by Leila Moosajee, GCBR Youth Coordinator
Fire doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. That’s why practical, accredited training matters. On 20 and 21 April 2026, we spent two days getting our hands dirty and our minds sharp at a Basic Veld and Forest Fire Fighting course facilitated by Louis Van Dyk.
The training brought together GCBR MAB-Youth members, including those from our alien clearing contractor teams, participants from Albertinia, and members of Louis’ team. The delegates came different backgrounds but shared a common goal: to build practical skills and real capacity to respond to fires safely and effectively.
Day 1: Theory that saves lives
The first day of training was all about the why and the how. Louis walked us through the elements of fire, how weather and topography drive fire behaviour, and how to read fire danger index levels. We covered fire classifications, standard fire orders, and the watch-out situations that keep teams safe. It wasn’t just PowerPoint and definitions. It was the kind of knowledge that changes decisions when the wind shifts and smoke thickens. After this intense learning session the group’s knowledge was tested.
Day 2: Boots on the ground at Korentepoort Dam
Day two took us to Korentepoort Dam for the practical work. We learned to use hand tools properly, construct firebreaks that hold, and operate water pumps under pressure. The highlight was teamwork drills: using hose lines and hand signals to quickly fill a “bakkie-sakkie” and work as one unit to knock down a fire. Clear communication, trust, and timing were essential.
Why this training mattered
Veld fires are part of our landscape, and there is a need for skilled people to handle both controlled and wildfires. The difference between damage and disaster often comes down to trained people on the ground. These two days gave our youth programme members accredited skills and confidence and gave Louis’ team a chance to mentor the next generation of responders.
A big thank you to Louis Van Dyk for facilitating and sharing decades of experience, to MTO Garcia for loaning us all the equipment, and to everyone who showed up ready to learn. This is how we build resilience, one course, one crew, one firebreak at a time.
If you or your organisation would like to partner on any nature-based solution or skills development training for young adults (18-35), please get in touch at leila@gouritz.com
To learn more about the MAB Youth and how to join. Visit https://gouritz.com/join-the-gcbrs-mab-youth-forum/
