The winds of change are blowing through the dusty streets of Parys, Free State, as Ngwathe Local Municipality makes a resounding declaration that the safety and resilience of its people are non-negotiable. In a stirring ceremony that drew community leaders, emergency personnel, and proud families, the municipality officially launched its Disaster Management Volunteers Brigade—a corps of 51 young, energetic, and meticulously trained individuals who now stand as the first line of defense against the unpredictable wrath of nature and human-caused emergencies.
At the helm of this transformative initiative is Mayor De Beer-Mthombeni, whose unwavering commitment to disaster readiness has transformed a long-held vision into a tangible, life-saving reality. Addressing the crowd with palpable pride, the Mayor emphasized that this brigade is far more than a symbolic gesture; it is a strategic, operational force designed to protect the most vulnerable citizens of Ngwathe. “We cannot prevent disasters,” the Mayor declared, “but we can absolutely control our response to them. Today, we are handing the power of preparedness back to our communities.”
The 51 volunteers, drawn from various wards across the municipality, have undergone an intensive and grueling training regimen that covers every facet of emergency management. Their curriculum was not for the faint-hearted: they have mastered advanced firefighting techniques, swift-water rescue protocols, basic life support and first aid, hazardous material handling, and the delicate art of psychological first aid for traumatized survivors. More importantly, they have been drilled in the critical skill of community coordination—learning how to evacuate neighborhoods, set up temporary shelters, and communicate effectively during the chaos of a flood, fire, or structural collapse.
Mayor De Beer-Mthombeni was quick to highlight the dual impact of this program. Beyond bolstering the municipality’s disaster response capacity, the brigade serves as a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment. In a region where employment opportunities are scarce, these 51 young people have been equipped with marketable, life-long skills that elevate them from job-seekers to community heroes. They now carry official identification, communication equipment, and the full backing of the municipal government.
The launch marks a new chapter for Ngwathe—a shift from reactive panic to proactive planning. As the volunteers took their oath of service, their faces reflected a deep sense of duty and purpose. With this brigade on standby, the people of Ngwathe can rest a little easier, knowing that when disaster knocks, a dedicated, skilled, and passionate response team is already at the door.
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