KOUGA – Kouga Fire and Rescue Services has announced the seven firefighters who will represent the municipality at the Toughest Firefighter Association (TFA) competition in George from 1 to 4 October 2026.
The team was selected following Kouga’s Toughest Firefighter Trials, which tested firefighters’ strength, endurance, discipline and practical firefighting skills.
The 2026 Kouga team comprises:
- Hankey Fire Station: Fireman Geoffrey Smith.
- Humansdorp Fire Station: Fireman Jermaine Groep and Fireman Sean du Toit.
- Jeffreys Bay Fire Station: Senior Firefighter Ashley Makoba, Fireman Curtis Jantjies and Fireman Pieter van Taak.
- St Francis Bay Fire Station: Fireman Benito Wabani.
The preparation programme is aimed at ensuring that every team member is physically prepared, competitive and ready to represent Kouga against some of the country’s strongest firefighters.
The Toughest Firefighter Trials, part of the municipality’s preparations for the Toughest Firefighter Association competition, brought together firefighters from across the municipality together to test their strength, endurance, discipline and practical firefighting skills.
The trials formed part of the municipality’s preparations for the Toughest Firefighter Association competition. Deputy Chief Marlin Sodien said the initiative was about measuring Kouga’s firefighters against the best in the country.
“We may believe that we are good or above average, but without measuring ourselves against other fire services and firefighters, we will never truly know where we stand,” he said.
The trials also aimed to establish a lasting culture of competitiveness within the service. Kouga attended the TFA competition in George in 2025 to gain insight into the event and begin planning for a stronger showing in 2026.
Fifteen firefighters entered their names for the trials, with eight competing on the day and one participant unable to take part due to illness. Importantly, all four of Kouga’s fire stations were represented: Humansdorp, Hankey, St Francis Bay and Jeffreys Bay.
The competition-style trials were designed to ensure a fair and transparent selection process, allowing the strongest and most prepared firefighters to prove themselves for possible selection to represent Kouga at the TFA.
Participants completed a range of demanding activities modelled on the national competition. These included a wall climb and jump, dummy drag, force machine, hose advance and make-up, hose hoist, can pushing and a 1.2 km run.
The trials tested much more than physical fitness. Firefighters were assessed on physical and mental strength, endurance, discipline and technique – qualities that are essential in the emergency-services environment.
“Firefighting is never static,” Sodien explained. “You may need to rescue and carry people from confined spaces, work for long periods at a fire scene, cope with heat and pressure, and make important decisions in a short space of time.”
Senior firefighter Clinton Grebe also provided inspiration to participants. Although he was not competing for a place in the team, he completed every stage and motivated those around him.
His participation demonstrated the resilience, toughness and commitment expected of a firefighter.
The trials reinforced the importance of teamwork within Fire and Rescue Services. While firefighters competed individually, they motivated one another to complete activities, even when tasks were difficult or time limits were challenging.
“Teamwork in the fire service is compulsory,” Sodien said. “Discipline is equally important, and it covers everything from the smallest responsibilities to the biggest.”
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