Event Overview

The EMS & FIRE EXPO 2026 – Plus 5th Annual Women in EMS Conference 2026 is Africa’s premier platform bringing together emergency medical practitioners, firefighters, disaster management professionals, policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders to advance safety, resilience, and wellbeing in emergency response. This landmark event combines a dynamic exhibition showcasing the latest technologies in fire, rescue, and civil protection with a thought- provoking conference focused on leadership, inclusion, and innovation across emergency and public safety services. Attendees will engage with hands-on product demonstrations, live rescue simulations, and expert-led discussions addressing both operational excellence and the human challenges facing first responders today.

A Special Focus: 5th Annual Women in EMS Conference (Co-located Event)

The Women in EMS segment celebrates and empowers women across emergency services, focusing on leadership, mentorship, inclusion, and wellbeing. It will feature inspiring talks, professional development sessions, and recognition awards for outstanding women shaping the sector.

Exhibition Themes And Areas

Fire Fighting Zone
The heart of the expo— featuring cutting-edge technologies and solutions for modern firefighting operations.
Rescue Services Zone
Demonstrating the latest tools and strategies for rescue operations—urban, mountain, water, and vehicle extrication.
Civil Protection & Disaster Management
Strengthening emergency readiness and resilience through integrated planning and technology.
Fire Prevention & Safety Zone
Promoting a proactive culture of prevention and safety in communities and industries.
Protective Equipment & Apparel
Displaying the latest in personal protection for firefighters, paramedics, and rescue teams.
Communications & Control Center Solutions
Next-generation communication, data, and command systems for integrated emergency operations.
Product Demonstrations Arena
Live, interactive sessions showcasing equipment, vehicles, and technologies in action.

Become a Sponsor. Explore Exhibition Opportunities

FIRE EXPO 2026 offers an exceptional platform for brands, organisations, and innovators to showcase their solutions at the forefront of fire safety, emergency response, risk management, and disaster preparedness. As a sponsor or exhibitor, you will gain direct access to industry leaders, decision-makers, practitioners, and stakeholders shaping the future of fire and safety across the region.

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For the First Time Ever, We Are in Sandton, Johannesburg!

The Southern Sun Hotel on Rivonia Road in Sandton, Johannesburg, offers a stylish and convenient retreat in the heart of South Africa’s premier business and shopping district. Known for its warm hospitality and modern comfort, the hotel is just minutes from Sandton City, the Gautrain station, and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, Southern Sun Sandton provides easy access to top attractions, while ensuring a relaxing stay with spacious rooms, excellent dining, and world-class service.

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For the First Time Ever, We Are in Sandton, Johannesburg!

The Southern Sun Hotel on Rivonia Road in Sandton, Johannesburg, offers a stylish and convenient retreat in the heart of South Africa’s premier business and shopping district. Known for its warm hospitality and modern comfort, the hotel is just minutes from Sandton City, the Gautrain station, and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, Southern Sun Sandton provides easy access to top attractions, while ensuring a relaxing stay with spacious rooms, excellent dining, and world-class service.

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See Conference Agenda
Our Conference Sponsors & Partners TAP TO LEARN MORE
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We Have a Line-up of Amazing Speakers For You!

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Nomantu Nkomo- Ralehoko
MEC for Health, Gauteng Province, Public Sector Leader, Advocate for Equitable Health Systems, Champion for Women in Crisis Response


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Dr. Christine Peta
Global Disability Rights Advocate, PhD in Disability Studies, Expert in Inclusive Disaster & Emergency Management


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Bridgette Zungu
Director: EMS, KZN Provincial Government, Emergency Services Strategist, Leader in Public Health Readiness, Advocate for Gender-Inclusive EMS


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Charlotte Pillay
COO Health Tech Leader, Clinical Coordinator, Female Healthcare Programme, Adjunct Lecturer, Regent Business School, Advocate for Women in EMS & Fire
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Melony Shimane
Chief Fire and Disaster Manager, Lekwa Local Municipality, Trailblazer in Fire & Disaster Management, Mentor for Women in Emergency Services, Emergency Leadership Advocate
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Debbie Bester
Founder and CEO of Parys Medix, Chairperson of Fezile Dabi Road Incident Management, Advocate for Emergency Medical Services
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Tash Lachenicht
Managing Director, Epic Emergency Medicine
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Jabulephiwe Mpitso
Manager: Fire & Rescue, O.R. Tambo International Airport, First Chief Fire woman for an Airport in South Africa
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Madelyne van Emmenis
Training Coordinator, Sustainability, Exxaro Resources
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Lebogang Mosotho
Disaster Management Officer, Capricon District Municipality, President for Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa (DMISA)
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Dr. Tlou Raphela-Masuku
Senior Lecturer, DiMTEC – UFS, Academic Researcher in Disaster Risk Science, Thought Leader in Resilience & Disaster Policy, Advocate for Women in Academia
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Shakira Cassim
General Manager: Contact Centre, ER24, Advocate for Excellence in Emergency Medical Response
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Tshidi Lemeko
Deputy Disaster Manager: Disaster Management, Fezile Dabi District Municipality, Municipal Emergency Strategist, Champion for Women’s Representation in Disaster Leadership
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Sanky Mahlangu
Head of Safety: Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), SHERQ Expert, Hazmat & Emergency Services Strategist, Advocate for Resilient Leadership in High Risk Industries
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Natasha Chetty
Director: Cross Fire Management, Fire Protection Specialist
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Nomathemba Mtshali
Director: Strategic Support EMS, City of Johannesburg, Urban EMS Specialist, Champion for Innovation in Emergency Response
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Sanky Mahlangu
Head of Safety: Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), SHERQ Expert, Hazmat & Emergency Services Strategist, Advocate for Resilient Leadership in High Risk Industries
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Natasha Chetty
Director: Cross Fire Management, Fire Protection Specialist

Testimonials from our previous Conference

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Joane (Jojo) Jordan Pilot

The 2nd Women in Emergency and Fire Services event in Cape Town was an unforgettable experience, and I am deeply honored to have been a part of it. It is a testament to the power of unity, determination, and a shared vision for a brighter and more inclusive future in these vital fields……

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Busi Arends KZN College of Emergency Care Principal Officer

I wish to take this moment and thank you for inviting me to an unforgettable conference. The engagement and the atmosphere were truly special. The presentations are memorable; I still feel the positive energy. Hope to see you again.

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Tshidi Lemeko-Mogoera Disaster Management Fezile Dabi District Municipality

I was inspired and I have taken home the inspiration personally and for my career development. Being around the women of that stature is unexplainable but very fulfilling. I’m grateful to Eminence for inviting me…..

Expected to attend

Health care executives • Hospital administrators • Medical and health services managers • Nursing home managers • Health care managers • Administrative managers • Industrial Fire Chiefs • Municipal Fire Chiefs • Senior Fire Fighters • Fire Engineers • Firefighters • Driver engineers • Lieutenants • Captains • Battalion chiefs • Assistant chiefs • Fire chiefs • Group Medical Directors • Specialist Surgeons • Policy Makers • Regulators • Contact Centre’s Managers • Fire Engineers • Fire Safety Consultants • Fire Risk Consultants

Occupational Safety Managers • Process Safety Managers • Safety & HSE Managers • HSEQ Managers • Risk Managers • Security Managers • Ops Managers • Doctors • Medical Superintendents • Industrial Safety and Training Managers • Emergency Medical Responders • Emergency Medical Technicians • Call Handlers • Emergency Medical Dispatchers • Paramedics • Audit, Risk & Compliance Managers • Fire Area Managers • Communications and Marketing Executives • GIS Reporting & Data Analysts • Health Information Technicians • Offshore Medics • Industrial Medics • Flight Paramedics • Registered Nurses • EMS Pilots