City of Cape Town firefighter, Thandekile Mvunyiswa is the sixth female Platoon Commander in the Fire and Rescue Service. After six months in the position, she is making big strides at the Khayelitsha Fire Station.
Thandekile Mvunyiswa has 23 years firefighting service and now leads a platoon of eight at the Khayelitsha Fire Station.
The single mother of two boys has completed several firefighter courses and a higher certificate in fire technology.
‘It is an honour and a responsibility as I decide how we respond to emergency incidents including fires, rescues, chemical spillage, medical and other humanitarian services which may be needed.
‘In addition, I assist with the command of the three shift bases at Khayelitsha, and help promote the services we provide, but also fire safety education and awareness,’ said PC Mvunyiswa.
The Chairperson of the City’s Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe, visited the Khayelitsha Fire Station to congratulate Ms Mvunyiswa on her first six months in the position of PC.
‘More and more female firefighters are making their way through the ranks, proving that they have what it takes to make it in what has historically been a male-dominated field. The achievements of Platoon Commander Mvunyiswa and others who have come before her, have helped us build a more diverse Fire Service and also paves the way for the many young women who will one day follow in their footsteps. I hope that more women will consider the Fire and Rescue Service as a career. It is by no means an easy job, but it can be fulfilling and Ms Mvunyiswa has proven that it can be a successful and rewarding one’, said Councillor Nqavashe.