouws – 5th
Glen Bellingan – 5th
Thomas Mudzuli – 8th
Johannes Moreba – 10th

This victory not only underscores the exceptional skills of the Midvaal Fire Department but also serves as a source of pride for the entire community.