Meela Matome Aubrey (48) is a seasoned firefighter who has spent the last 19 years dedicated to saving lives and protecting properties in Ekurhuleni.
His remarkable journey from a young boy in Sekonye Village in Limpopo to a respected member of the Ekurhuleni Emergency Services reflects a life driven by passion, perseverance, and the unwavering desire to serve his community.
Meela’s story is not only inspiring but serves as a reminder that success is often born from hard work, sacrifice, and the determination to follow one’s dreams.
Meela was born and raised in Sekonye Village, a small community in Limpopo, as one of five children. From a young age, Meela knew he wanted to be a firefighter.
His fascination with the job began early on, but it wasn’t just the heroism that attracted him, it was the selflessness and the ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
As a boy, he worked at his uncle’s fast-food restaurant, where paramedics often came to buy food. This provided a unique opportunity for Meela to ask questions about what it took to become a firefighter.
“I would always ask the paramedics about the qualifications needed to become a firefighter. I knew that if I could get the right information, I could find a way to make it happen,” he recalls.
Growing up in a family where resources were limited, Meela knew that his dream would require more than just hard work and passion.
His father passed away when Meela was just 19 years old, leaving him with the responsibility of supporting his family.
Meela began working at his uncle’s fast food restaurant, where he learned some of life’s most important lessons.
“It was at my uncle’s business that I learned the value of loving my family and respecting others,” Meela says.
Despite the financial challenges, Meela was determined to pursue his dream. He saved every penny he could to enrol in the BAC qualification programme in Rustenburg.
“I had to save because there was not enough money at home for me to get my qualification,” he explains.
But Meela’s persistence paid off. In 2001, he completed his qualification, and with it, he embarked on a journey that would take him far from home.
