CapeNature command and control shines at IMT exercise

When a large veld fire breaks out, it’s not just physical stamina that is needed, command, control, and decision-making are all necessary. It is in these high-pressure moments that Incident Management Teams (IMTs) prove their worth, and thanks to a recent intensive training exercise, CapeNature’s capacity to lead these teams has been strengthened.

From 17-20 February 2026, CapeNature took a prominent role in the annual IMT Scenario Based Training Exercise (SBTE). Held over four days, this rigorous programme is designed to accredit firefighters with International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) status, a global benchmark in fire management expertise.

The exercise, hosted by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, brought together 30 trainees and 11 Cadres (trainers) from a wide range of partners, including District and Local Municipalities, Fire Protection Agencies (FPAs), Working on Fire (WoF), and the Disaster Management Centre. Together, they formed two IMTs tasked with navigating a complex, simulated fire incident from start to finish.

CapeNature demonstrated its commitment to building leadership capacity by sending nine representatives to participate. However, what truly set this exercise apart was the dual role played by our own staff. Not only did we have staff on the ground learning, but we also had two of our own experts lead the training. Deon Rossouw and Patrick Shone, both of whom hold full Incident Command System training certification, served as Cadres during the event. In this capacity, they were responsible for mentoring, coaching, and assessing the 30 participants, guiding them through the five critical modules of incident management.

The presence of Deon and Patrick on the training team provided immense value, particularly for the CapeNature candidates. Having mentors who understand the specific landscapes, operational contexts, and strategic goals of our Entity was a gamechanger.

They were able to bridge the gap between textbook incident command and the practical realities our teams face on the ground. Their guidance ensured that the four CapeNature candidates selected for formal assessment—out of only six total candidates in the entire exercise—were exceptionally well-prepared. These assessments were conducted by the City of Cape Town, and the four candidates now await only a written exam in the coming weeks to receive their full IFSAC accreditation.

The programme specifically targets firefighters currently in leadership roles or those identified to fill leadership positions in the future. By the end of this process, four CapeNature staff members will be fully accredited by IFSAC, qualifying them to form part of any Incident Management Team in South Africa. This achievement is a significant milestone. It means CapeNature now has its own certified personnel to represent the organisation at large, complex incidents, ensuring our voice and expertise are at the table when multi-agency responses are co-ordinated.

It also highlights the deep well of talent within the Entity. The fact that CapeNature staff are recognised as subject matter experts and are trusted to train external partners speaks volumes about the high level of fire management proficiency within our ranks. They are not just participants in the fire management community—they are leaders shaping its future.