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Thabazimbi Fire Festival Fuels Pride and Preparedness

18 June 2025 · Platinum Bushvelder

Thabazimbi – The Thabazimbi Show Grounds were ablaze with excitement and pride on 30 and 31 May 2025, as the Thabazimbi Fire Festival brought together emergency heroes, daring demonstrations, loyal sponsors, and a vibrant community for a weekend that won’t be forgotten.

Hosted by Thaba Fire and Rescue, the festival wasn’t just about smoke and sirens – it was a celebration of bravery, skill, teamwork, and community spirit. From high-stakes rescue demos to adorable dog shows, every moment burned bright with purpose and pride.

“We couldn’t have done this without the community,” said Pierre Loots, CEO of Thaba Fire and Rescue. “The heart of Thabazimbi beats strong because of you. And if anyone has suggestions to make next year even better, I’d love to hear from you personally – call me on 083 603 5678.”

Pierre would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his entire Thaba Fire and Rescue team for their hard work and dedication.

The event featured live music, a VIP tent, beer garden, food stalls, and action-packed rescue displays including car crash simulations, foam spraying, and dramatic high-altitude rope rescues courtesy of Mokgalakwena Rope Rescue Team.

Pierre and the TFR team extended heartfelt thanks to every sponsor and supporter who helped fuel the fire of success. To every donor, every team member, and every visitor – your contribution mattered.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS – YOU LIGHT UP OUR WORLD
A roaring round of applause to: Northam Platinum Fire Team, Amandelbult Fire Team, Mokgalakwena Rope Rescue Team, Trauma Rescue, Wilmed Emergency, Skeerpoort Verspreiders, Rykie May, Echo Mountain Inn, Tikva Lodge, Total Thabazimbi, Panarotis, Soritzy Day Spa, PNA Thabazimbi, Obaro, Michael Mouton, Oasis, Kransberg Auto Spares, Pieter Lambrecht, Klipbokkie, Ki-lani (Pieter Phalani), Lambert Joubert Big5 Car Wash, Melkro Training, J&J Drums, Spar, P&F Slaghuis, Megs Ysterberg, Numzaan Safaris, Kgabo Dumela, Lodi Uys, Karel (A Plus Water Solutions), Corrie Prinsloo, Gert Stighling, Sign-Perfect, AWC Rentals, Brand Corp SA, Woefkardoes, David Mosedi, Gereformeerde Kerk Matlabas, Aziscore Recycling, Roots Thabazimbi, Nancy Otto, Ndluvu Guesthouse, and Lion Hill Guesthouse.

Main photo: Christa Bloem from Thabazimbi K9 showing off dog Judah’s obedience and charm.

Northam Platinum Fire Team demonstrating how foam is deployed in a fire – no flames, just technique.

Paws, applause, and wagging tails – the dog show kept tails wagging and smiles wide.

High stakes and higher scaffolding – the Mokgalakwena Rope Rescue Team showcased a thrilling vertical rescue.

Scene of the simulated car crash that showed just how fast and fierce real rescue work can be.