Rand Aid honours long-term staffers
RAND Aid Association honoured its long-serving staff members during an awards ceremony held on 14 August.
Matron and deputy manager at Thembalami Care Centre, Paulina Hlatshwako, received an award for her 30 years of service.
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 as a nursing services manager at both Wedge Gardens and Thembalami in 2007.
The organisation’s CEO Rae Brown sang Hlatswako’s praises. He said, “She comes from the old school of nurses and no resident under her care will develop bedsores. She has nursed many severely ill residents back to health.”
A host of awards ranging from five years of service to 30 years was given to employees, who were referred to by the management as the backbone of the 111-year-old non-profit organisation.
Also receiving recognition was utility and insurance administrator, Clive Haslehurst, who has been with the organisation for 25 years and has had a hand in most of the construction work carried out at its complexes.
Awarded for 20 years of service was Loraine Martiny, a charge professional nurse at the Ron Smith Care Centre. Brown described her as a dedicated professional who cares for the residents living with dementia with compassion and has excellent rapport with their families.
Also recognised for 20 years of service was Victor Mazibuko, a driver at Cookchill, the organisation’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 season, he is always happy to help,” said Brown.
Maintenance assistant Solly Mayisela was recognised for 15 years of service and described as reliable and hands-on.
The 10-year service awards went to grounds manager George Vermeulen; enrolled nurse Maria MacKenzie of Thembalami; professional nurse Maria Symons of Ron Smith Care Centre; and workshop manager Reg Combrink.
Also receiving awards were Wedge Gardens’ electrician Hugh Parkin for 25 years of service; handyman Johan le Roux and kitchen assistant Ernest Barnard, who both have 10 years of service with the organisation.
