Staff Shortage: Benoni Fire Station unable to adequately serve community

by Cllr. Mary Goby — DA Ward Councillor in Ekurhuleni

and Cllr. Lornette Joseph — DA Ward Councillor in Ekurhuleni

Date: 30 October 2023

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the City of Ekurhuleni has revealed that the Benoni fire station is buckling from chronic understaffing with 38% positions vacant.

According to the South African National Standards (10090 risk category) the minimum number of personnel required at two of Benoni fire stations should be 104 however, there are only 65 firefighters resulting in a shortfall of 39 firefighters or a 38% shortfall.

Of the two fire stations, Rynfield is the worst affected as they should have a minimum of 56 firefighters but only have 27 (43% shortfall), Farramere fire station only has 33 firefighters when they are supposed to have a minimum of 548 firefighters resulting in a 31% shortage.

Across the metro, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) is supposed to have at a minimum, 1160 firefighters however, there are only 728 firefighters resulting in a shortage of 432 firefighters which makes 37,24% of the required number.

How does the CoE expect fire stations to provide a consistent and reliable services when they are so under-staffed? This under-staffing has a direct impact on the quality of services that can be provided to the residents, where every second is crucial to saving lives.

Given the recent disasters that have, unfortunately, happened within the CoE, one would have expected some form of urgency in ensuring that we at least meet minimum standards.

Our firefighters cannot continue operating under these conditions and as such, the DA will be tabling a motion in Council which will insist that all 432 vacant positions be declared critical and that the City Manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi, does her job and ensures all our fire stations have the required minimum number of firefighters.

Cllr. Mary Goby

DA Ward Councillor in Ekurhuleni

082 679 7109