The Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs is concerned about media reports on the 301 fire fighters who were deployed to Canada on 30 May 2016 to help fight wildfires there. This was part of a resource sharing agreement with Canadian firefighting agencies.
The Committee understands that the South African fire fighters arrived back in South Africa this morning apparently after negotiations failed to resolve a pay dispute between them and the Working on Fire Programme, which is housed in the Department of Environmental Affairs.
As the Portfolio Committee that plays a critical role in overseeing the work of Working on Fire, it will be engaging with the Department of Environmental Affairs to fully understand what happened in Canada to prevent any similar occurrence in future.
Of concern is the alleged involvement of a company called Kishigu Holdings, a private company that is seen as the primary implementer of the Working on Fire Programme, and a major beneficiary of the $170 that was to be paid per South African fire fighter per day by the Canadian Government. The Committee is particularly concerned about disturbing media reports, which seem to suggest that the fire fighters were remunerated far less than what this company is alleged to be paid per fire fighter. This is disturbing given that the fire fighters are from marginalised communities and were trained in fire prevention and suppression skills to enable them to earn a living.
“The Department has to account in this matter, particularly given the negative reports generated by this episode which have the potential to dent the image of the country. As the Committee, we envisage our country playing a significant role in assisting other countries in fire prevention and suppression, and hence we need to do it professionally and in a dignified manner, befitting our excellent international image,” said the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs, Mr Phillemon Mapulane.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Ms Faith Kwaza
Tel: 021 403 8062
Cell: 081 377 0686
E-mail: fkwaza@parliament.gov.za
