At 6 SA Infantry Battalion we have our own fire brigade. Sergeant-major Mawethu Ngqinambi is the head of the fire brigade at the unit and is assisted by another 20-odd dedicated fire fighters. It is their task to do what all fire fighters the world over do.
At 6 SA Infantry Battalion we have our own fire brigade. Sergeant-major Mawethu Ngqinambi is the head of the fire brigade at the unit and is assisted by another 20-odd dedicated fire fighters. It is their task to do what all fire fighters the world over do.
They can and have often supported the Makana Fire Brigade in fire fighting and can also extricate people from car wrecks, clear up oil spills, or act as ambulance assistants.
Whenever the unit has a live firing exercise they are present to prevent any veld fires from spreading – because the chances of one starting are good. Partly for this reason, the sergeant-major and his crews are on 24-hour standby every single day of the year, to assist if a fire breaks out on military grounds.
If the Makana Fire Brigade requires their assistance, the officer commanding of the unit may authorise such assistance. Their reaction time is quick, as numerous exercises have shown.
A couple of years ago, during the raging fires south-west of Grahamstown, they remained at their posts at the Lodge near Stone Crescent Hotel and thus saved those buildings from being destroyed.
At the conclusion of this three-day operation, they had thanks rained upon them. I drove past there one morning on my way to Port Elizabeth when the fires were at their worst and still remember how bad it looked – Dante’s Inferno came to mind. Their accomplishment was no small feat. The same crews also helped fight the Lewis fire, years ago.
By Major Werner Klokow, Communications Officer, 6 SA Infantry Battalion (Air Assault).
