Minister Hlabisa launches reconstituted Fire Brigade Board to advance reform and excellence in Fire Services
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Honourable. Velenkosini Hlabisa officially launched the newly reconstituted Fire Brigade Board (FBB) at a ceremony held on Friday 1 August 2025, in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal.
Describing the launch as a significant milestone in the transformation of South Africa’s fire services, Minister Hlabisa emphasised that the event marked a decisive strategic shift in the country’s approach to fire safety, anchoring professionalism, community resilience, and proactive disaster risk reduction at the core of this new direction. “This is not merely a ceremonial occasion,” said Minister Hlabisa “but a bold reaffirmation of our collective commitment to safety, resilience, and excellence.”
The Minister commended the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) and the Directorate for Fire Services for their leadership in spearheading the reconstitution of the Board. He also drew attention to the urgent need to address the disproportionate impact of fire incidents on vulnerable populations, particularly women in informal settlements, where inadequate infrastructure and basic services heighten fire risk.
Amid rising global and national challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, and ageing infrastructure, Minister Hlabisa underscored the critical need for a modernised, professional and integrated fire services system that operates effectively across all spheres of government.
Key highlights from the Minister’s address included: – Alignment with national priorities: The FBB will support and align with the District Development Model (DDM), the National Development Plan (NDP), and the Public Sector Modernisation Agenda. – Legislative reform: The Minister called for the urgent revision of the Fire Brigade Services Act to ensure alignment with international standards and to modernise the legal framework governing emergency response. – Strengthening Local Government: Municipal fire services must be adequately resourced with modern equipment, accredited training programmes and mental health support for frontline responders. – Promoting gender and youth inclusion: The FBB must actively promote diversity, encouraging young people and women to see firefighting as a meaningful and dignified career in public service.
Minister Hlabisa also reflected on recent national tragedies, including the fires in Philippi, the industrial fire in Germiston, and the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape, emphasising that these incidents reinforce the urgent need for comprehensive fire services reform. He paid tribute to firefighters and civilians who have lost their lives in the line of duty or due to systemic shortcomings, declaring, “Never again should our communities feel unprotected.”
The reconstituted Fire Brigade Board comprises representatives from national and provincial government, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), accredited emergency service institutions and the private sector. Its core mandate is to enhance coordination, standardisation, and transformation within South Africa’s fire services.
In closing, Minister Hlabisa called on all stakeholders across all levels of government and the broader emergency services ecosystem to champion this renewed vision: “Let today mark not just the launch of a board but the beginning of a national movement, one that reimagines and repositions fire services as a pillar of South Africa’s safety and developmental future.”
Fire and Rescue International attended the launch and will provide an indepth overview in the magazine.
Quote of the week “Every person has a responsibility to be a participant in this society and make it a better place for everybody, in whatever capacity they can.” ~ Megan Rapinoe, professional soccer player
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Featured FRI Magazine article: So, who is responsible for managing wildfires in the urban interface? Part one by Zane Erasmus
This week’s featured Fire and Rescue International magazine article is: So, who is responsible for managing wildfires in the urban interface? Part one written by Zane Erasmus, independent environmental consultant (FRI Vol 3 no 7). We will be sharing more technical/research/tactical articles from Fire and Rescue International magazine on a weekly basis with our readers to assist in technology transfer. This will hopefully create an increased awareness, providing you with hands-on advice and guidance. All our magazines are available free of charge in PDF format on our website and online at ISSUU. We also provide all technical articles as a free download in our article archive on our website.
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Begin in a seated position with one leg forward at 90 degrees and one leg back at 90 degrees. Sit up tall with your spine straight. Use your arms to support the position that provides the best stretch in the front glute and back hip. Push the front lower leg into the ground to create contraction as you inhale. Relax as you exhale deeper into the stretch. Repeat this “contract and relax” pattern for 30 seconds. Find your end range and breathe deeply in and out as you relax into this position for another 30 seconds.
Source: Firefighter Peak Performance
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Source: Fire Spotlight
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Inspiration: Quote of the week
Just for fun
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