George Fire Department Honoured at National Fire Indaba
Seen at the event are Neels Barnard, George Fire Chief; Ald Jackie von Brandis; Dawie Adonis, Community Services Director; and Santa Sternsdorff, George Station Commander. Photograph by Deidre Cloete
Neels Barnard, George Fire Chief and Disaster Manager for George Municipality, received a Certificate of Recognition on Friday, 6 December 2024, at the National Fire Indaba on behalf of the department.
The certificate was presented by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, alongside Mayor Jackie von Brandis who commended the George Fire Services in her opening speech, saying: “Your dedication to safeguarding lives and property stands as a beacon of hope and strength for our community. You are the unsung heroes who step forward when others must step back, and we are deeply proud of your service.”
Santa Sternsdorff, Station Commander, presenting the George Fire Department’s rescue and recovery efforts during the Victoria Street Building Collapse.
This accolade honours the George Fire Brigade’s outstanding hands-on commitment and service in humanitarian efforts, including search, rescue, and recovery operations for the victims of the “Victoria Street Building Collapse” in George in May 2024. Several stakeholders who assisted during the building collapse event were also recognised at the ceremony, which concluded the successful two-day Indaba hosted in George.
In addition, Santa Sternsdorff, Station Commander, delivered a sterling presentation at the National Fire Indaba, detailing the department’s rescue and recovery efforts during the Victoria Street Building Collapse.
Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis and Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, presenting George Fire Chief Neels Barnard with a Certificate of Recognition.
Her insights highlighted the team’s technical expertise, coordination, and resilience in managing one of the most challenging disasters the municipality has faced. She received a standing ovation following her presentation on 5 December 2024.
For more on the event, visit CoGTA’s LinkedIn post: https://tinyurl.com/4jmsz8ef