Meet our women firefighters team
These four women at Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services are competing in the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) competition.
Anoesjké Pozyn
Aged 34. Married for 14 years.
Administrative employee at Mossel Bay Municipality for 10 years. Why are you doing this? When I heard about this challenge, I thought it sounded amazing. I want to prove to my team and myself that I can do this - for them and for me.
What are you bringing to the team? What is your unique strength?
I am fiercely competitive.
What is the hardest part of training?
Getting up every day at 04:00 to go to the gym, pushing through when I don't always have the strength and never stopping, no matter what.
What have you learnt about life, yourself and fitness during your training?
I've learnt I am capable of so much more than I ever give myself credit for. I am my own worst critic, so proving to myself that I am capable of this level of fitness and strength training was life changing.
What are you expecting on competition day?
I am excited to see our group of ladies take the victory.
How do you feel about making history as the first female team to represent Mossel Bay at TFA?
I am humbled and honoured to be part of this team and with God on our side, we are more than conquerors.
Raymondi Solomons
Intern (control room operator) at
Mossel Bay Fire,
Rescue and Disaster Management
Services.
Why are you doing this?
To challenge myself.
Your unique strength?
My ability to work well with everyone and my sense of humour.
What is the hardest part of training?
Not giving up. All the TFA stages are really tough, so you need to have endurance and a strong mindset to get through them.
What have you learnt during your training? That if I put my mind to something I can do it. I learnt that if I push myself, I can do many things I never thought I'd be able to. What are you expecting on competition day? I expect my team to finish our stages and to have a lot of fun.
How do you feel about being in the first women's team to represent Mossel Bay at TFA?
There's a bit of pressure, but it's also exciting, knowing that I'm part of making history.
Siphokazi Yabo
Cadet firefighter at Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services.
Lives in Asla Park.
Mother of two. Why are you doing this? I want to challenge myself and also make my team win. I know I can do anything if I put my mind to it. What are you bringing to the team?
My positive energy, my strong body and mind. My strengths include lifting weights, working out and working hard.
What is the hardest part of training?
I would say there is no hardest part for me. It's all in the mind. You just need to be strong and put your mind to it.
What have you learnt, preparing for the contest?
A lot: that I'm very strong and that fitness is important, not in terms of the competition, but for your health as well as your job as a firefighter. You need to be strong and fit.
What are you expecting?
Of course, I expect a win by the ladies. But I want us to enjoy it, support each other and ultimately do our best.
How do you feel about being in the first women's team to represent Mossel Bay at TFA?
Very blessed. I want to make my team and the fire station proud.
Nadia JacobusJulies
12 years in service as a firefighter at Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services. Why are you doing this? To be seen as a role model and an inspiration to girls and women in the community.
What is your strength?
I enjoy the ability to compete with other ladies and give it our best.
What is the hardest part of training? Training is always tough. For women, it is sometimes tougher than for men, because women are built differently.
What have you learnt from training?
To push through everything, work hard and become better at your craft.
What are you expecting on competition day?
I am looking forward to being among all the contenders, to experiencing the camaraderie, the fun, the greatness and the support among all firefighters.
Your thoughts on local women contending for the TFA title for the first time?
Females are still a minority group in the service, that is why this is such an honour – to make history for Mossel Bay. We are so excited to represent Mossel Bay.