MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Garden Route's Emile Conrad won the Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa contest for the seventh time this weekend.
From 26 to 28 September, firefighters from across the country gathered in Mossel Bay at De Bakke Beach parking area to compete in the renowned Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa (TFA-SA) competition.
For the third consecutive year, Mossel Bay hosted this prestigious event, known as the ultimate test of firefighter endurance and skill.
Ceremony
At last night’s prize-giving ceremony, held at the Mossel Bay Town Hall, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Firefighters proudly took home several top honours, further solidifying their status as some of the nation’s finest.
"This year the top achievers at the TFA will form part of a team that will represent South Africa in Europe," said Mark Smith, TFA organiser.
Top achievers
The overall winner of the TFA SA remains Emile Conrad, who is based at the GRDM in George, with Molefe Ntatho 2nd and Tandiswe Makrola 3rd.
Emile therefore also dominated his age group category of 40-44, taking gold (Tertius Engelbrecht 2nd, Neo Leholo 3rd).
Gold in the Best Relay Team (Emile Conrad, Heinrich Leslie, Kervin-Lee Gericke, and Ethan Wildeman).
Bronze for the best Relay Team for over 40s (Deon Stoffels, Johnathan van Vuuren, Branville Abrahams and David van Niekerk).
International
The TFA-SA challenge is modelled on an international firefighter competition and is regarded as South Africa’s premier firefighter fitness challenge. Top competitors from this event are selected to represent the country on the international stage. The TFA Internationally started in Liverpool.
GRDM executive mayor said: "Congratulations to Team Garden Route Firefighters on your outstanding performance in the TFA SA competition held right here in the beautiful Garden Route.
Exceptional skill
"Your exceptional skill and dedication is a true reflection of lives and making you brand ambassadors, lifesavers and heroes.
"Your hard work and perseverance have paid off. Congratulations. You're an inspiration to us all," he concluded.
Deon Stoffels, GRDM chief fire officer, emphasised the importance of fitness and teamwork in firefighting. - Garden Route District Municipality
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