One can’t describe trailblazers, hard-workers, selfless, passionate and visionary individuals without mentioning Deon Esau, the Emergency Management Service (EMS) Florida Station Commander, who for over a decade has been working without taking weekends off to rest.
Instead of spending weekends with his family, Commander Esau dedicates his time to the South African Fire Youth Development Academy, a development programme that trains youngsters aged between 12 and 18 with water safety, discipline, honesty, and leadership and communication skills, with the aim of keeping them off the streets.
“From a young age I had a passion to serve, and I was fortunate enough that when I was still very young people were able to see it and held my hand. I volunteered at the Red Cross throughout my high school, working on protecting human lives and preventing human suffering,” explains Commander Esau.
Born and bred in the Cape Flats, Western Cape, during the rise of gangsterism, Commander Esau says the scourge played a pivotal role in igniting his passion of working with young people.
“I want young people to dream big, but they can only do that when we support them and avail resources that enable them to realise their potential,” he says.
Commander Esau says most young people who have gone through the programme have grown to be active and productive members of the community. “Some are occupying high positions in corporates and that makes me sleep peacefully at night because I know I have fulfilled my purpose in this life,” adds the 55-year-old.
Over the years, the programme Commander Esau co-runs with Occupational Health and Risk Officer Jocelin Flank has trained more than 5 000 youngsters, mostly from single-parent-headed homes in Soweto, for free.
His dedication to youth upliftment was recently recognised when he jointly walked away with the Gauteng Premier’s Award of Excellence in Education and Skills Development, which acknowledges individuals who have contributed to improving the lives of the residents of Gauteng.
Commander Esau and Officer Flank jointly received the 2018 Integrity Idols SA Award for extraordinary contribution to youth development.
“I don’t do what I do to be recognised or for awards, but I really feel honoured to be recognised. There’s more that I still want to do for this province and the youth, however, I can’t do it alone.”
Commander Esau started his career in 1987 when he joined the Cape Town Fire and Rescue department. He worked there for 20 years before moving to Johannesburg in 2007.
“I learned a lot when I was working in Cape Town. When the opportunity to join EMS in Joburg as the head of the education programme presented itself, I couldn’t resist. It was a great opportunity for me to share my experience and knowledge,” explains the father of one.
Although Commander Esau is not sure what his next big project will be, he insists it will be centred on working with young people from underprivileged communities.
“If you’re in a position to roll a stone off someone’s way, then do it,” concludes Commander Esau.
This article appeared originally on the City of Johannesburg’s website.