CTEC proud sponsor of Mangaung firefighters
Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition 2022
CTEC was proud to sponsor the brave firefighters of the Mangaung Fire Department that took part in this year’s Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa competition. It took place in Mossel Bay at De Bakke beach. This grueling competition involved 126 individual competitors from services across the country and a relay event consisting of 29 teams (4 members each).
Not for the faint of heart
This competition is not called Toughest Firefighter for nothing. Its both a physically and mentally tough competition. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. Evidence of this is the fact that 19 of the participants failed to complete the individual event.
Competitors wear full gear during competition which is a challenge for their fitness, strength and endurance. This year the competition had a bit of a change from other years as a beach run replaced the usual 21 floors stair-climb. Hose drag and make up, obstacle course, high-rise pack carry and hose hoist made up the rest of the stages.The competition also builds a lovely camaraderie, morale and confidence between teammates and between the different teams.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going
Taking part in a competition like this takes a lot of preparation. It needs an exceptional level of endurance and even experience. The team of 7 firefighters from Mangaung Metro consisted of firefighters from Bloemfontein, Thaba Nchu, and Botshabelo. They really showed their metal. All members finished the individual course except Johnathan Boucher. Even though he suffered from flu, he finished 2 of the four stages and helped his team to perform in the relay.
The performance of the team
Team Mangaung performed well against tough opposition and did themselves proud. Firefighter Lebogang Tlotleng did very well in the 35-39 age group by missing a Bronze medal by only 7 seconds. Lebogang finished in overall 10th position. There were 33 competitors in his group. Instead of being despondent, he is motivated to do even better in 2023. This attitude epitomizes not only his but also the teams character. These are real tough guys in the truest sense of the word.
In the same age group Firefighter Kagisho Rapulana came 13th in the group and 44th overall.
The yougest member of the team, Firefighter Kagisho Rapulana, competed in the 30-34 year age group. He finished 16th in his age group and 52nd overall.
Firefighter N S Pulumo also did very well by placing 4th in the age group 45-49 and 56th overall.
Bayswater station officer Russel Van Deventer, a veteran of this competition held since 2012, took gold in the age group 55-59 after his opponent failed to complete the course. Van Deventer finished 67th overall .f
We previously alluded to Firefighter Johnathan Boucher’s unfortunate bout of flu that prevented him from finishing the whole individual course. He showed real character in helping his team perform in the relay event.
Mangaung entered two teams in the relay event. In the open under 40 relay, four members took part. This team took 5th place in their category out of 23 teams. The senior team (over 40) consisted of three Mangaung members joined by Bloemfontein SANDF Fire Chief De Wet Benade. The senior team competed against two other teams in their category. The team that came first consisted of members from different cities. Mangaung took second place ahead of the team from Cape Town in an exciting fight to the finish. They took 17th place overall.
CTEC congratulates the guys on their individual and team performances, and we are very proud that we could contribute in some way.
Toughest Firefighter Alive Competitions 2023
Mossel Bay will host the Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa competition for the next two years. The 2023 edition will take place in September 2023
ASB Bloemfontein will host their own TFA event called South African Army Toughest Firefighter alive, and ASB invited Mangaung Fire Brigade to this event planned for the first week in June 2023. The event will assist with preparation for the national event in September.
