Thabo Bodibe
In honour of Women's Month, the Gauteng Department of Health is equipping women from disadvantaged communities—including townships, informal settlements, and hostels—with essential first responder skills in Braamfischer.
Lebone College of Emergency Care is spearheading a training programme that teaches life-saving skills such as CPR, managing convulsions, handling falls, and treating sprains, strains, and burns.
"Accidents and emergencies happen every day in our communities. In these critical moments, the presence of a first-aid-trained individual can make a profound difference and save someone's life.
"This training is a key milestone in ensuring women are empowered to continue making a difference in communities. I urge the women in this training to transfer their knowledge and life-saving skills to their families and neighbours," said MEC for Health Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko. 
To date, over 6,000 people have been trained to handle emergency situations. Lebone College has partnered with the South African Congress of Nonprofit Organisations (SACONO) to facilitate the training programme.
First Responder Training will be rolled out at communities across the province. A team of emergency care professionals will also provide the relevant training bi-weekly.