Johannesburg Children’s Home held a special ceremony on October 25 to unveil a plaque to honour the former employee, Joseph Siavhe who has worked for the home for 43 years.
The home’s kitchen was named after Siavhe in honour of his long service.
Siavhe started working at the home in 1974.
He started as a gardener and worked his way up, and retired as a chef.
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“Management has been kind to me and allowed me to grow. I started here with no qualification and left with a qualification,” said Siavhe.
“My journey at the children’s home has been amazing.
“I have learned a lot while I worked at the home. They allowed me to shine and grow and I will forever be grateful to them,” said Siavhe.
Siavhe said he will miss cooking for the children.
“They always challenged me to bring something new and tasty, and I enjoyed the challenge,” said Siavhe.
He said he wished them well and will miss them.
“I miss each one of the children. I will miss those I worked with, especially my kitchen staff and hope the knowledge I have left with them in the kitchen will be useful,” said Siavhe.
The children’s home’s managing director Annette Brokensha said they will dearly miss Siavhe.
“We will miss him for his kindness, compassion and passion. He loved the children as his own, and made them feel special through his work,” said Brokensha.
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She said he always went the extra mile for the children to ensure they were happy with their meals.
“Memories of the home will always stay with me. My time here was special. It was like my second home,” said Siavhe.
The ceremony was attended by the board and staff members and family.
“We are humble and happy for my father. He has left a legacy at the children’s home and we are proud of him.
“We know about his journey at JHC, and for the kitchen to be named after him it is a tremendous honour,” said his daughter, Astnnat Siavhe.
She also works at the home and cares for children.
“I grew up in the home. Both my parents work at the home and their work has been part of our family. They have inspired me,” said Astnnat.
She said her family has seen changes at the home, and it had been a wonderful experience for him.
“I would like to wish my father a happy retirement and good health with his family,” said Astnnat.
