Staff Shortage: Boksburg Fire Station unable to adequately serve community
by Cllr. Madelaine Muller — 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 Boksburg fire station is buckling from chronic understaffing with 48% vacant positions.
According to the South African National Standards (10090 risk category) the minimum number of personnel required at the two Boksburg fire stations should be 112 however, there are only 59 firefighters resulting in a shortfall of 53 firefighters, which makes 48% of the required number.
With operational levels at 50%, Boksburg firefighters are stretched to capacity and placed under continuous strain.
Of the two fire stations, Leon Ferreria is the worst affected as they should have a minimum of 56 firefighters but only have 27, this is less than half of what they should have. Boksburg Central fire station only has 32 firefighters when they are supposed to have a minimum of 56, resulting in a 43% 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 short fall of 432 or 37,24%.
How does the EFF-led coalition government in Ekurhuleni expect fire stations to provide a consistent and reliable services when they are so understaffed? This understaffing 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, occurred within the CoE, one would have expected some form of urgency in ensuring that the City’s fire stations at least meet minimum requirements.
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 that all our fire stations have the required minimum number of firefighters.
Cllr. Madelaine Muller
DA Ward Councillor in Ekurhuleni
072 380 5406
