Overseas demand drains Bulawayo firefighters

Skilled firefighters keep getting poached abroad and leave Bulawayo short-handed.

Operation Florian training

• David Coltart highlighted the retention headache at the parade.
• Fire brigade alumni draw strong interest from foreign outfits.
• The programme started locally but now covers the whole country.
• Eighteen local authorities joined this year, plus a Botswana crew.

Broader reach

• Rural district teams receive the same skills upgrade, too.
• Six initial groups got trained, with six more added later.
• Trainees turn into informal reps spreading word about the city.
• UK charity supplies gear for rebuilding services after crises.