South African Mayor Fights Fires and Wins Hearts

Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman spent the past week fighting wildfires instead of sitting in his office, and South Africa fell in love with him for it.

When raging fires fueled by extreme heat and wind destroyed thousands of hectares of farmland in Kouga Municipality, Bornman did what he's done since age 16. He suited up as a volunteer firefighter and joined the front lines.

But he also did something mayors rarely do. He pulled out his phone and started recording honest, funny updates for worried residents, with Deputy Mayor Timothy Jantjies often working as his cameraman.

In one video, Bornman introduced a firefighter covered in ash. "This is Enrico, one of our senior firefighters, and he usually looks much better when he comes to work," he joked as exhausted emergency responders erupted in laughter around him.

When a water bomber plane accidentally drenched both mayors during another update, Bornman just grinned at the camera. "Well, that is a free shower," he said.

The videos went viral across South Africa. People loved seeing a leader who didn't just manage the crisis from a distance but rolled up his sleeves and got to work alongside his community.

Bornman stayed humble about his role. "I just tried to help where I could," he said. Beyond firefighting, he directed traffic and made sure residents knew what was happening in real time.

Why This Inspires

The fires destroyed homes and livelihoods, yet Bornman saw something beautiful emerge from the flames. In the chaos, neighbors helped neighbors. Volunteers from across the region showed up. People put differences aside and worked together.

For Bornman, it was a glimpse of the South Africa everyone hopes for. A country where leaders lead by example, where communities rally together in hard times, and where a little humor goes a long way toward keeping spirits up.

His approach proved that authentic leadership doesn't require speeches or press conferences. Sometimes it just means showing up, doing the work, and keeping everyone smiling through the tough moments.

The fires are now under control, and Bornman can finally get some sleep.