Loyalty, dedication and commitment… These words sum up what numerous Rand Aid Association employees were honoured for at the non-profit organisation’s Long Service Awards on 22 August.
“Rand Aid’s life-right retirement villages, frail care centres and substance use treatment centre would not be what they are today had it not been for the selfless service of its employees since the organisation’s founding well over a century ago,” said Ayanda Matthews, Rand Aid’s general manager of compliance and its social react division.
“The long service awards have become a tradition at Rand Aid. We do not want to only honour our employees’ journeys on their last day or when they retire, we want to walk their journey with them and acknowledge their contribution throughout their time at the organisation,” she added.
Rand Aid chairman Paul Carter pictured with Helen Petrie, Shelly Joy, Tammy Neilson and Adél Grobbelaar.
Elphin Lodge retirement village’s manager Helen Petrie was honoured for an astounding 30 years of service. Helen joined Rand Aid in May 1993 as an administration clerk at Elphin Lodge retirement village.
“I loved the job and held that position for 11 years,” says Helen, who became the deputy manager in 2004, with village sales and Ron Smith Care Centre accommodation being her key responsibilities. She was promoted to village manager in 2007.
“I have had a wonderful working life at Elphin Lodge, and I’m blessed with a wonderful professional team who help create a warm and friendly village,” says Helen.
Elphin Lodge manager Helen Petrie with Rand Aid chairman Paul Carter.
Congratulations also to Adél Grobbelaar, the manager of SANCA Wedge Gardens; and Shelly Joy, the admin clerk at Tarentaal retirement village; who both achieved 25 years of service.
Adél’s journey with Rand Aid started in 1979 as an intern at Wedge Gardens. She qualified as a social worker in 1981, and worked as a therapist until 1987, before leaving Rand Aid. In 1998, she rejoined the organisation as a therapist, and was promoted to the position of manager of SANCA Wedge Gardens in July 2005.
She has seen many changes during her time at Wedge, and spearheaded the research and implementation of its Full Circle Recovery Programme. She represents Wedge Gardens at SANCA and has been a Board member of AA South Africa.
SANCA Wedge Gardens manager Adél Grobbelaar with Rand Aid chairman Paul Carter.
Shelly joined the organisation at the end of 1998 as a craft and recreation assistant at Elphin Lodge, before moving to Tarentaal as an admin clerk. She then moved to SANCA Wedge Gardens, where she worked as a ‘crafts lady’. Due to changes within the organisation, Shelly then moved to Thembalami Care Centre, where she was the house mother, before moving into an admin role. She later moved back to Tarentaal as an admin clerk.
Tarentaal admin clerk Shelly Joy with Rand Aid chairman Paul Carter.
Mention must also be made of Tarentaal’s manager Tammy Neilson, who achieved 20 years of service. Tammy joined Rand Aid as an intern in 1992, before moving to Elphin Lodge. In 1996, she left Rand Aid to travel the world and took on various roles at other companies. She rejoined Rand Aid in October 2003, as a special projects assistant conducting market surveys on potential admissions. She then joined the accounts department, as an accounts clerk, and was promoted to deputy manager of Tarentaal in 2005. In 2008, she furthered her studies in business management at UNISA, and was promoted to the post of Tarentaal manager.
Tarentaal manager Tammy Neilson with Rand Aid chairman Paul Carter.
“Numerous other staff members were congratulated on 15, 10 and five years of service. In total, 43 employees received an award with a total of 455 years of service,” said Ayanda.
15 years of service
- Pauline Ncube
- Simon Moagi
- James Machebele
- Willem Pieterse
- Anita Erasmus
- Jonas Mbungele
- Pertunia Tshabalala
- Peter Ralefeta
- Riaan Joubert
- Riaan Joubert
Congratulations to James Machebele, Pertunia Tshabalala, Jonas Mbungele, Anita Erasmus and Willem Pieterse on achieving 15 years of service. Absent: Pauline Ncube, Simon Moagi, Peter Ralefeta and Riaan Joubert.
10 years of service
- Eric Mlambo
- Erica Woodward
- Frans Sekhaolelo
- Elliot Masina
- Johannes Mojela
- Rebecca Moilakgomo
- Lara Hurwitz
- Nelson Mkansi
- Eslina Mqulo
Five years of service
- Ntombizodwa Mthombeni
- Marlene Sirchia
- Nonhlanhla Mabuza
- Peter Letsoalo
- Hermans Nchoe
- Thanyani Nevari
- Timothy Mapheto
- Forget Khoza
- Grace Ratisani
- Masegata Mamabola
- Mosima Mojela
- Nombuso Ndlela
- Rirhandzu Pebane
- Siphokazi Mzana
- Jane Mokoena
- Khomisani Machebela
- Poppy Maile
- Estelle Raath
- Merrios Maluleke
- Sduduzo Shandu
For more information about Rand Aid, visit www.randaid.co.za
