Please introduce yourself, tell us about your career journey to date.
I joined the fire brigade as a volunteer firefighter shortly after turning 16, later becoming a full-time firefighter in the South African Air Force fire service after completing my school qualifications. At that time, I was looking for purpose and belonging, and I found both within a close-knit fire service community. As one of the early women in the profession during the mid-1990s, I often worked in environments not designed for female firefighters, where adaptability and strong leadership were key to integration. In 2000, I left operational firefighting and explored new directions, including teaching computer skills, before completing my Graduate Diploma with the Institution of Fire Engineers in 2002. I then spent time in the United Kingdom working and travelling, broadening my experience.
In 2006, I became the first female instructor at the Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa, later progressing into technical and leadership roles, including Head of Insurer Services. In 2017, I founded Accu-SHERQ Risk Consultants, expanding into fire investigation and later water quality and Legionella risk management. During lockdown, we developed a pioneering Surveyor Development Programme with no international equivalent. I have since completed a master’s degree in Emergency Response and Risk Management and I am currently undertaking doctoral research in Education. In 2025, I received the King’s Award for Excellence: Woman Leader in Fire Engineering and Skills Development in London.
What inspired you to pursue a career in fire engineering?
As a child, living on a military base hidden in a plantation atop a large mountain, I was fascinated with fire and its destructive force. Fire was a natural occurrence in the plantation, but the destruction was mind-blowing. During a fire incident, all adults in the community would assist in the fire suppression activities. My brother and I would sit in the backyard staring at the flames that rolled over the tops of the trees in the plantation. Even at a young age, we understood the consequences of uncontrolled fires. The importance of fire prevention was ingrained in us, although it didn’t have a name at that stage. This early fascination ultimately sparked my interest and led me to pursue a career in fire engineering.
What do you find most rewarding about working in this field?
What I find most rewarding about working in this field is knowing that what we do directly protects lives, property, and communities. Fire safety is not theoretical it is practical, visible, and deeply consequential. From my early days as a firefighter, I learned how quickly fire can change everything, and that understanding has stayed with me throughout my career.
I also find it rewarding that the work constantly evolves. Whether through fire prevention, investigation, training, or developing new programmes like our Surveyor Development Programme, there is always an opportunity to improve systems and make people safer. Just as importantly, I value the ability to contribute to a profession that I genuinely love. Even when it is challenging, it is meaningful. Seeing the impact of better prevention, stronger standards, and shared knowledge reinforces why I chose this path and continue to commit to it fully.
What professional achievement are you most proud of, and why?
One of my most meaningful professional achievements is building a career in fire safety and engineering as both an operational firefighter and a specialist in a way that felt pioneering at every stage. I grew up in a home where job roles were never defined by gender, and my parents encouraged us to follow our passions, even if the path was unconventional. That mindset stayed with me. Throughout my career, I often felt like I was stepping into spaces where there were few, if any, established pathways for women, and where mentorship and guidance were limited.
Rather than being discouraged, I was motivated by the challenge. I have always had a strong, independent mindset when told something couldn’t be done, I was determined to prove otherwise. Whenever anybody tells me that I can’t do something, I do it just to prove them wrong. I did that with my career as a firefighter. I took the challenge presented to me and relied upon the support given to me. The most important reason why I overcame these challenges is because I love what I do. I don’t want to be anywhere else.
How has being part of the IFE supported your development or career progression?
Completing my Graduate Diploma with the IFE in 2002 provided a strong technical foundation and helped shape my professional direction in fire safety and engineering. The IFE has remained a key part of my development throughout my career, offering credibility, knowledge and connection to a wider professional community.
In the IFE South Africa branch’s 73-year history, I was elected as the first female Branch President in 2021 which was a significant milestone, both personally and professionally. It reflected not only my own progression, but also the value of long-term engagement with the institution in supporting leadership, visibility and growth within the fire sector.
Do you have any advice for women thinking of starting a career in fire?
My advice to young people is to think about what really interests you and be prepared to stay committed, even when the journey feels challenging. Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but working towards something meaningful can bring a strong sense of personal fulfilment.
For young women considering a career in fire safety, I’d encourage you to be open to the opportunities the industry offers and to give yourself time to grow within it. It’s a rewarding field that values dedication and resilience. There should be no expectation of preferential treatment based on gender, as the fire sector is merit-driven and success is earned through competence, commitment, and professionalism. The progress made by women in the sector has come through resilience and capability, and that continues to be the foundation for success today. While it can still be male dominated at times, your path is ultimately yours to shape, so trust in your abilities, stay confident, and focus on what you can achieve.