Tshwane Emergency Services Department

COMMUNITIES URGED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS DURING YELLOW LEVEL 4 WEATHER ALERT FOR
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM

Tshwane Emergency Services Department has received a Yellow Level 4
weather warning for severe thunderstorms from the South African Weather Services.
Communities are urged to exercise caution as thunderstorms are expected on Tuesday, 21 April 2026.

WINTER SAFETY WORKSHOP EMPHASIS ON VELD AND WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Discussions highlighted the growing complexity of fire risk within communities, particularly as environmental and socio-economic pressures continue to evolve. Stakeholders raised several critical challenges impacting effective fire prevention and response efforts. Among these were the rapid increase in population, which places additional strain on existing emergency infrastructure, and the lack of adequate fire hydrant systems in certain high-risk areas.

In response to these challenges, the City of Tshwane Chief of Emergency Services, Mr Moshema Mosia, outlined a series of interventions currently being implemented to strengthen preparedness and coordination. These include the initiation of Mutual Aid Agreements with neighboring municipalities across Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North-West, aimed at enhancing cross-border collaboration and resource sharing during large-scale incidents. Chief Mosia also highlighted that the department has currently embarked on the construction of satellite fire stations in Ekangala, Cullinan, Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve to alleviate the number of calls around those areas and ensure quick response. Furthermore, the department is intensifying enforcement measures to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, particularly relating to firebreaks..

The workshop continues to reinforce the importance of a unified, proactive approach, with all stakeholders playing a critical role in mitigating the risks associated with veld and wildland fires during the winter season.


is our collective responsibility

Tshwane Emergency Services Leads Winter Safety Drive

The City of Tshwane Emergency Services is hosting a Winter Season Preparedness Workshop with the Fire Protection Association and key stakeholders to strengthen coordination ahead of the high-risk winter period.

The workshop focuses on improving readiness, enhancing collaboration, and promoting proactive measures to reduce veld and wildland fire risks in areas such as Centurion, Bronkhorstspruit, Cullinan, and surrounding regions.

Discussions include fire safety compliance, coordinated response strategies, and the effective use of the Incident Command System (ICS), supported by a practical tabletop exercise to simulate real-life scenarios.

Together, we can protect lives, property, and the environment through shared responsibility and preparedness.

MISLEADING VIDEO FALSELY CLAIMS CITY FIREFIGHTER TRAINING FOR 2026

The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department has noted with concern the
circulation of a misleading video on social media, falsely claiming the official opening
of firefighter training for 2026.

The video in question makes unauthorized use of City of Tshwane Emergency
Services vehicles and logos, creating the impression that the shown activities form
part of an official municipal training programme. The City, would like to state that this video is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any official firefighter training conducted by the municipality.
The misuse of Emergency Service Department branding and vehicles in this manner is both irresponsible and potentially unlawful, as it misleads the public and undermines
the integrity of legitimate emergency service operations.

The City of Tshwane urges members of the public to exercise caution and verify
information through official communication channels before sharing such content.
Residents are reminded that all accredited firefighter training programmes are formally communicated through verified municipal platforms.

The City remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism,
transparency, and public trust in the delivery of emergency services.

Issued by the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department.

School Readiness Programme for 2026

The school calendar for 2026 has officially commenced, marking the return of learners to classrooms across the City of Tshwane.
On 19 January 2026, the City of Tshwane’s Public Information, Education and Relations (PIER), together with officials from Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Jacob Mamabolo, visited Good Hope Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre in Olievenhoutbosch as part of the School Readiness Programme.

As part of the programme, the MEC also visited Steve Tshwete Secondary School, Walter Sisulu Primary School, and Bathabile Primary School. He was accompanied by several other dignitaries.
At Good Hope ECD, PIER officials and COGTA representatives engaged with the children, educating them about fire safety, including the dangers of fire and the importance of staying low in a smoke-filled room. The young learners were also taught the “stop, drop and roll” technique if their clothing catches fire.

In support of early childhood development and safety, gifts such as toys, reading material, and nappies were handed over to the ECD staff. Smoke detectors were also installed at the facility as a proactive safety measure to ensure early detection of fire and rapid response in emergency situations.

For life-threatening emergencies, residents are urged to contact 107 (toll-free).

CITY OF TSHWANE EMERGENCY SERVICES USAR TECHNICIANS DEPLOYED FOR FLOOD RELIEF OPERATIONS AS PART OF USAR-SA

The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department (ESD) Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) technicians have been deployed as part of the Urban Search and Rescue South Africa (USAR-SA) task team to provide flood relief support in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Mozambique.

This deployment follows widespread flooding caused by persistent heavy rainfall across parts of Southern Africa. In recognition of the severity and impact of the floods, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), on 17 January 2026, issued a classification of a National Disaster, enabling the coordinated mobilisation of resources across all spheres of government.

Flooding in these areas has resulted in the displacement of communities, fatalities, damage to infrastructure, and increased risk to lives. In response, the City of Tshwane Emergency Services specialised rescue resources were mobilised to support national and regional disaster response efforts.

Tshwane’s USAR technicians form part of a highly trained specialist capability within the Emergency Services Department. Their expertise includes swift-water rescue, technical search and rescue, evacuations, and operating in hazardous flood environments. These skills are critical during flood emergencies where communities are cut off, access routes are compromised, and rescue operations are complex.

As members of USAR-SA, the Tshwane technicians are working alongside counterparts from other municipalities, provincial structures, and national agencies. The integrated deployment ensures a coordinated response, enhances operational effectiveness, and strengthens South Africa’s disaster response capacity.

In Limpopo and Mpumalanga, USAR-SA teams are going to assist with rescue operations, evacuations, and support to affected communities in collaboration with local disaster management centres and emergency services. The response has focused on saving lives, reducing further risk, and supporting stabilisation efforts in flood-impacted areas.

The operation has also extended beyond South Africa’s borders to Mozambique, where severe flooding has resulted in significant humanitarian challenges. The USAR-SA deployment — including Tshwane’s USAR technicians — will form part of the search and recovery operations, working in cooperation with Mozambican authorities and international partners. The City of Tshwane’s flood relief support reflects ongoing regional cooperation and solidarity in responding to natural disasters affecting neighbouring countries.

The City of Tshwane’s leadership commends its Emergency Services personnel for their professionalism, dedication, and willingness to serve beyond municipal boundaries during times of crisis. The deployment of Tshwane’s Urban Search and Rescue Technicians highlights the City’s commitment to disaster preparedness and intergovernmental cooperation.

CITY OF TSHWANE ACHIEVES ACCREDITATION FOR FIRST AID TRAINING

The City of Tshwane (CoT) Emergency Services Department (ESD) is one of the first municipality to officially obtain accreditation from the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) to offer First Aid Training Levels 1, 2, and 3.

The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) is a statutory body responsible for ensuring the quality of occupational qualifications in South Africa. Its accreditation confirms that a training provider’s programmes meet national occupational standards and are aligned with the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF).

The significance of this achievement for the Emergency Services Department’s Training Academy enhances institutional credibility, compliance, and alignment with national skills development legislation. It affirms the City’s role as a recognized provider of quality, accredited training that supports the country’s broader human capital development goals.

The QCTO accreditation enables the delivery of accredited, and quality assured First Aid training, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with occupational health and safety standards. It also creates opportunities for the department to generate revenue through the provision of recognized training programmes to external stakeholders.

The accreditation translates into access to nationally recognized First Aid qualifications, empowering residents with life-saving skills, improving employability, and strengthening community resilience in emergencies.

To achieve QCTO accreditation, the department had to adhere to the outlined requirements which amongst others include, having registered as Skills Development Providers (SDPs), employ qualified and registered facilitators, assessors, and moderators, and maintain appropriate training facilities and equipment. The accreditation process generally takes a duration of six to twelve months, depending on application readiness and evaluation timelines.

The Emergency Services Department currently has approved tariffs in place for First Aid Levels 1, 2, and 3, guiding training costs for both internal and external participants.

Residents can report Fire or Rescue emergencies by calling 107 (toll-free) or alternatively 012 358 6300 / 6400.

11 October 2025

To: Media houses (for immediate release)

MULTIPLE SHACKS ON FIRE AT SIBLICON INFORMAL SETTLEMENT

The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department is currently on scene battling flames of multiple shacks on fire at Siblicon Informal Settlement near the Sefako Makgatho Drive in Derdepoort, Tshwane. Upon notification of the shack fire through the Emergency Communication Centre around 13h07 this afternoon, multiple resources were dispatched.

On arrival the crews from Silverton Fire Station, Innesdale Fire Station and Wonderboom Fire Station immediately started gushing the blaze.

Fortunately, all residents managed to evacuate from their houses timeously and no casualties were reported. Plus, seventy (70) shacks were engulfed with flames leaving over 150 families displaced.

The teams worked systematically to isolate the fire and manage the intense heat and smoke conditions. Through coordinated action, the flames were soon contained, limiting the extent of the damage and safeguarding nearby houses. Damping-down firefighting or mopping operations continue, and the crews will remain on the scene until the fire is completely extinguished.

Communities are urged to use correct heating equipment and should refrain from leaving candles or any heating devices or equipment unattended.

Creating safer communities is a collective responsibility and Emergency Services Department encourages communities to exercise caution when using with heating devices.

Residents can report fire or rescue emergencies by calling 107 (toll-free) or alternatively 012 358 6300 / 6400.

10 October 2025

COMMUNITIES TO REMAIN ALERT DURING SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS

The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department has received a weather alert through the South African Weather Services to warn communities to be cautious following a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms on Friday, 10 October 2025. Severe thunderstorms are expected to start in the afternoon around 15:00 until about 21:59 this evening with thirty percent (30%) chances of rain occurring in Tshwane.

Safety tips for severe thunderstorms warning:

If possible, stay indoors and away from metal objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines) which may be hit by lightning.

Do not seek shelter under isolated trees or tall objects if there is a thunderstorm.

Avoid crossing flooded low-lying roads, bridges and swollen streams.

Emergency Services Department continues to monitor weather reports and remains on high alert for any emergency related incidents

City of Tshwane Emergency Numbers:

107 toll-free or
012 358 6300/6400.

The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department extends a warm welcome to Mrs. Nana Radebe-Kgiba as the newly appointed Deputy Chief: Public Information and Liaison Services.

Her appointment, effective from 1 September 2025, marks a significant milestone for the Department, as she brings a wealth of experience to drive successful communication and stakeholder engagement strategies in her role as Deputy Chief and Spokesperson.

We are pleased to note that Deputy Chief Radebe-Kgiba has settled in well, with a smooth transition and information sharing from the former incumbents. Her first 30 days have been marked by a seamless integration into the team, demonstrating her ability to adapt and work effectively in her new role.

The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department congratulates Deputy Chief Nana Radebe-Kgiba on her appointment and looks forward to her contributions in shaping effective public information and liaison services. Her expertise and experience will undoubtedly enhance the Department's communication efforts and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Salute to Deputy Chief Radebe-Kgiba! 🎊 👏 👏