Esme retires after 17 years as Thornhill Manor manager
After 33 years with Rand Aid Association, Esme Erasmus is set to retire at the end of June 2024.
Esme started with Rand Aid at Bramley (a retirement village and care centre) in the accounts department in 1991. She subsequently became deputy manager there. When Bramley closed, she was transferred to Wedge Gardens, at that stage situated where Inyoni Creek is now. Wedge Gardens then comprised Wedge (rehab section) and Ken Corder and Reid House, which made up the retirement section.
Esme was the deputy manager of both Wedge Gardens sections and was later promoted to manager.
A few years later, she successfully applied for the position of manager of Tarentaal Retirement Village.
In the mid-2000s, she applied for the manager position at Thornhill Manor, where she served until now.
“I have enjoyed my time at Thornhill Manor and appreciate the support of the residents and staff alike. I will miss them all but feel happy that the residents will still have a strong team of management and staff going forward,” says Esme.
Esme Erasmus (right), the outgoing Thornhill Manor complex manager, with deputy manager Jackie Scott, at one of the village’s annual fetes.
Thornhill Manor’s new manager says residents’ well-being is his focus
Respect for the wisdom and experiences of older individuals drove Shaun Victor’s transition into elder care.
“It felt like a natural progression,” says the newly appointed complex manager of Rand Aid’s Thornhill Manor Retirement Village.
Shaun brings a wealth of experiences to the table. A social worker who graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in 2007, he started his career with the Department of Social Development in Gugulethu for two years, before working in several civil society sectors.
No stranger to Rand Aid, he joined the NPO as a social worker at Inyoni Creek Retirement Village in January 2022. Just over two years later, he moved to Thornhill Manor and has been learning the ropes from outgoing manager Esme Erasmus, who is retiring from the position after 17 years.
“I am particularly grateful to have Esme with me during this handover process; her extensive experience and knowledge have been invaluable in easing me into this new position. This collaborative and supportive approach reflects Rand Aid management’s commitment to creating a culture of teamwork and excellence in care,” says Shaun.
The general happiness of the residents was evident in the ‘warm welcome’ he received at the village. “It made my transition into the new position very positive. Their friendliness and support have been truly encouraging and reflect the strong sense of community that exists here at Thornhill. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone better and being a part of this wonderful community.”
He says his focus as manager will be on ensuring every resident feels valued, supported, and cared for. “I aim to further strengthen our sense of community, prioritising residents’ well-being above all else. Collaboration with both staff and residents will be key in upholding Thornhill Manor’s reputation as a leading retirement community.”
He adds that from the beginning of his time at Rand Aid, he has been impressed with the emphasis placed on residents’ well-being. “Rand Aid’s dedication to providing high-quality care is evident in every aspect of its operations.”
Here’s to good health
Shaun, who grew up in Knysna, settled in Pretoria in 2012 and currently lives in the east of Pretoria with his partner and dog, Edith. Although he does not have children, he says he is a ‘proud uncle to six nieces and a nephew’. “My family is a big part of my life, and I cherish the time I get to spend with them,” he says of his three brothers and mom. Sadly, his dad passed away while Shaun was in university.
He loves to cook and says that he has begun incorporating more plant-based meals into his diet for a healthier lifestyle. “This has led me to explore new plant-based recipes and experiment with different ingredients. I’ve also discovered an interest in running and have started participating in 10km races.”
Career path
After leaving the public service, Shaun worked for the Lowveld Association of People with Disabilities and then for the South African National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders (Nicro) in Nelspruit. In 2013, he transferred to Nicro Pretoria.
From 2016 to 2020, he was the residential social worker at Arcadia Jewish Child and Youth Care Centre. Before joining Rand Aid, he worked at Epilepsy South Africa (Gauteng) as assistant director for a year.
“My background brings a unique perspective and skill set to the role of complex manager. I have experience in understanding and addressing individual needs, building strong relationships, and creating a supportive and inclusive community. My skills in conflict resolution, active listening, and empathy will help ensure that residents feel heard and valued.
“Additionally, my focus on holistic well-being aligns with our commitment to providing a caring and nurturing environment for everyone. I aim to complement the existing support services in the village by offering a fresh perspective,” Shaun says.
Shaun Victor.
