Rand Aid honours 69 employees for long service

Ayanda Matthews has seen it all after 35 years, countless roles, and an enduring commitment to Rand Aid.
Matthews, who is the association’s general manager of care and human resources, was among 69 employees recently recognised for long service at a Rand Aid awards ceremony.
The ceremony was held at the end of August.

“Ayanda has been at Rand Aid for almost as long as I’ve been working. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to work with some incredible people, and looking back, she is easily one of the very best,” said CEO Gert Coetzee.

ALSO READ: Rand Aid offers guidance on choosing full-time care for loved ones

“It’s rare to meet someone who can think so clearly and objectively. Ayanda has a natural talent for breaking down any problem, whether it’s HR, operational or strategic, and coming up with sharp, thoughtful solutions. You ignore her perspective at your own peril.”

Rapid promotions

Matthews joined Rand Aid in October 1991 as a professional nurse at the Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre.

Her exceptional work ethic saw her rise through the ranks. She was soon appointed assistant matron across Wedge Gardens and Ken Corder, before advancing to matron less than a year later.
By December 2002, she took over full management of both facilities.

Her leadership capabilities quickly opened new doors, and in April 2004, she transitioned to head office as training and compliance manager.

Further promotions followed in quick succession: Deputy general manager of compliance and social react in 2006, and general manager in 2008 – a role that placed her at the helm of Tarentaal, Thembalami, Wedge Gardens, and the entire HR function. To strengthen her portfolio, Matthews undertook formal studies in labour law, firmly embedding herself as an expert in human resources (HR) and industrial relations.

ALSO READ: Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre celebrates resident’s 102nd birthday

In November 2024, Rand Aid’s executive committee members were given new titles and areas of responsibility. Matthews became responsible for the care facilities (Ron Smith and Thembalami care centres and Wedge Gardens substance abuse treatment centre) and all HR-related matters.

“Her drive is extraordinary,” said fellow executive committee member Amanda Diener.

“When we insourced all contracted staff between 2015 and 2017, her HR workload effectively doubled overnight. Ayanda didn’t hesitate for a second. How she managed it all, only she knows!

“What I find most touching is where her journey began. Ayanda started her calling as a midwife, bringing new life into the world. Here at Rand Aid, she guides others to care for people through every stage of life, from those fighting addiction to residents in end-of-life care. It is a truly extraordinary spectrum of compassion.”

25-year awards

At the award ceremony, three people were recognised for 25 years of service.

Tanya Switala is a familiar face in Elphin Lodge retirement village and the Ron Smith Care Centre’s front office, where she assists residents and visitors with a smile. She also helps the village’s entertainment committee advertise its functions.

Switala started at Rand Aid during the construction phase of Thornhill Manor, from a prefabricated site office where hard hats were mandatory. Since then, she has worked as the personal assistant to two CEOs, Leon Ghavalas and Rae Brown, as well as at Inyoni Creek and Tarentaal Village.

ALSO READ: Rand Aid engages global experts to advance ageing policies and care practices

Joyce Mabule’s Rand Aid journey began in 1996 as a domestic reliever at Ron Smith Care Centre, just after democracy dawned. She became a permanent staff member in 2001 and has since proved herself a true all-rounder, mastering administration, bookkeeping, HR policies, and time and attendance.

Always eager to learn, Mabule has taken on every challenge with determination and reliability.

Known affectionately as ‘Tsibinki’ in HR, she knows staff across Rand Aid and is someone colleagues can count on. Today, she heads the workplace forums, helping give staff a stronger voice.

At the beginning of her nursing career, Laurentia Jooste started in 1979 and gained experience from across the country.

Jooste found her way back to what she loved most – caring for older people. For 25 years at Ron Smith Care Centre, she has been part of a second family, caring for residents in advanced dementia with compassion and love.

Jooste knows her residents’ personalities and preferences, and understands that sometimes a gentle touch or familiar voice says more than words.

ALSO READ: Rand Aid builds vibrant care communities through Eden philosophy

20- and 15-year awards

Winnie Mapekula, the receptionist at head office, and Rebecca Nkabi, SANCA Wedge Gardens’ cashier, were awarded for 20 years of service.

Awards for 15 years of service went to Hlumela Anderson, the deputy manager of Elphin Lodge retirement village; David Rasidumelo, who is part of the maintenance team at Ron Smith and Elphin Lodge; security guards Robert Mkawane (head office and SANCA Wedge Gardens) and Queen Mdewuka (Thembalami); and Thornhill Manor driver and grounds and maintenance assistant Arthur Mlangeni.