Photo: Faizel Patel
Faizel Patel – 30/05/2021
The Lenasia community and surrounds will be a lot safer following the graduation of a group volunteers in fire, rescue and emergency services.
About eighteen youngsters were handed certificates by Johannesburg Mayor Geoff Makhubo on Saturday after three months of intense training and successfully completing the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Programme.
Cert is an initiative of Saaberie Chishty in partnership with the city of Johannesburg Emergency Services highlighting the importance of public private partnerships to keep South African communities safe.
Makhubo thanked Saaberie Chishty for their spirit of volunteerism and service to communities.
“I am impressed that we are not only serving the community of Lenasia but go beyond to Eldo’s and right up to Orange Farm.”
Makhubo says the city of Johannesburg has only about six fire trucks and with a backlog thirty-five, the provincial government has ordered more.
He acknowledged the generous donation of a fire truck by the Trade Route Mall in Lenasia saying he wants to forge partnerships with the private sector.
“So, we pledge to work with you. I don’t think you should be afraid to walk into the mayor’s office to ask for a partnership and working together. The door is always open, we are extending our hand, work with us and we will work with you.”
Saaberie Chishty’s Abu Bakr Sayed says the volunteers have dedicated their time and efforts to assisting Lenasia and other communities throughout Johannesburg during emergencies.
“Your sons, your daughters, your husbands, your fathers are doing Lenasia proud. They are willing to risk their lives to save others. This team is not here to replace the firefighters, we are here to support them, work with them and ultimately we want to save lives and make a difference in the communities we serve.”
Sayed says this graduation is just the first step of many initiatives including acquiring a rapid intervention vehicle for the Lenasia community so that everyone can benefit from the services.
Listen to the remarks by Johannesburg Mayor Geoff Makhubo
Listen to the remarks by Saaberie Chishty’s Abu Bakr Sayed
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