Hlumela Anderson’s career at Rand Aid has been nothing short of inspiring.
Beginning as an administrative clerk at SANCA Wedge Gardens and now stepping into the role of deputy manager at Elphin Lodge, her journey is a testament to dedication and growth.
As she transitions into this new position, she reflects on the valuable lessons she has learnt and her aspirations for the future.
Having spent 13 years at SANCA Wedge Gardens, Hlumela has gained profound insights into human nature.
“I have learnt that people share basic needs – the need to belong, to be accepted, to be loved and to be heard,” she says.
This understanding will guide her approach at Elphin Lodge retirement village, where she plans to foster a compassionate and supportive environment for residents and staff.
Transitioning to a new environment
Elphin Lodge presents a different setting from SANCA Wedge Gardens, shifting from a therapeutic rehabilitation environment to a retirement village.
Despite the differences, Hlumela is eager to embrace this change.
“I look forward to learning from the staff and residents,” she says.
“I also want to deepen my knowledge about dementia and its impact on the daily lives of residents.”
Hlumela’s academic background and her completion of the Humanitas course have reinforced her belief in a holistic approach to well-being.
“People often just need someone to listen to them,” she explains. “My studies have equipped me to recognise when someone needs a safe space to express themselves and when a simple, casual conversation can brighten their day.”
This philosophy will be central to her work at Elphin Lodge, ensuring that residents and staff feel valued and heard.
Priorities as Elphin Lodge’s deputy manager
As she takes on her new role, Hlumela’s primary focus is on employee well-being.
“I believe that happy employees provide high-quality care, and when staff are fulfilled, residents will benefit too.”
By fostering a positive and supportive work environment, she hopes to enhance the overall quality of life at Elphin Lodge.
Beyond her professional achievements, Hlumela is a devoted wife and mother.
She lives in Kew with her husband of 13 years, and together, they are raising two sons, aged 18 and 8.
In her free time, she enjoys watching live performances, theatre plays, and birdwatching – passions that bring balance and joy to her life.
As Hlumela embarks on this new chapter at Elphin Lodge, her compassion, dedication and commitment to holistic care will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on the community.
Farwell to SANCA Wedge Gardens
It was with both pride and a touch of sadness that SANCA Wedge Gardens bid farewell to Hlumela, whose dedication and compassion left an indelible mark on the substance use treatment centre.
Hlumela’s career at Wedge Gardens began in 2011 as an administrative clerk, where she adeptly managed medical aid claims and accounts. But her true calling lay in helping others, and she pursued it with unwavering determination – first excelling as a top graduate in social auxiliary work, then earning her BA in Psychology cum laude.
Her commitment to holistic care led her to further qualify as a wellness counsellor through the esteemed Humanitas course last year.
