Toughest Firefighter Alive 2025 will be hosted by the Garden Route District Municipality in George

Toughest Firefighter Alive 2025 will be hosted by the Garden Route District Municipality in George

The TFA-SA is a platform where the physical endurance and professional skill of firefighters are tested and where the public can see these firefighters in action.” Executive Mayor Stroebel.

The 10th edition of the prestigious Toughest Firefighter Alive Southern Africa Open Championship 2025 will be hosted by the Garden Route District Municipality at the Garden Route Mall in George from Thursday, 9 to Saturday, 11 October 2025.

Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel made the official announcement at a media briefing on Friday, 16 May 2025, at the Garden Route Mall venue, accompanied by Garden Route Mall manager Rion Olivier, CFO Deon Stoffels and seven-time champion, Emile Conrad. Mayor Stroebel said it is wonderful to take hands with an organisation of this magnitude. “The TFA-SA is a platform where the physical endurance and professional skill of firefighters are tested and where the public can see these firefighters in action,” said Executive Mayor Stroebel.

GRDM Fire Chief Deon Stoffels thanked the mall for their cooperation and said George is the perfect destination with its attractive beaches around the corner from the mall where the manager, Rion Olivier, has welcomed the competition with open arms. The go-ahead has been given for it to be held in a section of the parking area. "We are proud of the Garden Route fire team, the best in South Africa. No lives were lost over the last fire season. Our main mandate is to save lives and also as far as is possible, property."

Mark Smith, chairperson and founder of TFA-SA and of the Firefighters for Excellence Foundation, shared the following inspiration to all firefighters, “It is encouraging to see how the TFA Competition has grown and the impact it has within the firefighting community. As it has been stated before, it takes a special person with a mind-set that is always willing to be challenged to do the gruelling TFA. As you prepare for the competition, it is a good time to reflect on one of basketball's most successful coaches, John Wooden's philosophy, as he valued personal development ahead of winning. Wooden recognises that “Personal excellence - the foundation for success!” The TFA Competition and any competition can be a tool to develop positive character traits through hard work and perseverance: industriousness, friendship, loyalty, cooperation, enthusiasm, self-control, alertness, initiative, intentness, condition, skill, team spirit, poise and confidence.”

“As you prepare for the competition, enjoy the journey of success. There will be high and lows, victories and defeats but always persevere and seek to develop yourself, which will be the foundation of further success in whatever you do. Everything of the best and remember being consistent in preparation is key,” said Smith.

The Garden Route Mall is the heart of retail in the region. It is the largest shopping centre along the Garden Route. Set strategically next to the N2 and close to other attractions in George, spectators and competitors will enjoy a safe space with the Outeniqua Mountains in the backdrop.

Beyond the main competition, a Mini Toughest Firefighter Challenge will also be hosted to ensure that youngsters are able to also feel the rush and excitement of the TFA competition.

To sponsor and exhibit, contact Lee Raath-Brownie at Fire and Rescue International, official media partner for Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa.

Registration now open

Visit www.frimedia.org/tfa for more information or

Contact Mark SmithMobile: 071 676 4272Email: tfa@fireandrescue.co.