With experience in retirement living, facilities management, construction and catering, Carel Botha has joined Rand Aid as its new senior central services manager.
He took up the role on June 1 after several years with Flower Foundation Retirement Homes, where he managed a portfolio of retirement villages and, more recently, also served as acting facilities and projects manager.
At Rand Aid, Carel oversees central support functions including maintenance, catering, laundry and health and safety. His role involves helping to ensure that these essential behind-the-scenes services operate efficiently and continue to provide residents with a safe, well-maintained and supportive environment.
Carel says the opportunity to join Rand Aid appealed to him because of the organisation’s focus on supporting older people.
Diverse career
His career has given him experience across several areas that are closely connected to his new responsibilities. Before joining Flower Foundation in 2017, he owned and directed a renovations and construction business. Earlier in his career, he spent a decade based at Roedean School, initially managing catering operations through Fedics Food Services before transitioning into facilities and estate management for the school.
This broad operational background has given Carel an appreciation of how the many services within an organisation need to work together.
“From my first day, the Rand Aid community has made me feel welcome. The entire team is approachable and supportive,” says Carel.
Many balls to juggle
At Rand Aid, his responsibilities extend across multiple sites and teams. In addition to leading maintenance and refurbishment projects, he oversees central services operations, including catering, laundry and workshop functions, as well as stores, inventory and asset control.
An important part of his role is working with Rand Aid’s various stakeholders, service providers and teams to maintain quality standards, while ensuring that resources are used effectively.
“Although I came from a retirement background, it is amazing to see how similar, yet different, the environments are. No two days are the same, with a new challenge around every corner – and that is exactly what keeps me motivated,” he says.
Carel has also continued to develop his management skills through formal study and professional courses. He completed the Gordon Institute of Business Science’s management development programme in 2019 and has undertaken training in occupational health and safety management.
Away from work, Carel lives in Brackenhurst, Alberton, and is a father of two. Family is important to him, while his interests include spending time outdoors, hiking and working in the garden. He also enjoys retreating to his home workshop, which he describes as his ‘relaxation zone’.
However, his experience has taught him that successful operations are about more than systems, schedules and budgets – they are ultimately about people. He says Rand Aid’s commitment to its residents is evident not only in day-to-day interactions, but also in the decisions made at every level of the organisation.
“I’m proud to be associated with an organisation where caring for our community is a priority for everyone, from senior management to the staff who interact with residents every day.”
