Tshwane metro’s allegations that private fire services are illegal, are unfounded – AfriForum

AfriForum warns that the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality’s aggressive attack on private fire services is not only short-sighted, but also directly endangers the lives and property of residents. This follows a media statement on 30 June in which the Tshwane Metro argued that private fire services are illegal.

Although the Tshwane Metro already filed an application with the High Court in Pretoria in June 2024 against private fire services, the case has not yet been heard in court and there is currently no court ruling confirming that these services are illegal. Therefore, to already refer to private fire services as “illegal operations” is not only misleading but also incorrect. AfriForum’s legal team is assisting the Sinoville Fire Fighting Association in this matter. The preliminary hearing is expected to begin in August.

“Contrary to the Tshwane Metro’s unfounded allegations that private fire services are illegal, AfriForum’s legal team is convinced that there is no law that prohibits the establishment and operation of private fire services,” says Tarien Cooks, Disaster Management Specialist at AfriForum.

“The Tshwane Metro is struggling to stay afloat financially and should rather seize this additional capacity – in the interest of the residents – than turn it down. It is unacceptable that a metro with struggling resources chooses to pursue legal processes against institutions that act proactively and effectively in times of emergency.”

AfriForum has already reached out to the Tshwane Metro to discuss this matter in a constructive manner. However, the Metro has refused to engage in dialogue, which is a clear indication that their priorities are not with the safety of residents, but rather with political control and bureaucratic power.

There is more than one proof of municipal fire services failing and unable to provide an effective service to their residents – this is a reality that cannot be ignored. In the City of Johannesburg, the municipal fire services have already collapsed and private institutions such as Fire Ops SA have been forced to fill the gap and save lives. The practice of private fire services is therefore not a threat to public safety but a necessity that has already proven time and again that it works.

“It is in the interest of every Pretoria resident to have access to fire services – whether from the municipality or a private service provider. Instead of fighting against these services, the Tshwane Metro should seize it with both hands,” concludes Cooks.

AfriForum will continue to press for a fair, inclusive and effective approach to fire safety – one that saves lives.