Strandfontein’s Baigum Abrahams co‑claims Toughest Female Firefighter title

For the third year running, Baigum Abrahams has been named the Toughest Female Firefighter Alive, this time sharing the title with fellow firefighter Thobeka Senatse.

Baigum, 30, from Strandfontein, also took gold in the 30 to 34 age category, while Thobeka claimed top honours in the women’s 45 to 49 age group.

The pair, along with Simon’s Town station firefighter Nomvuyiseko Lungile and Mitchell’s Plain station firefighter Andiswa Stafa, 45, from Khayelitsha, also triumphed in the women’s relay, earning gold, with Nomvuyiseko and Andiswa adding individual silver medals to their achievements.

Baigum said she was proud of her personal achievement.

“I’m proud to have achieved my personal best time. Regardless of the outcome, every competition is an opportunity to grow and improve. Every competitor who gave their all is a winner,” she said.

She said staying fit is essential for firefighters.

“I focus on general fitness. As a single parent, I carry my training equipment and set up circuits between school runs and my son’s sports activities,” she said.

Baigum said people should believe in themselves and enjoy the process.

“Give your best and enjoy the journey. You are worth it,” she said.

Andiswa said she was excited and emotional, marking her third year competing.

“I train with my colleagues, who we call the Spartans, and also do long-distance runs for cardio. I want to thank the Mitchell's Plain crew and the Carolissen family for their support every year,” she said.

“Let’s stop stoning fire trucks when they are responding to fires. We need to call the correct number and provide accurate details so services can respond quickly. The service number is 021 590 1900,” she said.

In the men’s divisions, Goodwood’s station firefighter Jermaine Carelse emerged victorious in the 50 to 54 age bracket. The over-40s men’s relay team, consisting of Wynberg station firefighter Luton Grobbelaar, Jermaine Carelse, Hout Bay station firefighter Mohammed Toufiek Armien, and Lakeside station firefighter Rudi Van Der Berg, also won gold. 

Meanwhile, the men’s open relay team, Epping station firefighter Aneeb Moses, Constantia station firefighter Bevan Jacobs, Hout Bay station firefighter Timothy Malan, and Kommetjie Road station firefighter Clint Fredericks won silver. 

Individual silver medals were awarded to Timothy Malan, 19 to 29, ages, Frank Forbay, 55 to 59, ages, and Rudi Van Der Berg, 45 to 49, ages, with Luton Grobbelaar taking bronze.

Volunteers from the City’s Disaster Risk Management also took part in the competition. Angie Geyser, stationed at Milnerton, won a silver medal in the women’s 19-29 category.

The event challenges participants’ physical strength and mental resilience, recreating realistic firefighting scenarios. Over 250 firefighters and 44 relay teams from across South Africa competed, joined by teams from Botswana and Namibia.

The City's mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, praised the competitors: “Their performance proves what we already know—they are some of the most courageous and dedicated firefighters in the country. Their commitment to protecting lives and property inspires us every day.”

The winning firefighters are from the following fire stations:

• Thobeka Senatse – Kraaifontein
• Baigum Abrahams – Mitchell's Plain
• Andiswa Stafa – Mitchell's Plain
• Nomvuyiseko Lungile – Simon’s Town
• Timothy Malan – Hout Bay
• Aneeb Moses – Epping
• Grant Jacobs – Lakeside
• Clint Fredericks – Kommetjie Road
• Luton Grobbelaar – Wynberg
• Rudi Van Der Berg – Lakeside
• Mohammed Armien – Hout Bay
• Jermaine Carelse – Goodwood