Fire is a serious hazard in South Africa’s shack settlements. It has been argued that “on average in South Africa over the last five years there are ten shack fires a day with someone dying in a shack fire every other day.” In 2011, 151 people were reported to have been killed in shack fires in Cape Town. In 2014, it was reported that 2,090 people burned to death in Gauteng province, “many of them in shack fires that sweep through informal settlements.”
Shack fires are often termed accidents, but this has been contested by shack dwellers’ organisations. Martin J. Murray argues that by “recruiting human frailty or sheer accident to their cause, key city-builders have been able to rationalise municipal policy choices that have accomplished little towards changing the circumstances under which the urban poor—who bear the awful brunt of these continuing cycles of death and destruction—tend to invariably find themselves in harm’s way.”
But what if we could help more people in South Africa be more proactive about alleviating these risks by implementing precautionary measures from early childhood stages? This is where the Kagisho Maetla Training Academy comes in. The Kagisho Maetla Training Academy has proposed a solution of training township settlement early childhood development (ECD) teachers and children in fire safety and first aid.
Understanding the crucial role early childhood educators play not only in the lives of children but also in the communities they live in is vital. These educators nurture young minds and shape the future of society. Their role goes beyond teaching—they are also responsible for children’s safety and well-being. This is why first aid and basic firefighting training are essential for early childhood educators, especially in South African townships where each year children die from shack fires.
Burn injuries are a persistent challenge in South Africa. Energy poverty, prevalent in under- resourced communities, is a key contributor to the problem. The energy-poor rely on solid fuels and flammable hydrocarbons, such as paraffin, for energy services.
These fuels are burnt in inefficient, leaky, and unstable appliances, leading to health losses from pollutant emissions, burns, and conflagrations. Within crampedinformal home settings, using flammable fuels and risky combustion technologies, the situation can become devastating, especially for young children. Those who survive fiery incidents have to contend with trauma and property losses that may lead to further impoverishment. Proactive intervention strategies are required and should include broadening access to safe and sustainable energy.
Early childhood settings are full of life, but they can also be unpredictable. From minor bumps and scrapes to serious emergencies like choking or fires, educators need to be prepared for anything. First aid training equips them with the skills to provide immediate care, potentially saving a child’s life. Firefighting training empowers them to handle fire hazards, evacuate children safely, and use fire extinguishers effectively.
Investing in accredited first aid training shows a commitment to the well-being of both children and staff. Accredited programmes which Kagisho maetla provides are thorough and practical, ensuring educators are confident and competent. They also receive valuable certifications that enhance their professional credibility. These recognised qualifications give parents peace of mind and contribute to the professionalism of the early childhood education sector.
Mary Candice Maetla owner and founder was born and bred in Mabopane, north of Pretoria. She grew up wanting to become a social worker but also had a fascination and passion for entrepreneurship. She has developed a this training accredited programme designed to train educators on what to do in the case of a fire and also to teach the children in their classes what to do when a fire breaks out in their homes within informal settlements.
Mary’s first aid and firefighting training go beyond merely learning skills. They create a culture of safety within early childhood settings. Trained educators become proactive in identifying and eliminating
potential hazards. They also become role models for children, teaching them about preparedness, responsibility, and how to bounce back from challenging situations. By integrating safety practices into daily routines, educators help children develop lifelong habits of well-being and security, contributing to their overall development.
First aid and firefighting training are essential investments in the professional development and safety of early childhood educators as well as the children in these classrooms. These accredited programmes equip educators with the knowledge, skills, and certifications needed to handle emergencies with confidence.
By prioritising the well-being and preparedness of educators, we create a safer learning environment where children can thrive and help the children take those skills to their homes—homes which are likely using fire hazardous materials.
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