COMPLAINTS IN SCRAMBLE FOR FIREFIGHTERS JOBS

LOBAMBA – Following the scramble for firefighters jobs, there has been complaints that gates closed very early yet some of the applicants came from very far areas.

As the physical tests for the aspiring firefighters has started, they are expected to be at Lobamba Fire Station by 7am and those to arrive late find the gates locked. The complaints were from some of the bitter applicants, who preferred to remain anonymous in fear of being victimised. Yesterday marked the second day of the recruitment exercise, which is taking place at Lobamba Fire Station. Around 7 000 applicants who were shortlisted out of 15 000 who applied, would undergo the ultimate test. A total of 1 000 applicants per day go through the practical activity, with the aim of selecting those who qualify.

Questioned about the allegations of gates closing at 7am, Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (ENFRES) Acting Divisional Officer Maurice Simelane said such was far from the truth. Simelane said 7am was arrival time, but they accommodated everyone and the last person to be taken in yesterday arrived at 8:30am. “As long as we have not started running, we accommodate those who have come for the practical activities,” said Simelane.  He said it was impossible for them to close gates at 7am, which was the arrival time for the applicants. “The gate is closed after the 5km run,” he said. The physical test comprise of a 5km run and 40 push-ups. They then undergo an eye test. They will then do the theory aspect as the final test.
Some of the recruits who were interviewed stated that there was fairness in the manner in which the recruitment exercise was being carried out. “Everyone is being accommodated and given a chance to prove their worth,” some of the recruits said.

Meanwhile, ENFRES Public Relations Officer (PRO) Mandla Dlamini said they heard about the allegations of the gates being closed early, but upon investigations, they found that it was not true. Dlamini said they were looking to hire a huge number of firefighters, adding that the current recruitment would not be sufficient to fill the gaps of the retired and those who had passed away.

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