Rand Aid Association has officially launched ‘The Rand Aid Way’, the initiative that was reported on during the second half of 2024.
This campaign extends the relationship-orientated focus and culture that Rand Aid is hopeful will become part of life at all Rand Aid villages and care centres, focusing on creating vibrant and fulfilling environments where residents thrive.
‘The Rand Aid Way’ emphasises prioritising strong relationships, supporting individual development and empowering residents to actively participate in their community. These core values will shape interactions between staff and residents, fostering a more caring and supportive atmosphere.
Launch events were held at Elphin Lodge and Thornhill Manor retirement villages, as well as Thembalami Care Centre and SANCA Wedge Gardens treatment centre on February 10 and 13, 2025.
Leading up to the launches, colourful hearts were displayed at Rand Aid Association villages and care centres, accompanied by teasers in weekly newsletters and on notice boards, prompting residents to ‘come find out why there are coloured hearts all around Rand Aid’.
At each launch, residents and staff were invited to consider and, if comfortable, sign a HEARTS Pledge, committing to the principles of ‘The Rand Aid Way’. Parts of the pledge reads:
“We, as staff and residents of this community, come together to embrace the principles of the Rand Aid Way and commit to creating a compassionate, supportive and enriching environment through our HEARTS. By embodying these principles, we commit to building a community that enriches lives, uplifts spirits and promotes well-being.
“I will be an active member of the community where everyone feels valued and empowered. By signing this pledge, I aim to embody and live and work by these principles.”
HEARTS is an acronym representing the core values of the initiative:
- H – Honesty and humility
- E – Empathy, encouragement and equality
- A – Accountability and assistance
- R – Respect
- T – Trust, teamwork and transparency
- S – Safe space, support, self-worth and sensitivity.
The speaker at the events was Willem Myburgh, a Geratec care mentor. After the event, he said it was an ‘honour to be part of Rand Aid’s continuing journey of growth and improving the lives of elders, which started 13 years ago’.
Willem Myburgh is enthusiastic about The Rand Aid Way.
“The launch of ‘The Rand Aid Way’ signifies our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional care and fostering a strong sense of community for all its residents,” says Rand Aid CEO Gert Coetzee.
Rand Aid CEO Gert Coetzee and Rand Aid’s general manager of finance and services, Wim Pieterse, at Thornhill Manor. In the foreground is Michelle Matsolo, while Thornhill Manor manager Shaun Victor is moving to the front.
For those who were unable to attend and would still like to commit, a copy of the HEARTS Pledge is available at the respective offices. Exciting information-sharing sessions are in the pipeline that will explain more of this journey Rand Aid has embarked on.
The Pledge Corner at Elphin Lodge: Thili Madiba, Denise Friederichs, Willem Myburgh Jenny Evans.
Thili Madiba pops her signed pledge in the box at Elphin Lodge.
Eugene Atie, Liebe Meyer and Willem Myburgh.
Thembalami Care Centre’s Elize Raath introduces the core leadership team while residents arrive. Social worker Lara Hurwitz with Ben Matthee standing at the door.
The presentation at Thembalami Care Centre, with Ayanda Matthews, Rand Aid’s general manager of care and services, observing the process.
Michelle Matsolo, Inyoni Creek’s social worker, reading out the pledge to residents gathered at Thornhill Manor.
Rand Aid head office staff members (seated) joined Thornhill Manor staff and residents.
