South African Firefighters arrive in Edmonton

[@chumamag-x]

Whenever we as South Africans are faced with difficulty we always draw strength in the sound of our voices.

[@uel786786]

How about fixing rolling blackouts, crime and corruption?? SA is a beautiful country. All SA citizens could live like people from Switzerland. The ANC is destroying the nation. They betrayed the struggle. Shame.

[@inathimayekiso4094]

​@@uel786786 wrong agenda chap.

[@uel786786]

@@inathimayekiso4094 Not at all. If SA can’t produce electricity or uplift the people, it’s silly to send firefighters. SA could be a first world nation. The ANC betrayed the Struggle and the people of SA.

[@roseymontgomery3070]

❤

[@maxasaurus3008]

I would too

[@chellebebuy]

It's unfortunate other foreign workers who come to Canada don't show this much enthusiasm to be in Canada. God bless their souls and keep them safe.

[@ErichNolanBertussi]

most foreign workers are being exploited because the same small group of multi national corporations have distorted their home economies. These guys BTW are not 'workers' they are VOLUNTEERS>>>> there is a difference..

[@chellebebuy]

+Erich Nolan Bertussi (ENBertussi) foreigners that come to Canada to work can always leave; it's a free nation! And I don't believe these people are here for nothing.

[@tanya8183]

Actually, when this was originally set up, they were going to be paid at the same rate they do in South Africa - which is *very* low. It was only out of fairness the the Canadian authorities decided to pay them a higher rate (albeit not at as high a rate as Canadian firefighters). So basically when they signed up there was no expectation of any higher pay then they already get as fire fighters in South Africa.

[@tanya8183]

Oh, and they're not "workers" or "volunteers" only - strictly speaking. They're South African fire fighters, and they're part of a South African youth training program.

[@mariegutscher1183]

Well said, Erich!

[@sanelisilenazo3883]

Sinjalo ke thina apha eMa\zansi Afrika. Bayibetha abantwana bam yanga nam ndingaba ngomnye wabo madoda. Ngenen' ingoma iyaphilisa. Ndive ndisitsho. Niyibethile makwedini, nisekelwa ngo cc.

[@phelelisasomana9896]

Hicho uphinde

[@alucardhellsing1037]

Nice to see my tax money being used to help another country. I thought Canada was a wealthy nation and self sufficient requiring no help from other nations.

[@Risenshinebitches]

Does anyone know what exactly they are singing?

[@ncebamonaila2141]

This is the south Africa I know, All the best Sons and Daughters of the soil.

[@adrianstober8943]

funny think about the sons and daughter of the land......they were greedy, and they got sent home

[@PRSA1212]

@@adrianstober8943 mama earth has a way of disciplining her chosen children; so we do not mislead her other children to the promised land.

[@howardamberealestate]

As an African when I hear music like this it’s like listening to the voices of my ancestors 😢

[@mari_oliso]

Could you tell me what are they singing? It's beautiful to listen, I wish I could understand

[@MrAbunile]

Much respect to the South African fire service. Humbling to watch their motivation in offering a helping hand to our friends from the north. God bless and stay safe!

[@AdamBlade17]

Kinda hard to refuse when you get a wage 10+ times higher than the one you get at home, all paid with Canadian taxpayer money.

[@mariegutscher1183]

Watching this moved me to tears. Heartfelt thanks from this humbled Canadian.

[@darklegionca]

moved you to tears lol what the actual fuck

[@masilelaluckyg]

+Magnoblade if you have nothing to say just keep quiet

[@JonathonPawelko]

+Magnoblade If you cannot respect these incredible professionals for their compassion and deeds, then just please do not even comment.

[@chinatraveladventure1499]

Same here, i don't understand what they are singing about but it hit me hard!

[@mariegutscher1183]

I know, right? I have no idea what they're singing about either...but it's so powerful!

[@tebogolegodi516]

When Africa is happy she sings. When Africa is crying she sings. This is a true representation of this statement

[@GentleJungle]

A sweet old lady came by work and told me a bunch of hot African firefighters were at the airport weeks ago. Man the look on her face was priceless. Ahhh. I see now. 😂

[@samuelsd2806]

I am Canadian and have lived here my entire life. In late 2014 - early 2015, I had the privilege of heading to South Africa to see the family roots and what they grew up in for the first time as an adult. I totally love how these countries can come together to fight a common goal (that being the fire in Fort McMurray). These guys came facing uncertainty and yet still so giving and willing to sing and share some excitement in the airport. AWESOME! Proud to be a Canadian South African!

[@mariegutscher1183]

Great message! Thanks for sharing your story with the rest of us!

[@memorazor]

I live in South Africa and as great a nation as we are don't piss them off imagine this power in a protest lol. big love from SA guys!!!

[@mariegutscher1183]

So thankful for these great people! Big love right back at ya!

[@kanad.9397]

were the american invited to help?

[@jestice75]

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/singing-south-african-firefighters-back-home-after-pay-dispute-1.3634600

[@narapelamasalai]

My country produces so many reasons to doubt one's survival here that I often wonder why I did not leave when, some 15 years ago, I was offered an opportunity to immigrate to one of my ancestral countries (like most pale South Africans, my family history is a tapestry - Scandinavian, French, German, Friesian, Dutch and then some). But then videos like this remind me why I stayed, how deeply rooted I am in Africa, that I am African and do not want to live in a place where the soil does not have a heart beat. Yes, it is a great struggle (no, not all pale Africans are wealthy or secure), but it is one that I chose.

[@kukhu_namaemba]

Beautiful.

[@kmj2000]

Thank you for saying this.

[@MobileUnit-et7yv]

Soil without a heartbeat.... Wow

[@ntsokorapheeha3213]

I think the morale is high is high UBUNTU knows no borders

[@marinaramalho]

Welcome to Canada a THANK YOU! What a spirit!

[@benjaminunruh7970]

They immediatly went on strike and never deployed lol

[@TheMedicalDemon]

Benjamin Unruh lol why did you have to bring up strike jokes Boet.

[@MrMultiAfrican]

Lol come to Africa

[@tk-9751]

@@benjaminunruh7970 😂come on man

[@benjaminunruh7970]

@@tk-9751 www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36529690.amp Basically the south African fire fighters were upset that the payments to SA firefighters daily stipend were lower, because the Canadian government was paying their lodging. They packed up and left before doing anything.

[@charlessimbarashe552]

U cant afford not to love this, I salute u guys. Thank u sons and daughters of Africa for painting the true picture of what it means to enjoy and love ur job in saving lives in the line of duty. You braved the raging flames and dark smokes risking ur very lives to save the cause of humanity and yet with joy, honour and dignity. Long live South Africa and the spirit of oneness till Jesus comes back!

[@spaceagent217]

I watch this video whenever I am feeling unmotivated 💕

[@eilbhekennedy5237]

Woohoo! Thank you South Africa for sending these men and women to us and for bringing some joy to an otherwise sad situation. Fantastic video. Welcome to Alberta, God bless you and be safe out there!

[@raiktr]

Aaand they are on strike. Good job Canada!

[@61jamman]

They Left.

[@jestice75]

It would have been nicer if they had actually fought some fires, instead of just getting paid, singing, and dancing.

[@jestice75]

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/singing-south-african-firefighters-back-home-after-pay-dispute-1.3634600

[@cheryla7480]

As a Canadian my heart felt thanks to all these brave firefighters from South Africa. Much respect to you all and all firefighters sent from many countries. C’mon Canada let’s show them all Canadian hospitality and support. Stay safe and God Bless You All.

[@hogger123]

My brother was living just outside of Edmonton when the fires hit and was forced out of their home. They never ended up moving back into their place, but they are safe and it’s thanks to brave men and women like this from all around the world. My other brother repaid that respect this year when he went to Africa on a ‘Me to We’ mission. Hard not to be emotional when watching this as we watched my brother lose everything. Thank you, for all you did to help. Love!

[@Mshengu]

PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN...............!!!

[@skywinder1]

Absolutely fucking awesome........thanks for your help people, thank you from Canada.

[@miguelcraigmasters1197]

ejohaa Ndiyazingca ngabantu bam.LET IT BE KNOWN THAT MZANZI "SOUTH AFRICA" IS A NATION OF HELPERS . WE CONQUER WITH UNITY. viva MZANZI VIVA!!!!!!!!

[@Meymeygwis]

The power, beauty and grace of these South Africans is so uplifting and inspiring!! It brings tears to the eyes, joy to the soul and a song in the heart. Bless You!!

[@siggizippan8076]

Thank you very much for your SA Firefighters coming here helping us during these times. You are awesome and I wish at the end of your shift, Canadian people would welcome you and thank you to come to Toronto as a "Thank you gesture" for you relax for a few days before you go home. Thank you so much for your help.

[@moondancer445]

This is so moving and touching Thank you South African fire crew for coming and saving Fort Mcmurray one day at a time the beast will die down.. Please be safe out there! From Bon Accord Alberta.

[@moondancer445]

My husband works at clean harbours and was affected by this as well so is why this is moving for me.. too know PEOPLE out there really do care.

[@jestice75]

www.ctvnews.ca/canada/south-african-firefighters-land-in-johannesburg-after-fort-mac-pay-dispute-1.2945018

[@SizweMajola]

Songs about Respect . . . If I had heard properly at some point they were urging the old to respect the young & the young to respect the old (that's on the 3.27 mark). "omdala makahloniphe omncane" - "omncane makahloniphe omdala" The part shortly before the end directly translated as "Umthetho wakho awunambeko" - "The thing about you is that you don't follow this simple law, because you have no morals"

[@shaunfebruary8870]

This is a Zulu song right?

[@SizweMajola]

Yes it is . . . are you familiar with the language - or perhaps heard of it?

[@shaunfebruary8870]

+Sizwe Majola I'm from Cape Town my man...more familiar with Xhosa

[@anzueverwey3519]

lol im from South Africa they were like 1 day there and they are at strike thats my country

[@bmoporboy69]

Thank you South Africa and welcome to Canada

[@savannahjoseph4968]

I am canadian i salute you guys thank you for your help ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@sibusisotshabalala9060]

hola bafwethu shayani ingoma, thts how we do it la e'mzansi regardless of the circumstances. we express our sorrow with songs and dancing, we express our joy with songs and dancing

[@martinleegad5868]

Why do people have to come up with reasons to hate and doubt ? Why can't you just say thank you? your just jealous these brothers got soul, unity and no hatred as opposed to the doubtful with no soul, no unity and full of hate. these brothers are awesome. The Most High God bless them. As for you haters. Will pray for you.

[@hettispagoh6727]

Wow, what an arrival! Love it.

[@SuperNemesis420]

we love you thank you THE WORLD HELPS THE WORLD ITS WHY ITS ROUND

[@kwolmarans44]

God Bless South Africa!!

[@sibongilegoge1124]

My prayers are with you guys , yoll have made super proud to be South African.. HALALA MZANSI HALALAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@silkeotd7194]

Thank you for helping and welcome to Canada! ;)

[@12334ttqtqt]

The fire didn't have a chance. SA 🇿🇦 in the house.

[@annenield8125]

Absolutely!!!! :)

[@loribrom8389]

Oh, this is just so COOL!!! I've no doubt the Canadians are VERY happy and thankful for their arrival to assist with getting the fire under control!!!

[@MissJellybean]

Thank you to each and every one of them for their bravery and for making the vibes immaculate.❤

[@worldcitizenB]

Makes me proud to be South African!! These guys just saved a few towns from complete destruction in the Western Cape.

[@chickenalaking1319]

It's all so tiresome

[@schalkbloem789]

this is the south africa i want to be part of, this is what unity and respect means!!!! well done boys, you make us proud!!!!

[@schalkbloem789]

climactix i just found out that these guys are striking in Canada, where they are suppose to fight fire and help people....was i wrong with the previous comment ????, is that the example we are setting in other people's country, they will never trust us again do help defend human lives. its is sickening!!!!

[@portes123321]

Yes I am because you are. Absolutelly amazing, it brought tears to my eyes.

[@zulubhungani7318]

I still get goosebumps in 2018.... proud to be South African 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@lebogangjoy]

amazing, amazing proudly south African #tears

[@hamaarahof5712]

As we yet again have a growing fire out of control and waiting on how this develops, found this. I was not aware we had help for Fort McMurray from so far away. Still much appreciate this so much. Love the singing! Blessings to all these men and their families 🙏

[@klgwoman]

Their enthusiasm is wonderful! It would be great to have a translation of the song lyrics. Thanks to South Africa and to these men and women for their generosity!

[@deannadelmar9863]

I would love to see that translation too. I feel their great love!

[@Lexingtonian]

And then they let the fire spread because of a pay dispute

[@jamieleeclouston3392]

amazing!!!!! I do love the spirit of my country. proudly South African!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@thehows978]

That is some SERIOUS motivation. I hope you are blessed on this soil, as you have been at home... souls abound... united.

[@rhino2960]

they'll have to let us know how the heat here compares to the heat over in south africa, welcome to canada guys, best of luck, beat back the beast, and come home safe.

[@lenzbaby]

This is what solidarity is all about! Sending prayers to them that they all are safe..

[@stenbak88]

Where are the whites

[@CarolWCamelo]

beautiful - thanks for the help.

[@pmwalt22]

God bless and please be safe!

[@SuperKhusta]

Then they strike'd after few weeks lol they had too much Team Spirit... lol 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@cobus8870]

ha ha and now they protest for more money?

[@TheKitaleigh]

what a disgrace and slap in the face to all firefighters around the world, firefighting is about saving lives not money. eish...

[@colintherapper4562]

Do U know how much They get paid R3000 a month that's like $100

[@chickenalaking1319]

They should fight fires in Israel

[@peterotieno6611]

Salute to our brothers and sisters. Love from Kenyan Brother. Making the World a better and united place. Forever inTime!

[@cynthiapaul3707]

Thank you very much for your greetings and coming to help our forest fires. Stay safe out there.

[@bonjourtoi3894]

Non merci. Allez aider Poutine. Nous n'avons pas besoin de vous ici.

[@JohnDoe-bh2lp]

Go help Azov nazis, typical Quebecois being racist scum.

[@sheridanlister6840]

Wow! How cool is that!!!

[@coolvic282002]

They were singing a different tune when they found out how much they were getting paid

[@danawick9817]

Thanks for coming guys totally appriciate you

[@MrAbunile]

Emperor... I agree with you to a certain extent. Let's not confuse their motivation with their material needs. They do have families to support I'm sure. So certainly the Canadians had to absorb certain costs. It's the world we live in my friend... Everything comes down to $$$.

[@dannymack5290]

excuse me Mr witplaasboer but these men and women to whom I salute personally put their lives on the line not only for us but for our Canadian friends...and my neighbor is a chief of his battalion...

[@zipline5442]

Only to leave due to pay issues.

[@smcptrsa]

Incredible. Heroes. ❤️🌹🇿🇦

[@mauricecardinalgrowing1014]

These people wouldn't be needed if there weren't Direct Energy Weapons.

[@jarrettgreenwood8701]

its cutral apparition

[@PaulineOnyango-e5x]

🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪 Proud of you brothers and sisters

[@TheColonelHavok]

They go on strike after 5 days, really shows their conviction!

[@aidanjohannesson1237]

It's hard to be motivated to put your life on the line for $50 per 12-hr workday. Especially considering that they only see $15/day while they're here and have to wait up to six months after returning to Africa to receive the majority of their wage. How much conviction would you have?

[@61jamman]

Then what the hell were they doing there, if they didn't have these pertinent details understood, and agreed upon? It's hilarious, reading all the gushing comments, lauding these modern primitives, who in the end, turned out to be a huge cost, and a waste of time. Cananda would've been better off, leaving these selfish halfwits in S.A. Btw, where's all the Canadian firefighters? Your Gov't had to go all the way across the globe, only to find completely incompetent faux-fighters. What a laughing stock! But, you guys keep on gushin'!

[@bp9392]

+Buckwheat Johnson They're primitive? Yet you have no understanding, as it pertains to the circumstances.

[@TheCalgarycanuck]

12 000 Alberta oil patch workers jobless, all of them trained in fire fighting many of them intensively. Why fly 300 fire fighters from half way round the world only to see them strike?

[@chickenalaking1319]

"It's all so tiresome"

[@deano630]

Very proud boytjies!

[@finthefishsep20toma]

Somebody should take take me to south africa.. that'd be nice

[@thabombatha8499]

come you are welcome here

[@finthefishsep20toma]

I totally would but I don't have the money to get there... Someone should sneak me over in their luggage! ;)

[@Александр-у8й6д]

Please do come, it is always fun to have visitors

[@phelelisasomana9896]

Yes please do come guys so we can all share in diversified unity, I'll make sure to bring a huge bag for you ;)

[@chickenalaking1319]

Said no one ever.....post 1993.

[@pursueweazmarecoverall486]

Why were there no white young firefighters in the group?

[@redwoods7370]

Thought process please????

[@CDNShuffle]

to busy being racist im guessing

[@chickenalaking1319]

Blacks have affirmative action in SA, even though they are the majority.

[@stevenverstegen143]

This is great

[@crisantinapangilinan8375]

where are the South African white people

[@cptmuska]

South Africa seems fucking awesome.....

[@1966johnnywayne]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZ7HqH2Ip7J5h5Y

[@chickenalaking1319]

Yeah, Johannesburg is very nice, especially at night.

[@colbynpretoria]

At last something good from South Africa...you have made us proud again! Stay safe!

[@feralbeing5876]

People can be cynical about African politics, but let me say, EVERY government skims off of its people in one form or another, even Switzerland. At least the firefighters are earning some money and having a cultural experience. Bless them, keep them safe, Lord, and I pray the wildfires will be suppressed soon.

[@craig9921]

Mpox vaccine ?

[@malikbogosi6555]

My people 🙏🫡🫡.

[@victoriababy888]

God bless you south Africa for helping Canada 👍❤❤❤

[@tfelix2]

Alberta thanks you South Africa. God bless you always. 🇨🇦❤🇿🇦

[@TravisLoneWolfWalsh]

they came to help why are we being so rude to those who help us and those who come to live here it makes me ashamed as a canadian

[@1966johnnywayne]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZ7HqH2Ip7J5h5Y

[@josephineamawiafe9428]

Africa is HUMANITY!❤❤❤

[@grace.4481]

🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@keikei1943]

This is how we do it in South Africa world That's how we eat, breathe

[@gcinapreserve8633]

they are not striking they getting ready to leave

[@kholofelofrans1695]

I miss campus politics now TUT Main #Lockdown

[@AwuahColin]

congratulations to the south African firefighters team

[@Yesnog05]

California could use some help from South Africa right now. 😞

[@SB-iz8sz]

Amazing, love it!

[@TravisLoneWolfWalsh]

is there translation to what they are singing at the start of 3:27

[@shaunfebruary8870]

Travis Walsh basically telling the Youth to respect their elders and the elders to respect the youth

[@khumothage4629]

Respect is priceless. From South Africa with Love.

[@1966johnnywayne]

Shaun...So, it wasn't the usual 'Kill The Boer" anthem.

[@michaelhesketh6332]

Goose bumps

[@westcoastkitties]

Funny you

[@calvinmathibela9695]

Brigade salute proud to be called SA fire fighter

[@Caucasianpride1]

Why they need South African firefighters in Canada when they have the more prepared and professional US firefighters next door?

[@Montana_countryroads]

Caucasianpride1 I was one of a 100 Americans that I know that went. We didn't dance in the airport or protest and leave without working so we didn't get any news coverage.

[@chickenalaking1319]

#VirtueSignal

[@ds-mi4od]

Reminds me of the battle of isandlwana

[@WayneErradu]

Proudly South African 🇿🇦