Bergrivier Municipality invites unemployed South Africans to apply for Fire Fighter Learnerships 2026 in Velddrif and Redelinghuys.
Introduction
Bergrivier Municipality has opened applications for Learner Fire Fighter Learnerships for 2026 within the Directorate of Community Services. This opportunity is available to unemployed South African residents living within the Bergrivier Municipal area and is aimed at individuals who are physically fit, committed to public service, and interested in building a career in firefighting and emergency response.
The learnership positions are available at fire stations in Velddrif and Redelinghuys in the Western Cape and form part of the municipality’s commitment to employment equity, skills development, and community safety.
About Bergrivier Municipality
Bergrivier Municipality is located in the Western Cape, with its head office in Piketberg. The municipality operates under the principles of equal opportunity employment and encourages applications from women and persons with disabilities who meet the requirements. Only applicants residing within the Bergrivier Municipal jurisdiction area will be considered.
Fire Fighter Learnership Positions Available
Learner Fire Fighter positions are available under Community Services at the following locations:
Velddrif Fire Station
Reference number: GD199/381/VD
Redelinghuys Fire Station
Reference number: GD200/381/RH
These learnerships are intended to develop competent entry-level fire fighters who will operate under supervision while completing their training and meeting all required standards.
Job Purpose
Learner Fire Fighters are trained to perform a range of duties related to firefighting and emergency services. These include responding to fire and rescue incidents, providing basic medical assistance, supporting fire prevention and training initiatives, operating and maintaining firefighting equipment, and ensuring that fire station facilities are kept in a safe and operational condition.
All duties are carried out under supervision during the learning and development phase in accordance with the Fire Brigade Services Act.
Key Performance Areas
Once the required training and minimum qualifications are achieved, learner fire fighters will be expected to participate in firefighting and emergency response operations under supervision. They will assist with emergency preparedness, public education, equipment readiness, vehicle safety checks, station maintenance, and basic administrative duties. Participation in the municipality’s performance management and development system also forms part of the role.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have completed Grade 12 and hold a valid Code C1 driving licence. Candidates must be proficient in at least two official Western Cape languages, which include Afrikaans, English, and isiXhosa, with the ability to speak, read, and write.
Applicants must be physically and mentally fit and willing to work shifts and overtime. They must be prepared to work at any fire station or facility within the municipality as required by the Chief Fire Officer and must have no criminal record.
Successful candidates must pass a Candidate Physical Ability Test and a medical assessment in line with NFPA 1582 standards. Applicants must not suffer from phobias related to confined spaces, heights, depths, water, blood, darkness, isolation, or corpses.
Competency Requirements
The competency level for this position is Fire and Rescue Level 1, aligned with the Municipal Staff Regulations as published in Government Gazette 45181 under Government Notice R890.
Salary and Benefits
The learnership offers a salary of R145 440 per annum, aligned to T05 Category 3 Local Authority. Qualifying employees may receive a service bonus equivalent to one month’s salary, as well as standard municipal benefits, including a housing allowance for qualifying homeowners, subject to applicable conditions.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted in hard copy only. Applicants are required to complete the prescribed municipal application form and submit it together with a covering letter, a CV not exceeding three pages, and certified copies of their qualifications, identity document, and driver’s licence.
Application forms are available from the Bergrivier Municipality website or can be requested by contacting the municipality directly. Applications may be hand-delivered to any Bergrivier Municipal Office within the municipal area, posted to the municipality’s postal address in Piketberg, or couriered to the municipal offices in Church Street, Piketberg, for the attention of the designated official.
No faxed or electronic applications will be accepted, and applicants are responsible for ensuring that their applications reach the municipality on time.
From the municipal website: www.bergmun.org.za
The closing date for applications is Friday, 09 January 2026 at 15:00.
Conclusion
The Bergrivier Municipality Fire Fighter Learnerships 2026 offer a structured entry point into the firefighting profession for unemployed individuals who are committed to serving their communities. Through practical training, supervision, and skills development, successful learners will gain the foundation needed to pursue a long-term career in fire and rescue services within local government.
