Khanya Hospice CEO bids farewell
Neil McDonald and his wife, Pam have dedicated most of their lives serving the South Coast community and caring for ill people.
THERE was a rollercoaster of emotions during the Amanzimtoti Rotary Club’s event when homage was paid to past president and CEO of Khanya Hospice, Neil McDonald recently.
Neil is retiring from the organisation on November 30, after years of dedicated service to cancer patients and families from Athlone Park to Hibberdene.
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During his farewell speech, Neil focused on the concept of time. “It’s been a good journey, one that I would not have changed. It was also a journey of many emotions while walking with families who had to greet a loved one and also a journey of celebrating triumphs. But, it is now time for me and my wife to leave this beautiful area to enjoy our retirement in Johannesburg,” Neil said.
According to the president of the rotary club, Aneska Dupont, Neil and his wife Pamela’s journey is a heartwarming story of dedication, community service, and love for the South Coast.
“They originally settled in Warner Beach in 1980, before moving to Pinetown, and eventually making their way to Hillcrest a decade ago. Both spent their careers in the medical field; Pam working 36 years for a urologist at Parklands Hospital and Neil at McCord’s Hospital. Later, Neil was seconded to the Dream Centre in Pinetown before becoming CEO at Khanya Hospice in Umkomaas, where he embraced the role of building support and resources for the critical service of palliative care,” she said.
Neil’s work at Khanya Hospice involved countless hours of travel and tireless efforts in fundraising.
He said, “I recognised the changing dynamics of giving; the older generation that used to leave a bequest in their will for hospice have died or moved away, while younger generation is stretched by the costs of medical aid, schooling and living expenses,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Neil found joy in his role, appreciating the commitment of his board members, who volunteered their time to support the hospice mission.
Always hands-on, Neil often picked up donations for the charity shops himself and ensured that his staff was well cared for.
“I always made sure there was a present for each at Christmas time, something to take home. These people work hard during the week and deal with extremely sick people, so it was my way of recognising their hard work,” he said.
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Neil and Pam now prepare to relocate to Johannesburg, where they will live with Neil’s brother, Louis.
Before settling in Brakpan, they will spend three months with Pam’s sister in Sedgefield. Although they will be in a new city, Neil plans to remain an active Rotarian, staying involved in service work that has always been close to his heart.
“We will always love the South Coast, and plan to come back for holidays,” he said.
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