“I was a nurse originally and dealt with the firefighters who brought their patients to the casualty department at the hospital I worked at then. It looked interesting, and I joined the fire service as a volunteer. At the first motor vehicle accident, I was told to stand next to the fire engine and watch what the firefighter did. I was hooked. Then came the first factory fire. I was given an axe, and two of us were sent up on the roof to create ventilation openings. What an experience. I was sure this was what I was supposed to do. I left nursing and joined the fire service. Now, just over 32 years later, I know I made the right decision.

“I worked at various fire stations as an operational firefighter and officer. I am also an advanced life support paramedic, a hazmat technician (deals with hazardous materials) and have completed several rescue modules. I have seen horrible things and worked in strange situations. However, as part of a team, you deal with everything that comes your way. I have also seen amazing things that we celebrated. I was put on earth to do what I am doing and to make a difference in people’s lives.”

A woman in a male-dominated industry
According to Geldenhuys, being a female in a male-dominated occupation came with challenges, and if you allowed them to get you down, you would not survive.

“Sure, there is still harassment and sexism happening against female firefighters. In our occupation, there is insufficient research into health issues and cancer risks for all firefighters. However, this is the occupation I chose.

“The assumption by most men is that women can’t do the same things they do, and sometimes it is true. However, if the objective of the work is reached, the work is done. My approach is different because my life has taught me different things and different ways of thinking, but the job gets done.”

She said going through the ranks from a firefighter to a fire officer was challenging, at times, because she had to prove she was a competent firefighter.

“This made me more determined to be the best at what I did. Although I had to prove myself to fellow firefighters, I became one of the boys. I know it sounds strange, but it simply means we were a team working together. During my career, I attended lots of training and sometimes was the only female on that specific course. I completed it successfully. Although I was singled out sometimes, I had a few male colleagues who always had my back.”

Is enough done to advance women in this occupation?
“In Ekurhuleni, 26% of firefighters are females in positions from firefighters to managers. I think a lot was done to advance women in fire services countrywide. It has definitely changed a lot over the years.

Something for women considering firefighting as a career
“Know why you want to be a firefighter. It is a demanding job, and you will get physically exhausted. However, your focus should be on your goal. Be physically and mentally strong and ensure you have a good support network of people who can help you stay strong.”

Training
“The training we do as firefighters and paramedics is tough, sometimes dirty, very physical, and sometimes mentally challenging. The training ranges from firefighter entry-level training to becoming a specialist in your field, like a fire service instructor (teaches other firefighters), a hazmat technician, a rescue technician (specialises in various rescue disciplines), and a fire inspector (does fire inspections), to name a few. Currently, I head up the Ekurhuleni Emergency Services Training Academy, accredited by various bodies to upskill firefighters.”

DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi firmly believed Geldenhuys deserved the election as the SAESI president.

“I have worked with her for some time. She shows passion and determination and wants to succeed. Her climbing the ladders of success motivates all of us.
“She still does everything physical and fitness-related and never expects to be treated differently because she is a woman,” said Ntladi.

Apart from her work, Geldenhuys enjoys baking and sewing.

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