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BREAKING NEWS – SAESI elects first female president

The institute is registered as a professional body for firefighters in SA with the South African Qualifications Authority.

IMG_9082_88051-e1692429561898 — Senior district manager at the City of Ekurhuleni’s DEMS Training Academy, Theresa Geldenhuys, was recently elected as the first female president of the Southern African Emergency Services Institute (SAESI).

“One thing all women should remember is that you are responsible for your destiny and career. If you sit down and wait for things to happen, nothing will happen. However, with hard work, lots of changes can take place. Be the change. Make the changes happen.”

These were the words of the senior district manager at the CoE’s DEMS Training Academy, Theresa Geldenhuys, who recently made history by becoming the first female president of the Southern African Emergency Services Institute (SAESI).

Geldenhuys explained that SAESI was an NGO formed in 1959 dedicated to protecting life, property, and the environment.

SAESI wants to promote community safety and the aspirations of its members by promoting all aspects of emergency services.

The institute is registered as a professional body for firefighters in SA with the South African Qualifications Authority.

Several CoE officials are members of the institute and serve in various capacities.

Geldenhuys said she was over the moon about being the new president.

“It’s incredible. I hoped with everything in me that I would get this. It is humbling to know so many people have faith in me and think I can make a difference,” she said.

Geldenhuys said she would like to get a firefighters’ education in line with NQF and improve the relationship with stakeholders, among other things.

“It’s wonderful to see the firefighters flourish and use what we taught them throughout the country and, in some cases, in other countries too.”

The newly elected president started volunteering as a firefighter in 1990. She started at the Germiston Fire Station and moved to the Leon Ferreira Fire Station in 2003. Before she became involved with emergency services, she was a nurse.

“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.

See original article here

IMPORTANT SAESI NOTICES

A note from the President

I am sure most of you are aware of the elections that took place in May 2023 and the outcomes of the process.
I am humbled and honoured that you have put your trust in me to elect me as your President. Congratulations Ms. N Mkhwanazi on your election as Vice-president. Together we will do our best to make a difference.
You are all aware that no elections took place in 2019 at the AGM and in 2020 COVID 19 happened that forced everything into slow motion. The result was that there are currently very few appointed office bearers. There have been several attempts to get office bearers nominated and elected, however with the dwindling membership numbers and delays, it created a bit of an issue.
With the nomination process we managed to get a few office bearers at branch and working group level and there was no need for elections because they could just be appointed in the available positions. Head Office in conjunction with the Nomination Committee is currently working on the distribution of these letters.
Advertising of all vacant office bearer positions will happen soon, and we are planning a special Council Meeting to finalize the processes, we will eventually have an Annual General Meeting.
Several members have asked questions regarding the financial status of the Institute. Below is a summary of our financial status. Take note that SAESI is a recognized Professional Body with SAQA and in accordance with SAQA Professional Body Policy and Criteria all financial statements have been reviewed. This process is actually a feather in our caps with SARS.
2019/2020
Income R 4,120,755
Expenditure R 4,522,467
Total R 401,712
2020/2021
Income R 3,932,206
Expenditure R 2,904,025
Total R 1,028,181
2021/2022
Income R 4,228,456
Expenditure R 4,115,282
Total R 113,174
2022/2023
Will only be available after the end of our financial year.

Theresa Geldenhuys
President
26 July 2023

View PDF

A note from the President

Theresa Geldenhuys
President
26 July 2023

View PDF

Good day Ladies and Gentlemen

*NB!!!!!!!! 2023 IS THE LAST SEMESTER FOR HIGHER DIPLOMA IN FIRE TECHNOLOGY WITH SAESI, FROM 2024 AND THEREON ALL FIRE TECHNOLOGY STUDIES WILL BE THROUGH STADIO.

Please take note that the SAESI 2023 Semester 2, Fire Technology registrations for Higher Diploma will open on Wednesday the 19^th of July 2023 @ 09h00 and close on Thursday the 31^st of August 2023 @ 12h00.

NO LATE (AFTER THE 31^st OF AUGUST 2023) REGISTRSTIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

If you have paid, but not registered before the closing date and time, and vice versa, YOU WILL NOT BE REGISTERED!! NO EXCEPTIONS!!

Registrations will only be for Higher Diploma in Fire Technology. Registrations will be open for all 4 subjects, namely;

Fire Engineering Science (FES500)
Fire Technology (FIT500)
Fire Safety (FST500)
Management/Admin (MNG500)

Each subject will cost R1299-50. Should you require a quotation for employer study assistance purposes, your request for the quotation must be in writing, via email. No telephonic requests will be attended too.

Your equipment required for the assessment still is a Laptop with working audio and video function. You will also need access to internet (WIFI), NO HOTSPOTTING FROM YOUR CELLPHONE.

Should you require Study Material, please see attached the application form. Your application form, accompanying the proof of payment, in full, must be completed and submitted via email to examination@saesi.com

Should you not be able to collect your desired format of Study Material at SAESI Head Office, a delivery fee, as per the application form, will apply. This payment should also accompany your application, upon submission, with the preferred PostNet address for delivery.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER!!!

The Assessment registrations are open from Wednesday the 19^th of July 2023 @ 09h00.
The Assessment registrations will close on Thursday the 31^st of August 2023 @ 12h00.
Confirmation Letters/Time Tables will be drafted and send by Friday the 8^th of September 2023.

You will have “Practice Session(s)” on Wednesday and Thursday the 27^th and 28^th of September 2023.
Your Assessment(s) dates are as follow;
- FES500 – Monday the 2^nd of October 2023 from 9 – 12h00.
- FIT500 – Tuesday the 3^rd of October 2023 from 9 – 12h00.
- FST500 – Thursday the 5^th of October 2023 from 9 – 12h00.
- MNG500 – Friday the 6^th of October 2023 from 9 – 12h00.
The results for the assessments will be available on Friday the 13^th of October 2023.