Strandfontein's Baigum Abrahams is on fire
Single mom claims Toughest Female Firefighter title for the third time
For the third year running Baigum Abrahams, pictured, has been named the Toughest Female Firefighter Alive, this time sharing the title with fellow firefighter Thobeka Senatse.
Image: Supplied
FOR the third year running, Baigum Abrahams has been named the Toughest Female Firefighter Alive, this time sharing the title with fellow firefighter Thobeka Senatse.
Baigum, 30, from Strandfontein, also took gold in the 30 to 34 age category, while Thobeka claimed top honours in the women’s 45 to 49 age group.
The pair, along with Simon’s Town station firefighter Nomvuyiseko Lungile and Mitchells Plain station firefighter Andiswa Stafa, 45, from Khayelitsha, also triumphed in the women’s relay, earning gold, with Nomvuyiseko and Andiswa adding individual silver medals to their achievements.
From left are firefighters Thobeka Senatse, Andiswa Stafa, Nomvuyiseko Lungile and Baigum Abrahams.
Image: Supplied
Baigum said she was proud of her achievement, putting in a personal best performance.
She said: “I’m proud to have achieved my personal best time. Regardless of the outcome, every competition is an opportunity to grow and improve. Every competitor who gave their all is a winner."
She said staying fit is essential for firefighters, adding: “I focus on general fitness. As a single parent, I carry my training equipment and set up circuits between school runs and my son’s sports activities."
From left are firefighters Aneeb Moses, Bevan Jacobs, Timothy Malan and Clint Fredericks.
Image: Supplied
Baigum said people should believe in themselves and enjoy the process.
“Give your best and enjoy the journey. You are worth it,” she said.
Andiswa said she was excited and emotional, marking her third year competing.
She said: “Let’s stop stoning fire trucks when they are responding to fires. The service number is 021 590 1900.
In the men’s divisions, Goodwood’s station firefighter Jermaine Carelse emerged victorious in the 50 to 54 age bracket. The over-40s men’s relay team, consisting of Wynberg station firefighter Luton Grobbelaar, Jermaine Carelse, Hout Bay station firefighter Mohammed Toufiek Armien, and Lakeside station firefighter Rudi Van Der Berg, also won gold.
Meanwhile, the men’s open relay team, Epping station firefighter Aneeb Moses, Constantia station firefighter Bevan Jacobs, Hout Bay station firefighter Timothy Malan, and Kommetjie Road station firefighter Clint Fredericks won silver.
Individual silver medals were awarded to Timothy Malan, 19 to 29, ages, Frank Forbay, 55 to 59, ages, and Rudi Van Der Berg, 45 to 49, ages, with Luton Grobbelaar taking bronze.
The event challenges participants’ physical strength and mental resilience, recreating realistic firefighting scenarios. Over 250 firefighters and 44 relay teams from across South Africa competed, joined by teams from Botswana and Namibia.