When Frans Mpete started working at Rand Aid Association, he was an energetic 20-year-old. Forty-five years later, he still works tirelessly for the NPO, which is 117 years old itself.
On August 20 Frans was presented with his 45-year service award by CEO of Rand Aid Peter Quinn.
A resident of Lombardy East, Frans joined the organisation in 1975 as a gardener. Two years later, he was promoted to supervisor and five years after that took responsibility for the mail and other deliveries.
“In those days, Rand Aid did not own a vehicle, so Frans did all his deliveries by bicycle, said Peter.”
In 1989, when Frans was in his early 30s, Rand Aid was instrumental in him obtaining his driver’s licence. He has been a driver for the organisation ever since.
ALSO READ:
The rules of wearing a mask while driving
Before being transferred to head office in 1998, where he has remained for the past 22 years, he would ferry residents of Rand Aid’s Elphin Lodge retirement village to nearby shopping malls and hospitals.
“Frans is a responsible and reliable worker who, in the time we have worked together, has never had a bad driving report, been late for work or ever let me down,” said his supervisor, Erica Woodward.
Married with one child, Frans knows the streets of Johannesburg and Pretoria like the back of his hand.
In total, 47 employees were recognised for their long service this year. Apart from Frans, two 25-year awards were given, three 20-year awards, 11 10-year awards and 30 five-year awards.In addition, four people who are part of the Wedge Gardens team were honoured for 10, 15 and 20 years of service.
