Thobeka Senatse crowned Toughest Female Firefighter Alive at South Africa Open Championship

Thobeka Senatse's resilience was rigorously tested at the 2025 Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa Open Championship, where she ultimately earned the prestigious title of Toughest Female Firefighter Alive. 

The 45-year-old firefighter from Wallacedene in Kraaifontein competed against 42 women at the championships, which were held at the Garden Route Mall from Thursday, October 9, to Saturday, October 11.

She was a joint winner, sharing the top position with Baigum Abrahams from Mitchell's Plain.

The challenge is based on the international event and has become South Africa’s premier firefighter fitness challenge, having attracted about 300 firefighters from 30 different entities in 2024, with the best competitors chosen to represent South Africa internationally.

It allows firefighters to compete on a national level and measure their skills and expertise against the best in South Africa. There were individual and team events for both men and women.

The four stages of the event included: hose advance and make-up; obstacle course, including Kaiser Force machine, dummy drag, container through tunnel and wall climb/jump; tower run, including equipment carry and hose hoist; and running in full gear.

Ms Senatse managed to finish all the stages in under five minutes each, but said jumping over the wall was the challenge that almost stood in her way.  

Mark Smith, event organiser, confirmed that a total of 250 firefighters from throughout South African municipalities, private companies, and airport companies, including a team from Botswana, participated in the challenge.

“Thobeka has been competing and has been a runner-up for several years. It's her resilience and determination that got her the joint victory. She identified her weaknesses that prevented her from winning and took the actions required to overcome the challenges the circuit presents,” he said.

Ms Senatse is based at the Kraaifontein Fire Station and has been a firefighter since 2015.

“I chose a career in firefighting because I have a strong desire to help others and to make a positive impact in my community. I’m drawn to the teamwork, discipline, and sense of purpose that come with the profession. Firefighting allows me to challenge myself physically and mentally while serving and protecting people in times of need,” she said.

She won a silver medal in her age category in 2023 and a gold medal in the same category last year.

Ms Senatse's advice for people interested in the firefighting career: “To pursue a career in firefighting, focus on maintaining peak physical and mental fitness, and be prepared for continuous training and a commitment to the job. Develop strong teamwork and communication skills, be willing to take initiative, and show a dedication to service and personal growth,” she said.

The City of Cape Town firefighters walked away with 13 gold medals, 11 silver, and one bronze medal at the competition.

JP Smith, the mayoral committee member for safety and security, congratulated all the winners.