International Firefighter’s Day is a special day that honors and celebrates the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to ensure the safety of our communities. This day recognizes the sacrifices they make and the dedication they have to their profession. The City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service is a prime example of this commitment, consistently demonstrating its unwavering dedication to keeping residents safe.
In a quiet settlement of Rooiels, a heroic act of bravery was witnessed on Thursday, August 19th, 2021. Carel and Mitzi van Biljon, an elderly couple, were driving through the scenic R44 when their 1997 Mercedes Benz suddenly caught fire. Mitzi quickly exited the car and realized her husband was trapped inside. John Manda, a Malawian immigrant working nearby, rushed to the scene and pulled Carel out of the burning vehicle. Another person arrived, and together they moved Carel further away from the car, which firefighters eventually put out.
