HEIGHT FAILURE FOR 21 FEMALE ASPIRING FIREFIGHTERS

LOBAMBA - The physical fitness test ended in tears yesterday for some, as 21 female aspiring firefighters’ chances of taking part in the race was short-lived.

This was after they failed to meet the stipulated height standard of 1.6 metres. As a result, they were automatically disqualified. According to the rules of Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (ENFRES), participants must be  1.6 metres or taller for them to qualify for the recruitment exercise.

Applications

Yesterday was the last day for ENFRES to conduct the physical fitness test. Initially, over 15 000 emaSwati submitted their applications but later on, above 7 000 took part in the physical fitness test. The dejected aspiring firefighters pleaded with fire personnel to allow them to try their luck in the 5-kilometre race as they were desperately in need of the job. Some indicated that they had been sitting at home for years without employment. Some of these female aspiring firefighters tried to reason with fire personnel to allow them to partake in the exercise, but their efforts were futile. After their futile pleas with the fire personnel, they collected their belongings and left the premises, dejected.

One of the disqualified aspiring recruits, Sindi Dlamini, who obtained a teaching qualification at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) in 2017, was of the view that the fire personnel should have applied leniency when checking their height.  She said her chances of getting a job had come to an end after being disqualified, even before the start of the 5-kilometre race.
“This is unfair to some of us. We should have been told about their expectations, in as far as the height is concerned, rather than being taken by surprise. This is really painful,” she said.
Noncedo Sibandze of Kubuta said she was filled with grief, sorrow and pain as she had hopes of making it through to the next phase of the exercise, but things did not go as planned.
“Eish! Kwalile. I will try some other time,” she lamented.

On another note ENFRES Acting Divisional Officer Maurice Simelane, said they were happy with how the exercise was conducted. despite a few issues of those who tried to cheat. He said they were waiting for their superiors to give them new directives. The number of aspiring firefighters who came to take part in the exercise increased yesterday when compared to other days. It was a battle of the titans from the 5-kilometre race up to the exercises.

Climbing

Aspiring firefighters underwent various exercises, which included  push-ups, ladder jack which is simply lifting up  the ladder. Another exercise was climbing a 10.5-metre long ladder, as well as the climbing drill tower. They were also tested on hose lay, which is to unfold the hose pipe and quickly fold it back. They were also made to run while carrying two 25-litre containers with water. Within a minute, they should have done five laps of a 20-metre distance with the containers.

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