Fourth Annual Women in EMS, Disaster and Fire Conference 2025 held in Sandton, Johannesburg
The Fourth Annual Women in EMS, Disaster and Fire Conference 2025 was held on 7 and 8 August 2025 at the Southern Sun Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg by Eminence Events.
This year’s theme, ‘Resilience in Action: Empowering women leaders for a resilient tomorrow’ attracted women leaders from around the country, representing the fire, rescue, disaster management as well as the emergency medical services.
The first day of the event focussed on ‘Leadership, innovation and global collaboration’, with Bridgette Zungu deputy director of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health discussing ‘Leadership in the emergency medical service followed by ER24’s Shakira Cassim, who spoke about ‘Resilience and mental wellness in high stress professions’.
Charlotte Pillay, COO at HealthTech Leader, discussed how ‘The magnitude of successes is based on a thousand different tiny failures’ and Transnet’s Sanky Mahlangu spoke about “Empowering women in infrastructure safety and preparedness’.
Wimpie van Onselen of Dräger South Africa, one of the sponsors of the event, shared information on their product line up, inviting delegates to visit their exhibit, which showcased their product range for the fire and emergency services.
A panel discussion on ‘Creating inclusive, empowered workspaces for women in emergency services followed, with Tshidi Lemeko-Nkoyana as moderator and Sanky Mahlangu, Bridgette Zungu, Shakira Cassim and Charlotte Pillay as panellists during which delegates could ask questions .
Exxaro Resources’ Madelyne van Emmenis discussed via an online presentation ‘Workplace trauma, burnout and leadership longevity and Busisiwe Makhubu of Mnzhelele Fire Detection and Suppression shared a brief overview of their services and product offerings.
Pinkie Netshidzati Tshilidzi, shared an energy-filled presentation on the global landscape of women empowerment strategies and provided overview of the day’s presentations with a strong closing message of the importance of empowerment for women in EMS leadership positions and how they must assist those around them.
The second day started with a keynote address from Lebogang Mosotho, president of the Disaster Management Institute Southern Africa (DMISA), on ‘Crisis Leadership in action – lessons from women on the frontline, which was followed by a special address by MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, the MEC for the Gauteng Department of Health in which she said that the baton is in your hands. What footprints are you leaving behind?”
Dr TIou Raphela shared a presentation on the ‘Intersection of climate change and disaster management’, which was followed by Natasha Chetty of Cross Fire South Africa, who discussed ‘Fire risk assessment and tech- driven disaster preparedness’.
Chief fire officer and disaster manager for Lekwa Municipality, Chief Melony Shimane, discussed ‘Breaking barriers in fire services – women rising after which OR Tambo International Airport’s chief of Fire and Rescue, Chief Jabulephiwe Mpitso, presented on ‘Crisis decision-making under pressure.
The only male delegate, Aaron Dibane of Fast Medical Response provided some insight into his take home messages from the conference, adding that his male counterparts should attend conferences such as these in order to also learn from it and to assist their female counterparts on their leadership journey.
Nomathemba Mtshali of City of Johannesburg EMS provided a presentation with the closing reflections and core messages from all the presenters, reiterating the most important fact that change starts with us.
Fire and Rescue International is honoured to be the official media partner for this event. We will provide an indepth overview in the magazine, so we can share these crucial messages of empowerment and leadership strategies across all spheres.
Quote of the week “Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don’t believe is right.” ~ Jane Goodall
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Inspiration: Quote of the week
Just for fun
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