SAMWU MOURNS THE TRAGIC PASSING OF THREE FIREFIGHTERS AT GA-SEGONYANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
13 June 2026
SAMWU MOURNS THE TRAGIC PASSING OF THREE FIREFIGHTERS AT GA-SEGONYANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) joins the families, colleagues, fellow workers and the community of Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality in mourning the tragic passing of three municipal workers who lost their lives in a fatal accident while responding to a veld fire emergency on 12 June 2026.
SAMWU has received with deep shock and sadness the news that these workers, who were employed in the Fire and Disaster Unit of the municipality and were also members of our union, lost their lives while carrying out their duties in service of the people of Ga-Segonyana. Their passing is not only a loss to their families and colleagues, but a painful loss to SAMWU and the entire working class.
These workers were not merely employees of the municipality. They were public servants, emergency workers, breadwinners, parents, siblings, comrades and members of communities who depended on them. They left their homes to serve and protect others, and tragically never returned. Their loss is our loss. Their pain is our pain. Their families’ grief is shared by the entire SAMWU family.
On behalf of SAMWU, we convey our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones of the fallen workers during this extremely difficult time. No words can fully heal the pain of losing a loved one in such tragic circumstances, but we hope their families find strength in knowing that these workers died in the line of duty, having committed themselves to protecting lives, property and the community.
SAMWU further extends its condolences to the workers of Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality, particularly those in the Fire and Disaster Unit, who must now continue their work while carrying the pain of losing their colleagues. We know that the workplace will never be the same again, and we call on the municipality to provide all necessary emotional, psychological and material support to the affected families and fellow workers.
As a union, we believe that the death of any worker in the course of duty must never be treated as a mere statistic. These were workers who gave their labour, their commitment and ultimately their lives in service of the municipality and its residents. SAMWU will therefore continue to stand with the affected families and workers, and will engage the municipality to ensure that the families of the deceased workers are properly supported and treated with dignity.
We also wish a speedy and full recovery to all those who may have sustained injuries in the accident. SAMWU calls on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident so that the families, workers and the public may know what happened.
As we mourn these fallen firefighters, we honour their courage, dedication and sacrifice. Their names and contribution to public service must never be forgotten.
May their souls rest in peace.
May their families be comforted.
Issued by SAMWU Northern Cape
Pieter Demas
Provincial Secretary
071 269 1470