Statement on the death of volunteer firefighter Andrew Jantjies

The Western Cape Government wishes to extend its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Andrew Jantjies (44), a volunteer firefighter who died last night while assisting with a mountain fire near Kommetjie.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, says Mr. Jantjies passing has come as a shock to him and to the disaster management and firefighting community.

“It doesn’t matter how much one prepares, you can never prepare for a tragedy like this. The loss of one firefighter is always one loss too many". 

Mr. Jantjies was a volunteer, fighting a vicious fire in the province even while many of us were asleep on Thursday evening. His death comes barely three days after the launch of the Western Cape fire season and I am sure it comes as a hard blow to his family and to the men and women who fight fires in the province.

Men and women like Mr. Jantjies are heroes. They are the lifeblood of this country and it is a tragedy when we lose one of them.

The family, friends and the community of firefighters are in my thoughts. I wish them comfort in their time of mourning. 

Media Enquiries: 

James-Brent Styan
Spokesperson
Tel: 021 483 2820
Cell: 084 583 1670
E-mail: James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za