The Higher Certificate in Veldfire Management – the only course of its kind in the country – has been going from strength to strength since its launch in 2014. Early applications for 2017 close at the end of August, so it's not too late to enroll!

The course (one year full-time or two years part-time) is offered by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan university at its George campus, situated in the heart of the southern Cape forestry belt. A maximum of 50 students can register per intake group.

This year the course is fully subscribed with 12 full-time students and 19 part-time students.

Most of the full-time students who complete the course will go on to study Forestry or Nature Conservation. Part-time students include several from local authorities (including the Fire Chief from Buffalo City) and Fire Protection Associations.

According to Programme Co-ordinator, Tiaan Pool, The Higher Certificate in Veldfire Management was specially developed in collaboration with land managers involved in forestry, agriculture and conservation, local authorities and FPAs to address a specific need for professional veldfire managers in South Africa.

“In a dynamic environment where experience alone is not enough to address the veldfire challenges faced by fire managers, authorities are often criticised for their lack of understanding of the science of veldfires,” commented Tiaan. “This programme is a custom made qualification designed to bring theory and practice together.”

The course includes the following modules:-
• Fire ecology and conservation
• Fuel management techniques
• Human Resources management
• Incident command
• Integrated fire management
• Fire management planning
• Financial management principles
• Veldfire legislation
• Urban interface management
• Veldfire suppression management
• Veldfire management engineering.

Apply online for free at www.nmmu.ac.za or contact Ms Thandi Jameson (Admissions Office)...
Email: Thandi.Jameson@nmmu.ac.za
Tell: 044 801 5194
Fax: 044 805 6767