Brümilda Swartbooi
At the tender age of five, Prince Zwide Masuku’s heart would pound with excitement at the sight of a fire truck, a fervent declaration to his mother that one day he would join their ranks.
Today, at 37, that childhood aspiration has materialised: Masuku serves as one of the City’s valiant firefighters, stationed at the Fairview Fire Station in the inner city.
Approximately four years ago, Masuku garnered national attention as the off-duty firefighter who heroically rescued a mother and her two children from a submerged vehicle in Katlehong, an act for which he was subsequently slated to receive a bravery award.
Wonderboy Msibi, Fairview Station Commander, commends Masuku’s relentless commitment to how work: “As firefighters, we’re never off duty. He acted swiftly, rescuing the mother and children. To see it was one of my own in the media touched my heart. He is someone we can consistently rely on.”
Masuku vividly recalls the incident, a rainy Sunday morning drive home after a night shift. “I saw the car on its side in a lake. Instinct kicked in, and I rushed to it. I saw the mother and her two children inside. I began by bringing the son to safety, then the daughter, and finally the mother. I suppose it was just a superman instinct. Adrenaline was surging, and I had to save the family,” he recounts.
Two weeks post-incident, he visited the family, finding profound fulfilment in reuniting loved ones, a cornerstone of his dedication. “Seeing families reunited after such incidents fulfils me,” he shares.
Masuku asserts his destiny as a firefighter: “For me, it’s more than a job; it’s a calling. When my mother took me to school, and I’d see a fire truck, I’d declare that’s what I wanted to do one day. Besides, I’ve always known I wanted to be a firefighter.”
He wears his uniform with palpable honour and pride. “The City has done a lot for me, and serving the people of Joburg is a dream come true.”
Another significant milestone for Masuku is his service in the Johannesburg Drill Squad, which performs at high-profile events such as the State of the City Address. When not combating fires or saving lives, he dedicates his time to physical conditioning, watching films, and attending church. His personal aspirations include bungee jumping and global travel.
Masuku’s message to residents is a poignant plea for safety: “Always be safe and careful with candles.”
Watch the full interview on the City’s YouTube Channel
SOURCED FROM JOBURG WEBSITE.
