CELEBRATING BUFFALO CITY WOMEN | STRENGTH | LEADERSHIP | RESILIENCE
As part of marking August Women's month, we look inside Buffalo City corridors and interact with women who are making a difference in society. This is the journey of Noncedo Nanto, a Platoon Commander in the Fire and Rescue Services Department.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:

My name is Noncedo Nanto and I grew up in Mdantsane and in Duncan Village and I attended schooling there.

I have attained an Advanced Degree in Public Management at Walter Sisulu, and I also have Diploma in Safety Management with UNISA. Currently, I am in my third year of a Diploma in Fire Technology at Stadio.

In 2008, I joined the Buffalo City Fire Department as Trainee Fire Fighter and between 2013 to 2024, I was a Senior Fire Fighter.

I was part of the emergency response team, responding to fires, accidents and rescues.

I was then promoted as Platoon Commander in 2025.

My line of work entails the inspection of buildings according to National Building Regulations, conducting evacuation lectures to Industrial, Malls, Public Institutions. I also drive public education to schools, raising awereness with visits about floods, storms, events, training, teamwork and 24/7 standby and readiness

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR VALUES, UBUWENA, KHAZITHUTHE:

NdinguMadlamini, Lamyeni, Mtatela, zalwa liBhelekazi, Notanda, ndikhulisiwe ngo Nozulu, oMpafana, oMchumana, Mambaguba.

Ndingumntu wamasiko nezithethe kwaye ndiyakholelwa kuBawo ongumfeli wethu wasemazulwini.

I was shaped by growing up in Duncan Village next to shacks called (Esiqikini) where I was raised with respect, Ubuntu and community service.

Infact, I pursued a fire fighting career after the experience of running after a fire engen asking for water. It was both a traumatic experience and one that also inspired me.

HOW DOES THE WORK THAT YOU DO ASSIST IN IMPROVING THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE OF BUFFALO CITY:

I am part of a team that contributes to saving lives, protecting property, educating communities on fire safety and, responding during disasters.

We ensure residents are safe. Through awareness campaigns, we teach families how to prevent fires, and when emergencies occur, we are first on scene to protect lives and homes.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING THAT YOU LIKE ABOUT LIVING IN BUFFALO CITY:

My list would include the community, the coastline, the people and the opportunities.

I love and enjoy Buffalo City as a home. It’s a place with warm people, beautiful beaches, and a strong sense of community that we serve everyday.

WHAT DOES THE CONCEPT OF AUGUST WOMEN’S MONTH MEAN TO YOU:

The August women’s Month in South Africa is about celebrating women in male-dominated fields like Fire & Rescue.

It means strength, resilience, and breaking barriers.

As a woman in the Fire Department, it shows young girls that we can serve, lead and save lives too.

We honour the women before us and inspire those coming after us.

2026-08-21