Cape Town’s finest have once again proven their mettle on the national stage, returning home with an impressive haul of 24 medals from the Toughest Firefighter Alive competition held in George over the weekend.
The City’s firefighters secured 13 gold, 10 silver, and one bronze medal in the gruelling contest that tests both physical endurance and mental strength through simulated firefighting challenges.
Leading the charge were Baigum Abrahams and Thobeka Senatse, who shared the title of Toughest Female Firefighter Alive—Abrahams claiming her third consecutive win. The powerhouse duo, along with Nomvuyiseko Lungile and Andiswa Stafa, also took gold in the women’s relay event.
In the men’s division, Jermaine Carelse triumphed in the 50–54 age category and joined teammates Luton Grobbelaar, Mohammed Toufiek Armien, and Rudi van der Berg to secure gold in the over-40 men’s relay. The men’s open relay team, featuring Aneeb Moses, Grant Jacobs, Timothy Malan, and Clint Fredericks, earned silver.
Individual silver medals went to Malan (19–29), Forbay (55–59), and Van der Berg (45–49), while Grobbelaar claimed bronze.
More than 250 firefighters and 44 relay teams from South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia took part in the event.
Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, praised the team:
“Their achievements just confirm what we already know — they are among the toughest, bravest, and most dedicated firefighters in the country. We salute them for their courage and excellence.”
The medal-winning team represented fire stations across the metro, including Mitchells Plain, Kraaifontein, Simon’s Town, Hout Bay, Epping, Lakeside, Wynberg, Goodwood, and Kommetjie Road.
