SAFCOL

Fire risk officer

Qualifications:

• Matric

• Conservation Diploma 1999 (HSC)

• Veldfire Management Higher Certificate 2015 (NMU Saasveld)

• Practical experience from fellow foresters that cannot be found in any Tertiary Institution

Forestry career: 22 years

Never in a million years would I have thought that forestry would become my life! As someone who is responsible for fire risk management at all of SAFCOL’s plantations in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, my job involves identifying and mitigating fire risks, formulating and developing fire management plans and ensuring that these are kept up to date. I also conduct annual fire audits and ensure that the right information from the various fire protection associations to which we belong is shared.

WHY I LOVE WORKING IN THE FORESTRY SECTOR

If I could change one thing about my life, it would be starting my career in forestry sooner! I never thought I would attend varsity, but at age 52 I was privileged to complete the first-ever Veldfire Higher Certificate Management Course at Saasveld NMMU’s George Campus — what an experience!

I love seeing the impact of good fire management; how it can save lives and ensure that our assets are kept safe. Working with the most experienced pilots during fire fighting operations is just phenomenal.

Ours is an industry that draws enthusiastic and passionate people and I get to work in areas of outstanding beauty. I salute all involved in forestry and fire fighting. The satisfaction I get from my work makes me feel like it is more of a hobby than a career.

MY ADVICE TO THOSE EXPLORING A CAREER IN FORESTRY

If you have the passion and drive, just do it. You don’t need to fit any stereotype; in fact, some of the most talented firefighters I have worked with are the tiniest women you will ever meet. Neither your size, gender nor your age is important when it comes to starting a career in this industry, all you need is the passion — it is that simple!