BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – As a Commander-In-Chief of the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services (ENFES), His Majesty King Mswati III has warned new fire fighters against misconduct and bad habits.
The king warned the 110 new firefighters who were passing out today (Friday, October 11, 2024). Their passing out was celebrated with the first ever Eswatini National Fire Day. This inaugural event was celebrated at Matsapha International Airport.
The king, who has been hailed as the ENFES Commander-In-Chief by the fire fighters after delivering his speech, told the new fire fighters about the importance of learning the ways of doing their jobs from their seniors. He told the new fire fighters that they would find their senior colleagues in different fire stations where they would be posted.
His Majesty the King also challenged the new fire officers to always uphold the oath of office they took during their pass-out, as they took it in front of everyone. “To all the new firefighters, as you have taken your oath of office in the presence of the entire nation, we charge you to uphold it throughout your service,” the king said.
“You are encouraged to learn the best practices from your colleagues at your assigned fire stations and to avoid any misconduct or bad habits; respect will make you prosper in your career.”
The king also spoke about the importance of continuous education to the new fire officers. “We also challenge you to continuously educate and improve yourselves in your chosen field of profession. Be keen to know and develop yourselves to always be relevant and up to date with new ways and systems in this space,” the king said.
His Majesty further mentioned that the new fire officers were privileged because they were the first group to be blessed by the king upon passing out. The king mentioned that many fire fighters did pass out since the ENFES was established in 1975. However, they did not get the opportunity to be blessed by the king. “Even if that is the case, those fire fighters are also blessed now, like all of the new ones, wherever they are,” said the king.