Month: September 2024

The Office of the Executive Mayor has partnered with Afri Guard for a security guard training programme for people who are 35 years and older, a group often referred to as the “forgotten generation”.

This initiative stems from the promise that the Executive Mayor, Alderman Peter Teixeira made in his manifesto speech in 2021 and is in line with the Mayoral Undertaking of Creating Opportunities for All.

Alderman Teixeira committed to empowering the forgotten generation as they are often excluded from government interventions, scholarships and internships.

The Executive Mayor made the following remarks from his 2021 speech: “I call them the “Forgotten Generation. This is a group of men and women who are between the ages of 35 -45, who can still be economically active yet, do not have the education, skills or employment opportunities that the youth for instance is now exposed to. Do not get me wrong. Youth are also impacted by the inequality of our times. However, the ‘forgotten generation’ also happens to be parents to future generations. They have immense familial pressure and yet have been excluded from government interventions, scholarships and internships. Today, I wish to recognise and assure them that I see them, I hear them and that they too will be empowered through this administration.”

While we acknowledge the impact of inequality and limited opportunities on the youth, many existing upliftment and empowerment programmes are often geared towards them.

This security guard training programme is one of several efforts aimed specifically at addressing the unique needs of those who fall outside traditional youth development initiatives.

Unemployment is a huge challenge in South Africa; however, we also understand that the challenge is not only the lack of jobs but also the gap between the skills people have and the skills employers need.

Through this initiative, we are not only addressing the issue of unemployment but also equipping the Forgotten Generation with relevant skills to thrive in today’s economy.

ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR

For media enquiries, please contact:

Yours in Service Excellence, Ald. Peter Teixeira#PeoplesMayor

For media enquiries, please contact:

Idah Satikhe Senior Media Officer: Office of the Executive MayorMokgadiS@midvaal.gov.za 010 494 3112

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Tertius Engelbrecht, Station Officer at Midvaal Local Municipality’s Fire Department, is set to represent South Africa on the global stage at the 15th World Firefighter Games in Aalborg, Denmark. The World Firefighter Games are often considered the “Olympic Games” for firefighters. Tertius, who has been a dedicated member of the Midvaal Fire and Rescue for over 20 years, was selected as one of 11 firefighters to compete against 3000 firefighters from around the world in this event, taking place from 7th to 14th September 2024.

Tertius has consistently showcased his skills and leadership in various firefighting competitions throughout his career, in addition to being one of the main organisers of the annual Fit to Fight Fire competition and expo. His achievements include setting world records, leading his team to numerous victories, and earning the respect and admiration of his peers.

Some of his notable accolades include:

World Record: Fire Truck Pull (2015, SAESI)

Best Technical Team: SAESI 2017 Vehicle Extrication Challenge (3rd place overall)

DRAGER SA Toughest Firefighters Challenge: 1st Place Team Event (2023) and 2nd Place Individual Event (2024)

Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa: 1st Place Over 40 Team Category (2023)

Executive Mayor’s Merit Award: 2022/2023

Midvaal Fit to Fight Fire: 1st Place Team Event (2024)

Midvaal Fit to Fight Fire: 1st Place Over 40 Category (2024)

DRAGER SA Toughest Firefighters Challenge: 1st Place Team Event (2024)

DRAGER SA Toughest Firefighters Challenge: 2nd Place Individual Event (2024)

During the Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition in Mossel Bay in 2023, Tertius took first place in his age category. This was after the 2022 event where he was placed third in his age category. These achievements earned him his well-deserved spot in the South African team for the 15th World Firefighter Games.

In addition to his competitive achievements, Tertius continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to his community and colleagues. He has been instrumental in leading the Midvaal Team to numerous victories. In 2013, Tertius was part of the team that won the prestigious Centrum Guardian Project for working at the bus accident that claimed 19 lives in 2012.

As he prepares to take on this international challenge, Tertius expresses his gratitude to those who have made this journey possible:

Midvaal Local Municipality, the Executive Mayor, Ald. Peter Teixeira and Municipal Manager, Mr. Anton Groenewald

Century Electrical

ETS Emergency Training Solutions

Dr. R. Barclay (Langebaan)

Industrial Fire and Hazard Control

Hamilton Hydraulics Services (LUKAS Hydraulics)

DE Steyn

H Fowlds

“I am honoured to represent my Municipality and South Africa as a whole. The support from my colleagues, my devoted wife, and my two children has been incredible, and I am determined to make them proud on the world stage,” says Tertius.

As Tertius takes on the world, he carries with him the hopes and pride of the entire Midvaal community. He is set to leave with the rest of the South African team on Thursday, 5 September 2024.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF MIDVAAL LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

For media enquiries, please contact:

Hettie Fowlds

Communications Officer

HesterF@midvaal.gov.za or 016 360 7627

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