Meela Matome Aubrey (48) is a seasoned firefighter who has spent the last 19 years dedicated to saving lives and protecting properties in Ekurhuleni.
His remarkable journey from a young boy in Sekonye Village in Limpopo to a respected member of the Ekurhuleni Emergency Services reflects a life driven by passion, perseverance, and the unwavering desire to serve his community.
Meela’s story is not only inspiring but serves as a reminder that success is often born from hard work, sacrifice, and the determination to follow one’s dreams.
Meela was born and raised in Sekonye Village, a small community in Limpopo, as one of five children. From a young age, Meela knew he wanted to be a firefighter.
His fascination with the job began early on, but it wasn’t just the heroism that attracted him, it was the selflessness and the ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
As a boy, he worked at his uncle’s fast-food restaurant, where paramedics often came to buy food. This provided a unique opportunity for Meela to ask questions about what it took to become a firefighter.
“I would always ask the paramedics about the qualifications needed to become a firefighter. I knew that if I could get the right information, I could find a way to make it happen,” he recalls.
Growing up in a family where resources were limited, Meela knew that his dream would require more than just hard work and passion.
His father passed away when Meela was just 19 years old, leaving him with the responsibility of supporting his family.Meela began working at his uncle’s fast food restaurant, where he learned some of life’s most important lessons.
“It was at my uncle’s business that I learned the value of loving my family and respecting others,” Meela says.
Despite the financial challenges, Meela was determined to pursue his dream. He saved every penny he could to enrol in the BAC qualification programme in Rustenburg.
“I had to save because there was not enough money at home for me to get my qualification,” he explains.
But Meela’s persistence paid off. In 2001, he completed his qualification, and with it, he embarked on a journey that would take him far from home.
After completing his qualification, Meela moved to Johannesburg to work as a delivery driver. His new job took him all over South Africa, and eventually, he was transferred to Pretoria.
However, after five years, Meela made the difficult decision to resign. His bosses did not want him to leave, but Meela’s heart was set on a career in firefighting.
“It was a tough decision, but I knew that if I wanted to follow my dream, I had to take that leap of faith,” he says.
In 2006, at the age of 30, Meela finally got his chance. He joined the Ekurhuleni Emergency Services as a firefighter at the Alberton Fire Station.
“When I got the job, it felt like a dream come true. It was everything I had worked for, everything I had hoped for,” Meela says with a smile.
Since then, Meela has worked at Alberton Fire Station, amassing an impressive 19 years of experience. Over the years, he has faced countless challenges, each one presenting an opportunity to learn and grow as a firefighter.
Willem Grobler, Hulisani Netshifhefhe, Letie Mwelase, Fhathuwani Ndanganenzi and Meela Matome Aubrey.
For Meela, every emergency call is an opportunity to learn something new. He treats each scene with the utmost seriousness and care, understanding that no two situations are alike.
“Every scene is different, and each one must be treated differently. You learn new things all the time because every situation presents its own set of challenges,” he says.
CoE’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services spokesperson, William Ntladi, speaks highly of Meela’s professionalism and attitude.
“Meela is one of those guys who came to this job with a lot of passion and physical fitness. He is always on time, always ready to help, and always willing to put his life on the line,” explains Ntladi.
Meela’s daily routine begins with receiving emergency calls. When alerted to a fire or rescue situation, he immediately gathers his team and ensures they are fully prepared to respond.
“The first thing I do when I receive a call is to record the person’s number in case the call gets cut off. I then gather all the details about the incident, and once I have all the information, I tell my colleagues to prepare the fire engine,” he explained.
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The entire team must work in unison, donning their full fire kits and checking the equipment before setting off.
Meela emphasises the importance of teamwork and attention to detail in every step of the process. Firefighting is a demanding job, not only physically but emotionally.
Meela often encounters traumatic situations, witnessing injuries and fatalities that can take a toll on even the most seasoned professionals.
To cope with the emotional stress, Meela maintains a strict exercise regimen. Running, in particular, helps him stay mentally strong and focused.
“Exercise helps me clear my mind and keeps me mentally sharp,” he says.
Meela’s commitment to his work extends beyond the job itself. He is known for his cleanliness and organisation skills at work, ensuring that everything is in its proper place to avoid distractions during emergency responses.
Meela’s journey did not stop with his initial qualification. He continuously sought to expand his knowledge and skills by studying to become a pump operator, aerial operator, and instructor.
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His thirst for knowledge and self-improvement has made him a valuable asset to his team. He encourages young people who aspire to become firefighters to do so out of passion, not for the financial rewards.
“If you want to be a firefighter, do it because you want to serve people, not because of the money. You must love this job, and you must be willing to put others before yourself,” Meela advises.
Throughout his career, Meela has been involved in several rescue missions.
One of the most memorable incidents occurred on the N3 freeway, where a truck had overturned, trapping its occupants inside.
Meela and his team managed to extract the victims from the wreckage, demonstrating his skills in motor vehicle rescue.
Another notable incident occurred on the N12, where 52 vehicles were involved in a massive pile-up. Meela was instrumental in creating a “crash cage” to help prioritise victims based on the severity of their injuries.
This quick thinking and teamwork helped ensure that the most critically injured were attended to first. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Meela is a proud father of four children and a loving husband.
He acknowledges that being a firefighter is risky, but he is deeply grateful for the unwavering support and prayers of his family, which give him strength and reassurance each day.
Outside of work, Meela is also a member of the South African Emergency Institute football team, where he has continued to excel.
The camaraderie and physical fitness required for the sport complement his work as a firefighter and provide an outlet for relaxation and teamwork.
Meela has proven that dreams, no matter how big, can be achieved through dedication, sacrifice and a love for serving others.
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