City of Tshwane Reaffirms Constitutional Duty to Lead and Regulate Firefighting Services
Ald Hannes Coetzee
MMC for Community Safety
By Ald Hannes Coetzee
MMC for Community Safety
The City of Tshwane notes the judgment handed down by the High Court relating to the interpretation of the Fire Brigade Services Act.
We respect the authority of the courts and have taken careful note of the ruling.
The City is now considering the implications of the judgment, particularly in relation to governance, risk management, liability and the City’s constitutional responsibilities to residents.
While the City respects the judgment and acknowledges that private and voluntary
firefighting activity may lawfully exist, we do not support the unregulated delivery of emergency services.
Firefighting is a high-risk, time-critical function that requires clear command, coordination and accountability.
The presence of multiple, uncoordinated responders at an emergency scene can create confusion, compromise safety and undermine effective incident management.
For this reason, any non-municipal support must operate within clearly defined frameworks, under coordinated command, and in a manner that strengthens rather than complicates the City’s emergency response.
The constitutional responsibility for public safety remains with the City, and that responsibility requires order, oversight and control.
What also remains clear, and what this administration wishes to state unequivocally, is that the safety and wellbeing of residents are an inherent responsibility of local government.
Where services involve life, health and property, the City carries a direct
and ongoing duty to ensure that those services are reliable, professional, properly coordinated and subject to appropriate oversight.
The existence of lawful private or
voluntary activity does not absolve the City of this responsibility, nor does it diminish the constitutional duty owed to residents.
These responsibilities cannot be outsourced.
It is equally important to state that firefighting and emergency response are basic municipal services.
Residents should not be required to pay privately for protection of life and property because of gaps in public capacity.
This administration believes that access to emergency services must be equitable, reliable and publicly accountable, regardless of a resident’s ability to pay.
For this reason, the Multi-Party Coalition Government remains firmly committed to strengthening the City’s internal firefighting and emergency response capacity.
A capable, well-resourced and professional public service is the most sustainable way to protect residents, manage risk and uphold public trust.
This is why the City continues to invest in its people, fill critical operational vacancies, modernise equipment, strengthen internal systems and improve oversight and accountability.
Our focus following this judgment is not on legal contestation, but on governance and service delivery.
We remain determined to ensure that Tshwane fulfils its responsibilities directly, ethically and competently, in a manner that prioritises public safety and the rule of law.
The City of Tshwane will continue to act in the best interests of its residents, guided by the Constitution, applicable legislation and an unwavering commitment to professional public service.