A 23-year-old rookie from the Cape Flats has been named the toughest female firefighter in South Africa.
What’s more, the mom of one has only been in the job for 13 days and has trained a total of seven days, yet she reigned supreme in one of the toughest competitions for firefighters.
“I am in the service for 13 days today, I started on the first and won the overall female award.
“The Cape Town female relay team also won gold and I received a Superwoman certificate,” a proud Baigum Abrahams, 23, told the Daily Voice on Sunday.
The single mom from Strandfontein took on firefighters from around the country, who flooded Cape Town over the weekend to participate in the annual “Toughest Firefighter Alive” competition.
The South African leg of the international event took place at the Roeland Street Fire Station on Friday and Saturday.
Firefighters had to complete a number of challenges in full gear, including a hose drag, obstacle course, tower ascent and an 800 metre sprint.
The rookie firefighter stationed at Mitchells Plain Fire Station says: “The best thing was seeing how proud my son and fellow firefighters were, winning the gold was great. We couldn’t let them [other firefighters] beat us on our own turf.”
Baigum had only about a week to prepare for the event.
“It was difficult to train. I know many people prepare weeks in advance but I found time to train after work.
“The practical work at the station also helped me prepare for the competition. I also have a great support structure at home,” says Baigum, who lives with her mother.
A proud JP Smith, Mayco member for Safety and Security, says Baigum scorched the competition.
“Abrahams, 23, from Strandfontein just graduated in July and already she is doing the Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service proud,” says Smith.
“The winner of the male competition, Emile Conrad from the Eden District Municipality, is no stranger to the podium - he has been crowned TFA SA champion three years in a row now.
“The performance of our female firefighters is especially noteworthy, given that we’re celebrating Women’s Month.”