Mabapi Fire Engineering Institute trains next gen firefighters

Mafhoko left his employ to start Mabapi Fire Services Training Institute in 2016 to fill a void in the market where no one ever attempted. The fire academy is part of the new wave of career training pathways that are preparing students for very specific jobs.

The training institute, which has been accredited by the Botswana Qualifications Authority, also offers three-day short term courses and the six month certificate course in fire fighting. Mabapi Fire Engineering Institute has also recently started offering long distance diploma courses in fire safety management, special fires, fireman ship, veldt fire management, fire in construction, aviation fire and risk management. According to Mafhoko, the diploma courses are offered in partnership with the Institute of Fire Engineers, which they are affiliated to adding that his institute offers courses beyond basic training including fire risk audit and fire investment programmes. “After working in the industry for almost eight years, I have decided to start the training institution to sensetise the public about fire risk management.