In commemoration of Women’s Day, the Western Cape Premier’s office hosted an event in Delft, coinciding with the deployment of 191 Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers on the Cape Flats.
Meet Vuyiseka Arendse, an inspiring CT firefighter featured in a new global film
22 May 2021 10:36 AM
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Local female firefighter Vuyiseka Arendse was recently featured in an international short film that celebrates women who have overcome stereotypes.
Vuyiseka Arendse is part of the Juliet Crew, South Africaâs first all-female wildland firefighting team established by the Chrysalis Academy and NCC Environmental Services.
Arendse was born in the small town of Beaufort West, in the Western Cape, and began volunteering as a firefighter when she was 19.
While her peers wanted to be scientists and teachers when they grew up, Arendse says she knew that she wanted to be a firefighter.
The Juliet Crew: How SAâs first all-female fire crew battled Cape Town blaze
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CAPE TOWN â They have been hailed as national heroes; an inspiration as women who work hard to reach their goals.
Thatâs why the story of South Africaâs first all-female fire fighting crew, fighting the devastating wildfire on Table Mountain, has gone viral.
The team is made up of women from previously disadvantaged backgrounds; over 90% of the crew members come from female-headed households in Philippi, Retreat, Mfuleni, Khayelitsha, Capricorn Park, Macassar, Lavender Hill and Bonteheuwel in the Western Cape.
Photographer Charl Steenkamp.
Known as the Juliet Crew, the female firefighting crew was among the more than 170 fire and rescue workers and 125 Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) rangers who worked tirelessly to contain the Table Mountain fire that broke out on Sunday morning.
She enjoyed her mastery sessions where she learned about deep listening and being attentive to others. In the past, Robyne would interrupt others when they were trying to communicate with her, and she would listen to respond but has since learned to appreciate the power of being fully present and attentive when others are speaking. People feel a sense of being heard and valued if you look them in the eyes and sincerely listen to what they are saying, explains Robyne.
On 17, 20 and 25 March 2021, 74 School Safety Ambassadors participated in the certification ceremonies for the school safety ambassadors, signaling the end of the programme which commenced on 1 April 2020.