CAPE TOWN– A fire-station platoon commander from Simon’s Town, Amesha Bachan, hopes to be a beacon of hope within her community.
The 35-year-old platoon commander of the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services at the Ottery Fire Station, recently proved her mettle when she led a crew of seven during an emergency birth of a healthy baby boy at the fire station on Thursday morning, 24 July (“Firemen save baby”, People’s Post, 29 July 2025).
In an interview with People’s Post, Bachan shared her journey and unpacked the early challenges she encountered as a young firefighter and how she climbed the ranks.
Born in Durban, Bachan relocated to Cape Town at a young age. “I was raised in a naval community in Simon’s Town. I then attended Simon’s Town School from Grade 1 to matric.”
After matriculating she began studying law until one fateful holiday led her on a path to firefighting.
In 2008, she joined the City’s Fire and Rescue Department. “I found the field of law incredibly fascinating. During one of my holiday breaks I joined the fire service as a seasonal firefighter, thinking it would just be something temporary. But to my surprise I completely fell in love with the job. The sense of purpose, teamwork and physical challenge drew me in immediately.”
She then applied to be a permanent firefighter and was accepted. “I continued studying law for another two years before deciding to commit myself to a career in firefighting. I was inspired by the adrenaline, the structure, the unity among the team and, most importantly, the opportunity to serve and protect people. The more I immersed myself in the work the more I knew this was where I was meant to be. Each year brought new challenges, new lessons and a deeper passion for the job.”
Initially, the transition from law student to firefighter was not easy.
“Being a woman in a very male-dominated field I had to learn to be both mentally and physically resilient. Earning my place and gaining respect meant showing up consistently, working hard and proving my capabilities on and off the fire ground.”
Among the greatest challenges she faced at this time was balancing further studies, the physical demands and, later on, motherhood, when she started raising her now 19-month-old baby boy.
“But the rewards have been just as great. Being able to mentor younger firefighters, represent women in uniform and be part of critical emergency responses; those moments have made it all worthwhile.
“And, of course, coming home to my son at the end of a 24-hour shift reminds me who I’m doing it all for.”
Since then she’s pursued several fire-related qualifications, certifications and short courses to keep growing in the field.
Outside work she enjoys caring for her son and exercising.
“Some of my favourite ways to unwind include cooking and baking, especially healthy meals and snacks for my son. I also enjoy going for walks and gymming to stay strong and centred.”
She feels there is more work to be done to even the playing fields when it comes to equal representation in the workplace.
“There are still significant challenges, such as unequal representation in leadership, work-life balance pressures and societal expectations around motherhood and career. In fields such as emergency services the physical standards and cultural biases can discourage women from even applying.
“In my own community we still need more visibility and support for women in uniformed services. Programmes that encourage girls to explore careers in fire and rescue services or law enforcement could open so many doors. And in workplaces we need policies that support moms better, from flexible schedules to parental leave that doesn’t stall career growth.”
Asked what words of advice she had for young women pursuing careers in this fast-paced sphere in an ever-changing society, she replied: “Your aspirations. Trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid to pivot when you hear a call, the way I did when choosing firefighting over law. Be bold enough to enter spaces where you may well be the only woman working hard enough to make it easier for the next one.
“Invest in your learning, your fitness and mindset; they’re your greatest tools. Personally I hope to continue growing in this field, both technically and in leadership, while still being a present and loving mom.
“I want to create space for more women to thrive in this profession and show it’s possible to wear both the uniform and title of ‘mom’ with pride.”
She reiterates that Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the strength, grace and resilience that women bring to every space they occupy.
“I’m proud to be part of a generation of women who are changing what leadership, motherhood and service look like; one day, one call and one courageous choice at a time.”
