August’s hero is passionate paramedic
“During his days off at Netcare, you will find him working at Cert SA. He assists people without being paid for it. He realised not everyone has medical aid and can afford emergency medical services, while it is such a critical service. He decided he will render it for free.”
August’s hero of the month needs no introduction to the residents of Centurion: Ruan Heyns (36) from the Community Emergency Response Team South Africa (Cert SA).
Heyns, a paramedic at Cert SA, started the ambulance service in 2014 “after I realised there was a gap between the private and public sectors”.
“I have always been passionate about people, and I am passionate about assisting people in need.”
Heyns said he was born and raised in Pretoria and have always been living in Centurion.
“I received my training at Netcare, where I also still work since Cert SA is a non-profit organisation and we rely on donations only to get by.
“When I was 14 years old, I started driving around with Netcare as well as the fire brigade. I’ve been attending courses in first aid since I was at school.”
He said when he started at Netcare, he was too young to drive and had to work in the control room for two years. After that, he was transferred to the operational side where he worked for about 10 years.
“I work at Cert SA part-time, and would love to do it full-time, however, there are no funds available for that.”
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According to Starlyn George, friend and colleague of Heyns, “Ruan has a warmth about him”.
“He cares deeply for the residents of Centurion.”
George has been working with him for the past three years as a volunteer at Cert SA.
“I think it tells a lot about someone’s character that Ruan works at Netcare to fund his Cert SA dream to assist others.
“He is extremely hard-working, very professional and strict. Ruan gets a lot of respect from everyone in the medical industry, from fellow paramedics and hospital staff to doctors,” George said.
“During his days off at Netcare, you will find him working at Cert SA. He assists people without being paid for it. He realised not everyone has medical aid and can afford emergency medical services, while it is such a critical service. He decided he would render it for free.”
George said Heyns responds to any emergency, from accidents and medical emergencies to house fires – even animals stuck somewhere.
“Name it, Ruan is always willing, always available.
“Especially during Covid peaks, Ruan tends to burn the candle on both sides. That is his life, that is his passion, as many residents of Centurion can testify.”
West Pack Lifestyle and Centurion Rekord want to honour those who stand out, who give without expecting anything in return and who put the needs of others before their own.
Every month West Pack Lifestyle and Centurion Rekord want to honour these “heroes who don’t wear capes” and the causes they stand for.
ENTER HERE : Calling all heroes in Centurion
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