2 days ago
SA Navy fire fighting team receives heartfelt appreciation for wildfire response
The brave men and women who fought the Silvermine fires
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
While South Africans sat watching in disbelief as a devastating fire blazed through the Tokai, Silvermine, and Kalk Bay areas earlier this year, brave men and women were on the frontlines — risking their lives and leaving their families behind to protect the city's residents, infrastructure, and natural heritage.
In late April, the wildfire tore through approximately 3,000 hectares of land, prompting an all-hands-on-deck response from firefighting units across Cape Town. Among them was the SA Navy Fire Fighting Team, whose members were deployed to battle the flames threatening key areas, including the Upper Antenna Farm and naval establishments in the Silvermine region.
Their actions were instrumental in containing the inferno and preventing further destruction. By holding the line in these critical zones, the SA Navy firefighters safeguarded vital infrastructure and helped mitigate what could have been extensive and costly damage.
Abdul Sayed from Redaco thanks Petty Officer David Saaymen for his service
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
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In a rare and heartfelt gesture of appreciation, a coalition of real estate companies stepped forward to formally honour the SA Navy Fire Fighting Team. A donation handover ceremony was held to acknowledge their extraordinary service and the sacrifices they made during the wildfire crisis.
Abdul Sayed from Redaco Property Group recalled the personal impact of the fire, as his wife — a member of the Navy — was called to serve."I was left at home with our three kids, and as I looked over the mountain and saw how the fire was raging, all I could think of is the officers and especially my wife. That is why I believe this is so important because many of you left your families behind, we just want to say thank you."
Ghakeem Pretorious from Property Maintenance and Compliance Services also paid tribute to the firefighters' selflessness:"You saved us, you saved the environment, you saved the animals and you saved properties while risking your lives, thank you."
Maliney Bailey from SA Home Loans said their company was moved to contribute to the initiative:"We put families in homes and they were protecting those families, this is our way of saying thank you."
Charles Edwards from Care Training and Consulting added his voice to the recognition:"Know that we see you, we recognise you."
From within the ranks of the SA Navy, the gesture of appreciation was deeply felt.
Commander Zukile Makunga
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
Petty Officer David Saayman, who has served in the Navy for 17 years, said: "It is a motivation and gives one more reason to serve the people. Even though we don't do this for recognition it does motivate you."
Commander Zukile Makunga reflected on the emotional and physical demands of battling the blaze: "It was scary, a new experience always is, it was draining, but at the same time the support we had from everyone, made it worth it. In those moments when you could take a breather — that moment you called your family to tell them you are oka. You realise you are doing it for them, for the community. So this gesture is once again a reminder that you made a difference, you've made it through a tough time, and it actually makes you want to do it again and again."
Weekend Argus
