Ms Paulina Hlatshwako, the matron and deputy manager at the Thembalami Care Centre, was rewarded for 30 years of service at the Rand Aid Association’s long service awards held on August 14.
Matron Hlatshwako was employed as a ward sister at the old Bramley complex and was part of the Wedge Gardens treatment centre team for some years before being promoted to the nursing services manager at both Wedge and Thembalami in 2007. She is now permanently based at Thembalami.
“Ms Hlatshwako comes from the old school of nurses and no resident under her care will develop bedsores. She has nursed many a severely ill resident back to health,” said Rand Aid CEO, Ms Rae Brown.
A host of awards ranging from five years of service to 30 years was given to employees, who are described by the board and top management as the backbone of the 111-year-old Non Profit Organisation.
Rewarded for 20 years of service was Ms Loraine Martiny, a charge professional nurse at the Ron Smith Care Centre.
“Ms Loraine is a dedicated professional who cares for the residents living with dementia with compassion and has an excellent rapport with their families,” said Ms Brown.
Also recognised for 20 years of service was Mr Victor Mazibuko, a driver at Cookchill, Rand Aid’s in-house catering division.
“He is always willing to help out when asked and if we need him to work late at night or over the festive period, he is always happy to help,” said Ms Brown.
Maintenance assistant Mr Solly Mayisela was recognised for 15 years of service. 10 year service awards went to grounds manager Mr George Vermeulen, enrolled nurse Ms Maria MacKenzie from Thembalami, professional nurse Ms Maria Symons from the Ron Smith Care Centre and workshop manager Mr Reg Combrink.
