SARZA - Free State

22/06/2026

🚨 SARZA FS Unit Training – 20 June 2026 🚨

On Saturday, 20 June 2026, SARZA members gathered at Haldon Estate for Unit Training, focusing on technical rescue skills, operational readiness, and team coordination.

Search and Rescue incidents rarely happen in convenient locations. Whether responding to injured hikers, stranded individuals, missing persons, vehicle accidents in remote areas, or patients requiring evacuation from difficult terrain, rescuers must be prepared to operate safely and effectively in challenging environments. This level of preparedness can only be achieved through regular, realistic training.

To simulate these real-world conditions, members participated in a scenario involving the extraction of a patient from a secluded elevated platform. The exercise required teams to assess risks, establish safe working systems, and execute a controlled rescue using technical rope rescue techniques.

Training activities included:

✅ Equipment inspections and readiness checks
✅ Ropework equipment testing and verification
✅ Safety redundancy and backup systems
✅ Anchor selection and construction
✅ Patient rigging and packaging
✅ Technical rescue and extraction procedures
✅ Incident Command and scene management
✅ Hiking with operational equipment to simulate field deployments

Every knot tied, anchor built, safety check completed, and scenario practiced contributes to our ability to protect both rescuers and patients during actual emergencies. Training allows us to identify weaknesses, improve procedures, build confidence in our equipment, and strengthen trust within our teams before lives depend on it.

A sincere thank you to https://www.haldonestates.co.za/ for generously allowing SARZA FS the use of your beautiful premises for this training exercise. Access to suitable training environments is invaluable in helping us maintain and develop the skills required to serve our communities. We greatly appreciate your hospitality, support, and commitment to emergency preparedness.

Because when the call for help comes, it is too late to start training.

Train. Prepare. Respond.
SO OTHERS MAY LIVE

22/06/2026

21/06/2026

Home’s hero, Rescue’s backbone.

Today we celebrate the dads who answer the call - on the trail, in the storm, and wherever others need help most.

Thank you for your dedication, resilience, and the example you set every day. You are the steady presence your families rely on and the dependable backbone your teams count on, balancing service and fatherhood with quiet strength.

Happy Father’s Day to the Search and Rescue dads who lead with heart and serve with purpose!

20/06/2026

🎉🚨 HAPPY BIRTHDAY F20 BEN! 🚨🎉

Today we celebrate F20 Ben, a valued member of SARZA Free State and an integral part of our Search and Rescue family.

Ben serves as our MIT+ and Technical Officer and joined SARZA on 31 January 2025. As an Electrical Engineer, he brings valuable technical knowledge, dedication, and professionalism to every mission and training opportunity.

His journey into Search and Rescue began after following the George building collapse incident in the media. Seeing the vital role that SARZA played during that operation left a lasting impression and inspired him to become involved in serving others through Search and Rescue.

One of Ben's most memorable SARZA experiences was his first abseiling adventure, which he describes as "paradigm-shifting."

Outside of SARZA, Ben enjoys sport shooting and hunting, exploring Southern Africa's off-road destinations, and many may be surprised to learn that he raises backyard meat rabbits.

A few of Ben's favourites:

☕ Coffee
🌅 Early Bird
🏖 Beach
🔥 Braai
☀️ Summer
🚙 4x4 Adventure

🍽 Favourite Meal: Springbuck Leg Potroast
📖 Favourite Book: The Bible

When asked what he enjoys most about SARZA, Ben said:

"The late nights and early mornings ;-)"

To be part of a team that can handle challenging situations with a high level of professionalism makes me very proud."

His SARZA goal for this year is simple but powerful:

➡️ "To make a difference in someone's life."

A quote that inspires him:

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you are absolutely right."

When asked to describe his SARZA journey in one word, his answer was:

⭐ TRANSFORMATIONAL ⭐

From all your friends and fellow volunteers at SARZA Free State, thank you for your commitment, teamwork, and willingness to serve others.

We wish you a fantastic birthday and a year filled with adventure, growth, and many memorable moments.

🎂 Happy Birthday, Ben!

19/06/2026

17/06/2026

08/06/2026

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/sponsor-ropework-equipment-bags

🧗‍♂️ HELP SPONSOR ROPEWORK EQUIPMENT BAGS 🚑

SARZA Free State is working to improve the organisation and readiness of our rope rescue equipment used during search and rescue operations.

We require 4 purpose-made canvas ropework equipment bags to properly store and transport critical gear such as pulleys, carabiners, ascending devices and lorries used during technical rescue operations.

These bags help ensure our equipment is protected, organised, and quickly deployable when responding to incidents such as cliff rescues, difficult terrain searches, and technical extractions.

Any small contribution welcome.

🧗‍♂️ SPONSOR ROPEWORK EQUIPMENT BAGS 🚑 SARZA Free State is working to improve the organisation and readiness of our rope rescue equipment used...

06/06/2026

🎉🎂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY F13 JEAN! 🎂🎉

Today we celebrate a very special member of the SARZA family, our dedicated Treasurer, F13(Catch the Rope!) Jean.

Behind every successful organisation is someone who keeps the wheels turning, the records in order, and the finances on track. Jean's commitment, professionalism, and attention to detail play a vital role in ensuring that SARZA can continue serving our communities when they need us most.

Thank you for the countless hours, hard work, and unwavering support you give to the unit. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful to have you as part of our leadership team.

May your birthday be filled with happiness, laughter, good health, and special moments with family and friends. We wish you a year ahead filled with success, blessings, and many wonderful adventures.

From all your friends and fellow members at SARZA Free State Search & Rescue:

🎈 Happy Birthday, Jean! 🎈