The newly-unveiled emergency services vehicles will strengthen the City of Tshwane’s internal capacity.
Image: Supplied
In an ongoing effort to reduce reliance on external service providers, the City of Tshwane has acquired a new fleet of vehicles that will bolster the Emergency Services Department's effectiveness.
On Friday, Tshwane’s MMC for Community Safety, Hannes Coetzee unveiled the vehicles at Central Fire Station in Pretoria inner-city, where he highlighted the city's efforts to enhance in-house capacity and reduce dependence on external support.
This comes after the city recently purchased vehicles which include cherry pickers as part of showcasing efforts to build its internal capacity.
Mayor Nasiphi Moya had previously said that reducing reliance on private contractors has led to a 7% decrease in expenditure on contracted services.
According to her, the city now employs a hybrid model, combining lease-to-own and direct purchases to acquire necessary assets.
Coetzee said investment into municipal assets stems from the multiparty coalition government’s commitment to strengthening internal capacity and restoring core frontline services.
According to him, Tshwane's emergency fleet expansion aligns with its strategic goal of creating a safe, resilient, and well-governed capital city.
“The newly unveiled bush pumpers and support vehicles materially strengthen frontline response capability. They improve response times, expand operational coverage across urban and peri-urban areas, and enhance readiness in high-risk zones prone to veld fires and structural incidents,” Coetzee said.
He added that over the past year, the multiparty coalition government prioritised building in-house capacity, modernising municipal assets and reducing reliance on external support.
As part of reducing reliance on external services, Tshwane recently occupied the refurbished Lesedi Building, formerly Avbob Midtown, to save the city at least R24 million annually in commercial lease costs.
Coetzee said: “The expansion of the Emergency Services fleet reflects our commitment to disciplined governance and operational self-reliance. A capable capital city must have the internal resources to respond decisively to emergencies. These vehicles strengthen our frontline presence and reinforce the safety of our communities.”
He said the vehicles underwent rigorous checks, including compliance verification, technical inspections, and operational readiness assessments before being commissioned. Personnel assigned to the units are fully trained and equipped for immediate response.
“As the administrative capital of South Africa, Tshwane carries a heightened responsibility for safeguarding national infrastructure, diplomatic missions, residential communities and commercial precincts. A modern, visible and responsive emergency fleet is central to fulfilling that responsibility,” he said, adding that efficient emergency response reduces risk exposure and protects critical infrastructure.
The commissioning of the vehicles, he said, demonstrates the city’s continued commitment to accountable governance, disciplined expenditure and strengthening of operational capacity.
"The enhanced Emergency Services fleet stands as a clear indicator of readiness and reflects the standards expected of a capital city,” Coetzee said.