BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– Twenty fire officers have been promoted in a landmark reshuffle that is set to strengthen emergency response services across the Kingdom, while four women have made history by breaking into senior leadership positions within the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Service (ENFRES).
The historic promotion and reshuffling ceremony was held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the ENFRES Auditorium in Mbabane, where 20 fire officers officially assumed higher ranks, six officers were strategically redeployed to enhance operational efficiency at fire stations, and two mechanics were promoted to ensure the service’s emergency fleet remains in peak operational condition.
The ceremony was more than a celebration of career advancement. It marked a defining moment for the organisation as women took up senior operational leadership roles for the first time in the history of the service, reflecting growing progress towards gender equality within Eswatini’s emergency services.
Leading the historic appointments was Phindile Tembe, who was named Station Officer for Matsapha Fire Station. Her appointment places her in charge of one of the country’s busiest and most strategic emergency response centres, responsible for protecting the Kingdom’s industrial heartland, major manufacturing plants, commercial estates and other critical infrastructure that drives the national economy.
Another trailblazer, Patience N. Dlamini, was appointed Station Officer for the Wellness Clinic, where she will oversee programmes aimed at promoting the physical and mental wellbeing of firefighters and emergency personnel, ensuring frontline responders remain healthy and ready to serve communities.
History was also written by Nozipho B. Zwane and Thulisile P. Moyane, who became the first-ever female Sub Officers in the history of ENFRES, opening new doors for women aspiring to leadership within the fire and rescue profession.
Speaking during the ceremony, Chief Fire Officer Luke Lushaba reminded the newly promoted officers that their promotions come with greater responsibility to uphold the organisation’s mandate of protecting lives and property from fires, road traffic accidents and other emergencies.
He emphasised that every emergency response must be driven by professionalism, urgency and a commitment to saving lives.
Lushaba stressed that once firefighters arrive at an emergency scene, every possible effort must be made to ensure that no lives are lost in their presence. He further called on officers to uphold the internationally recognised “Golden Hour” principle, which highlights the importance of delivering rapid emergency care during the first critical hour following a traumatic incident.
The Chief Fire Officer also encouraged the newly promoted officers to embrace leadership founded on accountability, teamwork, humility and respect for the communities they serve, noting that rank should always be matched by integrity and dedication to public service.
The strategic reshuffling of six officers is expected to improve operational effectiveness across fire stations, while the promotion of two mechanics will strengthen the maintenance of the rescue fleet, ensuring emergency vehicles remain reliable and ready for deployment whenever called upon.
The landmark promotions not only reinforce ENFRES’ operational capacity but also represent a significant milestone in advancing workplace gender equality, bringing to life His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision of creating equal opportunities while building stronger institutions that continue to safeguard the lives and property of emaSwati.
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(Courtesy Pic)
