Firefighters injured while rescuing six from Durban factory blaze
Image: Supplied
Two firemen sustained second-degree burns, and six people were rescued by firefighters after a factory caught alight in Jacobs, south of Durban, on Sunday.
The factory manufactures shoes and sandals in several buildings on Brooklyn Road. In December 2019, a significant portion of the building was destroyed by a fire and has since been rebuilt.
The eThekwini Municipality stated that in the early hours of Sunday morning, a fire was reported near the factories, initially thought to have been grass, bush, and/or rubbish on fire.
During attempts to extinguish it, an explosion erupted from the main structure, and although no firefighters were inside, two members were injured.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
In a report on the fire, the eThekwini Municipality stated that a rescue pumper and crew from Mobeni were dispatched, and on approach, the officer observed thick black smoke rising from an industrial site.
Realising it was a factory fire, they requested additional resources, said Gugu Sisilana, spokesperson for the eThekwini Municipality.
She said visible flames pulsating through the roof of the shoe manufacturing factory confirmed the seriousness of the escalation.
Another rescue pumper from Jacobs was dispatched, and due to the intensity of the fire, two more rescue pumpers and a water carrier were also called out.
Reports from the fire department stated that the fire had already spread significantly, with intense flames and thick smoke seen from the west-facing front.
'An extension of the same factory on the northern side, used for storing shoe products and machinery, had also ignited. The factory to the south remained protected by favourable winds, and while nearby residential homes to the east weren't threatened by flames, they were heavily affected by smoke,' Sisilana said.
She explained that crews quickly established operational objectives: ensuring life safety, containing the fire, and fully extinguishing it. She said that factory managers confirmed all staff had evacuated, and no injuries were initially reported.
RESCUE
Sisilana said that two hose lines were deployed to prevent further spread when a report came in of persons trapped in the southern factory. Crews acted immediately, rescuing six individuals from the first floor using a ground ladder.
Once safely evacuated, teams returned to their positions, and more firefighting trucks arrived, including an aerial appliance, a turntable ladder, and a second water carrier.
She said the fire ground crew was divided into four sectors that worked well in coordination, containing the spread and protecting exposures.
However, during operations, an explosion erupted from the main structure, triggering partial collapse and a high-pressure flame burst. Although no firefighters were inside, two members sustained second-degree burns and were treated by KwaZulu-Natal Emergency Medical Services and transported to the hospital.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
27-07-2025
- The Citizen
Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – the Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird
THIS week we look at a bird that is often heard but not easily seen, the Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird. Description The Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird has a typical Barbet shape (it is related to the Barbets) with a very powerful looking black bill and a short stumpy tail. They are relatively small compared to other Barbets with a typical length of 12cm and a weight of 15g. As the name suggests its lower under feathers are a golden yellow, but it is the head and wings that are very striking. The head is dark black spreading down to the back and upper feathers. There are two very distinguishing white stripes which start from the eye area and spread to the back of the neck. The flight feathers are black with yellow outer edges adding to the striking appearance of this bird. Also read: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – the Spectacled Weaver Distribution In South Africa the Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird is restricted to a very narrow strip along the KZN coast through to the Mozambique border. The Highway area is its western limit. Habitat This is a forest species and will only be spotted in the upper parts of evergreen forest canopies. Because of its small size it is difficult to spot but its call is very unique and repetitive. Feeding The Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird is omnivorous, feeding mainly on fruits, but will opportunistically hawk insects in flight. Breeding This species is monogamous and pairs for life. The nest is built in a cavity in a branch of a tree, often excavated by both adults. Two to five eggs are laid which take about 12 days to hatch. The nest area is defended very aggressively by the male. Predators and threats This species is listed as 'least concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature but it is vulnerable to habitat loss when forests are cleared for development or agriculture. Local information This is quite a special bird to find because it is not very common, and it is difficult to spot – you do need patience! Best areas are our evergreen scarp and riverine forests. For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here
IOL News
14-07-2025
- IOL News
How education became the key to success for a young KZN woman
Tracy Nyongwana, a young woman from KZN, transformed her life through education, overcoming obstacles and embracing mentorship along the way Image: Supplied For Tracy Nyongwana, success didn't come by chance, but it was crafted through discipline, strategy, and an unshakeable belief in the power of education. At just 23 years old, the process engineer in training at Sasol, has completed two degrees in five years - a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Applied Chemistry Engineering degree at Wits University. But behind the milestones is a young woman who learned early that success demands intentional choices. 'I didn't have to be the smartest,' Nyongwana said. 'I just had to be willing to learn, ask questions, believe, and keep showing up.' Raised in a disadvantaged household in Verulam, north of Durban, Nyongwana made the decision in high school that she would change her life through education, even before knowing if she'd ever afford university. Her turning point came in Grade 9, when she fought to qualify for a German-sponsored scholarship to attend school at Sacred Heart Secondary School. This meant managing long days packed with chores like cooking, cleaning, and caring for siblings, before she could sit down to study until 3am. 'It was exhausting, but the scholarship opportunity motivated me to push through,' she said. Nyongwana's academic record soared, and with it came new influences that shaped her thinking. She also received help from non-profit organisation PROTEC which provides education support primarily to disadvantaged learners and teachers in STEM-gateway subjects – Maths, Technology and Science – as well as English. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Nyongwana said that at PROTEC, she was inspired by alumni who had walked a similar path. 'Their stories taught me that my background doesn't define me,' she said, 'and I could become an independent, smart, and career-driven individual.' She added that she adopted a strategic mindset at university. 'I didn't focus much on making friends for fun,' she said. 'Instead, I built partnerships and intentional relationships centered around academic growth.' She actively sought out older students in her programme who were doing well and turned them into informal mentors. 'I'd ask questions like: 'What helped you pass? What would you do differently? What were your hardest modules?' That hunger to learn from others was a game-changer for me.' She admitted that even with a clear plan, there were tough moments. What carried her through was humility and faith. 'I intentionally made myself small at every table I sat at, which allowed me to learn, absorb, and grow,' she said. 'And I don't believe I could've done it without God.' Nyongwana said finding mentors was invaluable to her. It was a mentor who first told her about the Sasol bursary, which was an opportunity she hadn't known existed. 'She even helped me prepare for the interviews,' Nyongwana said. 'When I finally received that Sasol bursary in 2022, something inside me shifted. I could see the light. I was on the path. I was 'becoming that girl', the woman I had dreamed of becoming. 'The inspiration my mentors gave me now fuels my desire to pour into someone else's cup,' she said. Today, she mentors students who remind her of where she once stood determined, but uncertain. Her current focus is on becoming the best engineer she can be. 'I'm not rushing the process,' she said. Long-term, she's eyeing a future in leadership, perhaps through mining or business. 'I genuinely believe I'm being prepared for something greater, something bigger than just a job title. 'Whatever path I take, one thing I know for sure is that I want to 'be that girl', the one who broke the cycle, the one who rose despite the odds, the one who stayed humble, worked hard, and walked in faith.' THE MERCURY
Daily Maverick
07-07-2025
- Daily Maverick
‘It was a little nerve-wracking' — Transnet pilot on how she parked a 399m-long cargo ship
Transnet marine pilot Olwethu Mtsewu-Sisilana is not easily fazed by big challenges — but when she boarded the MSC Nicola Mastro last week to steer the 399m-long vessel into the Port of Ngqura, she had a moment of awe at its scale. 'My first thought was: 'Sho, she is a big girl!'' said Transnet marine pilot Olwethu Mtsewu-Sisilana as she described bringing one of the world's largest cargo ships into the deepwater Port of Ngqura. The Nicola Mastro, on her maiden voyage, docked at the port 20km northeast of Gqeberha to offload containers. 'Initially, when we heard the news that she was coming, we were told to prepare for it mentally and think of the resources we will need and the limitations we will have,' said Mtsewu-Sisilana. They were told that the vessel did not want to wait on the open sea. As one of the marine pilots at the Port of Ngqura with an open licence, Mtsewu-Sisilana knew she could be called upon to bring the massive ship into the harbour, and when the ship arrived she was on duty. 'The vessel can come into the port limits, but it cannot come into the port without one of us,' she said. 'We know our port. So, when they get close, we go out and transfer to the ship. I then have a quick handover from the captain, and he will tell me about the vessel's manoeuvring abilities. I will also share any concerns or information from my side,' she said. These manoeuvres take time because the vessels must move slowly and cannot use full engine power. 'So we stop the engine and rely on the tugboats,' she said. Two tugboats from Ngqura were used, and two more from the nearby Port of Port Elizabeth came to assist. 'This was the first time we had a 400-metre vessel at our harbour,' she said. 'It was also very heavy. We knew it would be difficult to stop it. Also, we had to turn her around because that is what port procedures require,' she said. 'I was a little bit nervous. But I was well prepared. I had my colleague with me. It was just when I saw her for the first time, I thought: 'Sho, she is a big girl.' 'I won't lie: it was a little bit nerve-wracking, but I had done a lot of research from my side and I was confident that we would make it safely.' Mtsewu-Sisilana said she was relieved when the three-hour manoeuvre was completed. 'The welcome we got from the captain and bridge team … was so amazing. From the first minute I met them, I just knew we were going to be successful. 'Me and my manager were very relieved and happy,' she said. 'It was a proud moment for us.' Mtsewu-Sisilana said they were initially concerned about the wind. 'But the morning was wind-free.' She said they had a tight window to complete the operation as they needed the rising tide to bring the vessel into the harbour 'for extra lift'. Transnet roadshow Originally from eXesi (Middledrift) in the Eastern Cape, Mtsewu-Sisilana's parents moved to Mdantsane to make sure their children had access to the best education possible. She first wanted to become an electrical engineer, but changed her mind after her brother told her about a Transnet roadshow at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She received a bursary from Transnet and then switched to maritime studies. After finishing her studies, she had to work as a cadet on a commercial vessel in terms of South African Maritime Safety Authority requirements. 'I remember the first time I got on one of these vessels — I just saw thousands and thousands of containers. I was so intimidated. I just wondered if I made the right decisions. I can't even clearly remember my first day,' she laughed. Mtsewu-Sisilana said that while Transnet had played a huge role in bringing in more women to become marine pilots, the field remained male-dominated. 'Sometimes when I have a student with me and we arrive at the berth of a new boat, the captain will assume the man is the senior pilot,' she said. 'Sometimes the crew will be shocked. Even when you give orders, they will call you sir,' she said. 'They are not used to having a woman in charge. They will just keep calling you sir until you leave the vessel when the job is done.' However, she said, most crews were very welcoming and willing to work with a female marine pilot. 'Doing this work requires patience. Also, you must be able to anticipate what will happen next. It is a lot of teamwork.' She said when they get close to the berth, the shorehands are waiting for the vessel to be tied up, and the berthing master guides her in. Mtsewu-Sisilana said the Nicola Mastro would probably be taken out to sea again on Monday, 7 July. 'If it is when I am on shift, I will happily do it again,' she said. The acting Transnet National Ports Authority chief executive, Phyllis Difeto, said: 'Our ability to dock one of the world's largest container ships has the potential to transform shipping patterns. It positions the Port of Ngqura as the key container transhipment hub within the global and Saharan Africa markets.' The port has depths ranging from 16-18 metres and boasts deepwater berths, making it possible for large container vessels to dock there. Difeto said the largest vessel that had previously docked at the Port of Ngqura was 366m long. DM
