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2024 National Fire Services Indaba held in George, Western Cape - By Dr Bongani Elias Sithole
By Dr Bongani Elias Sithole, Deputy Director General: Head - National Disaster Management Centre
The National Fire Services Indaba 2024, hosted by the Minister of CoGTA, the Honourable Velenkosini Hlabisa (MP), took place at the King George Protea Hotel in George, Western Cape, under the theme Repositioning Fire Services in South Africa. This crucial gathering brought together policymakers, fire service professionals and stakeholders to address the evolving challenges and strategic direction of fire services in the country. The Indaba underscored the importance of strengthening fire service capabilities, modernising frameworks, and fostering intergovernmental collaboration to ensure effective emergency response and resilience.
Background
Fire services in South Africa play an essential role in safeguarding lives, property and the environment. However, the sector faces pressing challenges, including limited resources, outdated infrastructure and increasing fire risks due to climate change and urban expansion. Recognising these challenges, the government has committed to repositioning fire services through legislative
reforms, enhanced funding mechanisms and alignment with national development frameworks such as the District Development Model (DDM).
The Minister’s role in the National Fire Services Indaba
Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa played a pivotal role in setting the strategic direction of the National Fire Services Indaba, emphasising the need to reposition fire services as a core pillar of South Africa’s disaster management and community safety framework. In his keynote address, the Minister highlighted the importance of modernising fire services, integrating them into the District Development Model (DDM) and ensuring that they are adequately resourced to respond to the increasing risks posed by climate change, urbanisation and economic disparities. He underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening legislative reforms, particularly through the Draft Fire Services Bill and advancing the 2030 Fire Services Strategic Roadmap, which seeks to create a more resilient, well-funded and technologically advanced firefighting system.
He also acknowledged the challenges faced by municipal fire services, including funding constraints, inadequate training, and aging infrastructure and assured delegates that the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is working closely with provinces and municipalities to reposition and strengthen fire services in the country.
His announcement that South Africa would host the Africa, Europe and Middle East (AEME) Earthquake Response Exercise (ERE) during November 2025 was met with enthusiasm, as it signalled the government’s commitment to benchmarking against global best practices in fire and disaster management.
The Minister also played a key role in recognising the contributions and sacrifices of firefighters and emergency responders. He led the presentation of certificates of recognition to first responders involved in the George, Victoria Street Building Collapse and reinforced the Government’s commitment to ensuring that firefighters receive proper training, protective equipment and financial support.
Additionally, he stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government, private sector stakeholders and community organisations, urging all delegates to work collectively to turn the Indaba resolutions into tangible action.
His leadership and vision provided a clear roadmap for repositioning fire services in South Africa, setting the tone for actionable change in the sector.
The Indaba served as a platform to assess progress, exchange insights and define a clear roadmap for the future.
Over the past year, significant strides have been made, including:
• The approval of a 2030 Strategic Roadmap for Fire Services, providing a clear strategy for modernisation and improved coordination.
• The development and implementation of a National Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Governance Framework, aligning with international standards to strengthen South Africa’s emergency response.
• The revival of the Fire Brigade Services Board, which had been inactive since 2008, ensuring more effective governance and accountability in fire services.
• Progress on legislative reforms, particularly the Draft Fire Services Bill, which seeks to modernise fire service laws and ensure equitable access to firefighting resources.
Indaba objectives
The primary objectives of the Indaba were to:
• Strengthen fire services governance and coordinationAddress gaps in the legislative framework, including finalising the Draft Fire Services Bill and improving regulation of private fire services.
• Improve fire service fundingImplement a sustainable funding model to address resource disparities, particularly in under-resourced rural and peri-urban areas.
• Enhance intergovernmental collaborationIntegrate fire services into the DDM for more coordinated service delivery across national, provincial, and municipal levels.
• Modernise firefighting capabilitiesLeverage new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to improve fire prevention and response strategies.
• Capacity building and trainingExpand training programmes to equip fire personnel with advanced skills and ensure operational readiness.
• Community engagement and fire prevention awarenessStrengthen partnerships with traditional leaders, community organisations and fire protection associations to promote fire safety awareness.
Indaba outcomes and resolutions
The Indaba resulted in a set of strategic resolutions that will guide the future of fire services in South Africa:
1. Legislative and policy reforms• Fast-tracking the Draft Fire Services Bill to address regulatory gaps and provide legal clarity for private fire services.
• Strengthening oversight mechanisms through the revived Fire Brigade Services Board, ensuring national standards and equitable service delivery.
2. Implementing the 2030 Fire Services Strategic Plan• Operationalising the funding model for fire services, prioritising under-resourced areas.
• Positioning the National Fire Services Advisory Committee support the Fire Brigade Board to monitor and evaluate progress on strategic goals.
3. Strengthening intergovernmental coordination• Embedding fire services into the District Development Model (DDM) for improved integration with municipal planning and resource allocation.
• Enhancing partnerships between national, provincial, and municipal fire services, along with traditional leaders and community organisations.
4. Capacity building and technological advancements• Expanding fire training programs, with a focus on advanced firefighting techniques and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in firefighting and prevention.
• Securing additional funding for fire stations, personal protective equipment (PPE) and firefighting vehicles, including repurposed Working on Fire Programme resources.
• Hosting the Africa, Europe and Middle East (AEME) Earthquake Response Exercise (ERE) in 2025, a major international training opportunity for South African fire services.
5. Addressing emerging fire risks• Developing comprehensive strategies to mitigate wildfire risks, particularly on traditional lands.
• Enhancing Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) capabilities through improved coordination, compliance with international standards and increased training.
6. Community engagement and awareness• Continuing the roll-out of the National Fire Safety and Prevention Strategy in municipalities, strengthening fire safety awareness campaigns targeting vulnerable communities, particularly in rural and informal settlements.
• Strengthening collaborations with fire protection associations (FPAs) and community-based organisations to improve public education and risk reduction efforts.
7. Recognition and acknowledgment• Establishing an award programme to recognise outstanding contributions within the fire services sector.
Conclusion
The National Fire Services Indaba 2024 marked a pivotal moment in the transformation of South Africa’s fire services. With a clear roadmap and strategic commitments in place, the sector is poised to become more robust, responsive and resilient. The collaboration between government, private sector and civil society will be instrumental in translating these resolutions into tangible progress. As South Africa moves towards 2030, the repositioning of fire services will not only enhance emergency response capabilities but also contribute significantly to community safety and sustainable development.
The dedication of fire service personnel, policymakers and all stakeholders ensures that South Africa’s fire services remain a cornerstone of national resilience. The resolutions of this Indaba set the stage for a future where fire services are not just reactive responders but proactive enablers of public safety and disaster preparedness.
