PAGE 8Court Support When relationshipsare abusive for our friends

1

AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY WELFARE Rosh Hashana • September 2017 • Volume 49

A Message From Our Chairman

There are some wonderful new

developments taking place within

the Chevrah Kadisha Group and I’m

delighted to share some of them with

you. These developments are both

innovative and constructive.

For the first time in its history we are

introducing an exciting rental option

at Golden Acres. We believe that this

has the potential of filling a great need

within our community.

We constantly strive to host an

environment that attracts skilled and

professional staff. More recently we

have significantly invested into a

program of staff training and motivation

which we know will add value to

the Chevrah Kadisha’s multitude of

services.

Our cover story explains the power of

teamwork as an intrinsic Chev value.

With the objective of ever increasing

community support our Social Services

division is introducing a volunteer court

support programme to assist people –

particularly those trying to exit abusive

relationships – with legal matters such

as restraining orders and maintenance

agreements. This will be a great help to

those who feel trapped and alone.

The Chev in Numbers - Aged Care

average number of visits by residents to our

doctors each month

average number of visits made by our Hospital

Visitor each month

qualified nurses & care workers across our aged

facilities

average number of scriptsprocessed by our

pharmacy each month

NEWSGOOD SPORTS

TEAMWORK TRIUMPHS

We all know that a cohesive team is a

successful team. Common purpose

and shared objectives together

with the individual strengths and

responsibilities of each member,

is a winning formula. With almost

1,000 staff members throughout

the Group, the Chev is teaching the

power of teamwork in all settings –

including on the soccer and netball

fields.

That’s because sport provides

an all-encompassing environment

for staff teambuilding - the fresh

air, exercise and good health

aspects blend perfectly with many

of the Chev’s values, and the buy-

in from staff is rewarding on every

level. They learn much about co-

operation, leadership, effort

and trust. The pride and sense

of belonging they develop with

their colleagues translates

into happier more productive

workers.

In addition to our own efforts,

over the past 18 months our

Selwyn Segal residents have

received coveted attention

from both the Maccabi soccer

and rugby teams. They were

There’s a spirit of camaraderie, good sportsmanship and teamwork at the

Chev these days. The reasons are compelling and the results enthralling!

PAGE 5Mike Baum at SandringhamGardens

PAGE 10Solly Edelman103rd BirthdayCelebration

PAGE 12Golden Acres Rental OptionNow Available

261 3233 99755

AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY WELFARE

COLIN DATNOW

Sandringham Gardens just celebrated

the 103rd birthday of its oldest resident,

while another resident has written her

own warm, personal account of life in

the Home. And Selwyn Segal is in the

news with its remarkable soccer team

who played with the Maccabi U18s and

the exciting new toy store that has been

added as an extension to the ever-

popular gift shop.

May you and your families be blessed

with a good and sweet year. You

are an incredible and unique Jewish

community.

Shana tova u’metukah

visited at the Home, taken on outings

and their Selwyn’s Eagles soccer

team has had the joy and privilege

of playing with the Maccabi soccer

team. They even received a donation

of soccer attire from Fowardzone, in

orange like the Selwyn Segal logo,

which they wear with enormous pride

every chance they get.

Just before the teams left for the

Maccabi games in Israel, Selwyn’s

Eagles were invited to participate in

handing out their soccer kit at Arcadia

and a week or two later 8 Maccabi

rugby players visited Selwyn Segal to

join residents for an art project.

Maccabi SA performed brilliantly at the Games

and have returned home with 36 medals. The

soccer team made it through to the semi- finals

– the first one to get that far. Selwyn Segal’s

residents are beside themselves with pride – after

all, they have a personal connection with their

heroes. The Maccabi boys have been patient and

kind. It is a mark of their great sportsmanship and

generosity that they graciously shared the field with

our players. The special connection between them

reflects the true value of sport in our community.

Meanwhile, back at the Chev....as part of the Staff

Culture Campaign to build Chev values and improve

service to the community, a knockout soccer

tournament was held at Yeshiva College between

nine teams representative of staff in most sectors.

In some cases residents and protected employment

workers joined the teams. The winners were the

Selwyn Segal staff in their orange kit who called

themselves, predictably, Selwyn’s Eagles. Other

teams included the Arcadia staff as well as a few

of the Arcadia children; two Kadimah teams; Ops,

Catering and Maintenance; the Lodge and Stores.

Rabbi Jonathan Fox was the esteemed referee

throughout the two-

hour tournament.

Surprisingly the six

netball teams that

competed were not

exclusively women.

Revenue, Ops, Laundry,

Finance, OPH and

Protected Employment

had a great time on the

Continued from front page

2

Rosh Hashana • September 2017 • Volume 49

3

A Message From Our CEOs

MICHAEL SIEFFJoint CEO

When I joined the Chev one of the areas that

immediately struck me as needing attention

was staff training and motivation. We have

a large staff - 1,000 people - but they were

lacking in loyalty, inspiration and unity and

didn’t feel like a cohesive team. We selected

an independent external company to conduct an anonymous staff

survey to measure levels of investment and allegiance to the Chev.

Those initial results showed that we had our work cut out for us.

We launched the Chev Culture Campaign, identified our 10 Chev

values, and began teambuilding, educational talks, skills training,

reward programmes, competitions and sporting events between

departments to raise awareness of our Chev values of respect,

professionalism, compassion, integrity, leadership, teamwork, etc.

It has been a remarkable journey to watch the teams come alive. As

you can see our staff are now energised, passionate, invested and

dedicated. They are more ambitious than they were - for themselves

and those they serve - and function on an elevated level of hope and

commitment, knowing they are seen and appreciated.

Since our first staff survey a further two have been carried out

at two-year intervals, the most recent being a few months ago.

It confirmed what is already obvious about the improved levels of

loyalty to the Chev and the residents.

It’s great to see how our sports events create teamwork across

the Group. Regardless of who gets the trophies in the end, the

winners are always our wonderful clients and community.

May you all be blessed with a Shana Tova u’Metukah.

I recently met with a beneficiary of the

Chev’s Education Support Services, a

young man who grew up in the most difficult

of circumstances, having lived through a

traumatic childhood. Today he is happily

married, fully independent and expecting

his first child. He attributes so much of his success to the Chev and

sees the help he received as a major turning point in his life. He is

deeply grateful and wants to contribute to the Chev as both a donor

and a volunteer so that we can help others, as we once helped him.

It is heart-warming to witness the level of sincerity and humility we

are privileged to see at the heart of communal welfare.

Of course we are acutely aware that we are merely the conduit

for the incredible generosity of our donors. You can feel justifiably

encouraged that your benevolence is enabling a better tomorrow

for thousands of Jewish people in our community.

In uncertain times one thing remains certain, and that is the

Chev’s unwavering commitment to those in need. The services

we provide offer the most basic necessities of sustenance,

shelter, education and health care and so we humbly request

your continued support. In that way we can ensure that we will

always be available, and able, to offer help to the full extent of our

capability.

May you and your families be richly blessed and rewarded for your

kindness to the Chev and its numerous recipients.

Shana Tova u’Metukah – best wishes for a good, sweet new year.

SAUL TOMSONJoint CEO

One of the wonderful outcomes of this partnership

with Maccabi has been the establishment of an

annual soccer tournament incorporating teams with

disabilities from different townships around Gauteng.

The tournaments are held in collaboration

with the Department of Social

Development and co-hosted by the Chev

and Discovery. The first took place in July

2016 and featured 14 teams, including

Selwyn Segal and Kadimah. This year’s

tournament, on 30th of August, will

again be held at Discovery Park.

field. “The really positive aspect of all the sporting events was the

incredible team spirit that was built up” said Michael Sieff. “The fact that

there was inclusion across

departmental, faith, racial

and gender boundaries was

e n o r m o u s l y

positive in that

no one felt left

out. It wasn’t

primarily about

winning, it was

about being the

best team”.

The tournaments

attracted enthusiastic supporters

from all departments including

residents from Selwyn Segal,

Protected Employment and,

because the soccer was held

during school holidays, even

Arcadia.

AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY WELFARE

4

“My office is a playroom! I love to spread

the joy of every exciting new toy,” said Andy

Gluckman, Manager of the new toy shop at

Selwyn Segal’s popular gift shop.

Anyone who knows anything about toys

can testify to the fact that it is a vibrant,

innovative market. “Andy’s excitement over

each new ‘find’ is infectious,” says Joan

Block, Manager of the gift shop for 40 years.

“She has brought a new and exciting energy

and is passionate about her toys”.

Andy started off as a gift shop volunteer

where her mother, Irene Schraibman, has

volunteered for close to 30 years. In many

ways Andy grew up in the Selwyn Segal gift

shop. Her extensive knowledge of toys and

unbridled enthusiasm about discovering

and researching the latest offerings, soon

made her the obvious choice to head the toy

section and she joined the staff in April 2016.

The community is delighted to be able to add

toys to their baby, birthday and yomtov gifts

The Rabbi’s ReportLove of Israel is widespread at Sandringham Gardens and Our Parents Home

It is no wonder that when freelance reporter, Rolene Marks, came to speak to the residents about current affairs in Israel, the hall was packed. Rolene, whose parents reside at Sandringham Gardens, was blown away by the level of questions the residents asked.

Without doubt the best-attended events are ones that are connected to Israel. Such is the love that our residents have for the Land of Israel.

Most of the residents vividly remember the birth of the State of Israel, the

6-day war and the Yom Kippur War. A number of them even fought in the wars and recently residents who had served in the IDF were invited as special guests to the Israeli Embassy. Benny Puterman, David Friedlander, Arnie Sher, Harry Israel, Jeff Myers from Sandringham Gardens and Ron David from Our Parents Home all served. Without exception they feel it was an enormous privilege that still fills them with pride. They are all also avid shul-goers.

Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalyim are important days in the calendar and are celebrated with entertainment, prayer, the singing of Hatikvah and, of course, Israeli-style meals.

All our residents pray for peace and prosperity in our beloved Israel.

Harry Israel Arnie Sher Benny Puterman

David Friedlander Ron David Jeff Myers

TOY JOYAt the Selwyn Segal Gift Shop

– especially since

deliveries, even to

birthday parties,

are offered. The

shop boasts a

wide range of

popular brands at

very competitive

prices (Andy

keeps a close

watch on Price-

Point). Melissa

& Doug, Tiny

Love, Bright Starts, Barbie,

Fisher Price, Top Model, Our Generation and

of course the ever in-demand Lego, are just

a few worth mentioning. Andy had to jump

through a few hoops to become a Lego

stockist, but she achieved it. Educational toys,

puzzles, board games and books are also in

plentiful supply.

What’s wonderful is that the toy shop has

attracted many younger customers, adding

a youthful energy and resulting in improved

The Rosh Hashana shop opens on Sunday the 27th August with a stunning range

of excellently priced gifts. Visit us at 113 George Avenue Sandringham –

late night shopping until 8pm on the 6th and 13th of September

Call on 011 640 7173 Shop online at www.selwynsegalgifts.co.za

turnover. Toys range in price

from R35 – R1600 for the

large items and can also be

ordered online via the website:

www.selwynsegalgifts.co.za

Rosh Hashana • September 2017 • Volume 49

5

SANDRINGHAM GARDENS EMBRACES MIKE BAUM

Whoever said, “If you love your job

you’ll never have to work another

day in your life”, might have been

talking about Mike.

After more than 20 years at Selwyn Segal

where Mike was part of the management

team and acted as family liaison, father

and friend to the residents and promoter

of Jewish values and practices, he was

asked to share his talents with Sandringham

Gardens three months ago. This doesn’t

mean he will be surrendering his connection

with Selwyn Segal, but rather adding to his

responsibilities.

The new Chev Ambassador says he loves

his work. ”It’s exciting, interesting and

challenging and I feel that I have learned

more in the past three months than in all my

previous years”. He explains that it’s because

working with elderly people - listening to

their life experiences and their journeys

through success and tragedy, hearing about

their families, businesses, triumphs and

failures, has given him a fresh respect and

admiration for them. On a daily basis he is

privy to stories of wisdom and resilience.

Many of those who are not well, who may be

immobilised, frail or ill have positive attitudes

despite challenging circumstances. People

in wheel-chairs so often greet him with a

smiling face and share a joke or a story.

Many aged people in the Home are highly

intelligent, have wonderful qualifications

and have worked as professionals or run

their own successful businesses.

“I am meant to be an inspiration to them,

but so often the roles are reversed and they

inspire me with their positive attitudes and

courage”. His role is to befriend the residents

and act as a liaison between them and their

families and the Chev. “I am a problem-

elevator rather than a problem-solver and

can ensure their

concerns reach the

right ears.”

Mike does a rotation

of visits, hoping to

meet with every

resident at least once

within each 3-month

period. “Most people

are deeply grateful

to have a place

like Sandringham

Gardens.” They are

aware and appreciative

of the constant

improvements being

made to the physical

structure. Right now, a complete

renovation of the dining room, Nosh Bar and

gardens is underway. He spends time with

residents in the dining-room, in shul and

he knocks on doors when he knows they

are not resting. In the Lifestyle Centre he

joins them for crosswords and Sudoku and

helps them in the Skype room. Friendships

between residents thrive. They play cards

and Bingo, go shopping and on walks, or do

art, knitting and crocheting. The Resident’s

Committee arranges special

events and invites speakers

to address them. There is an

open forum once a month for

people to meet with the GM

to express their opinions and

catch up on news.

Mike has been

impressed with the

staff who he describes

as, “Amazing – patient

and kind. All the

residents have to do is

speak politely to them

and there is nothing

they won’t do to help.

Decency and respect

is a two-way street –

between themselves and between residents

and staff. Common courtesy, good manners

and appreciation go a long, long way”.

Every day Mike meets people who teach

him about life.

“I literally can’t

wait to get to

work in the

mornings”.

The Group Facilitators

at Selwyn Segal hosted

a talent show for the

residents in July. All staff

and residents were invited

to attend. Everyone had

a great time and put on a

wonderful show,

singing and

dancing. In the

end, the judges

couldn’t decide

on one winner

because all the

performers were

outstanding. It

was decided that

a braai party

would be held for

everyone at Selwyn

Segal.

Lara Milner, Head Social

Worker and Head of Life

Enrichment at Selwyn

TALENT ON DISPLAY AT SELWYN SEGAL

Segal said, “It really was

a morning of fun and

laughter. The pride that

each resident had in

their performance was

heartwarming to see.

The rehab staff put in a

huge amount of time and

effort to ensure that each

and every performer got a

chance to showcase their

talent and feel special”.

CARE OF THE AGED

AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY WELFARE

6

7

Rosh Hashanah • September 2017 • Volume 49

8

AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY WELFARE

COURT SUPPORTWhen relationships are abusive

Volunteers were required to attend in-

depth training over five sessions of three-

hours each on:

1. Understanding Abuse

2. Skills Development – learning

empathy, empowerment and

appropriate responses

3. Safety Plans and Places of

Safety

4. Understanding Protection

Orders… how to complete forms

5. Maintenance Schedules and the

Domestic Violence Act

A tour of the Magistrates Court completed the course, and Senior Magistrate, Marlene

Lamprecht, spoke of the importance and value of the project and how it is badly needed.

Besides being alone and afraid, victims are often forced to sit alongside their abusive ex-

partners for many hours in a court room – an intimidating experience. Having someone at

their side offers them relief and provides much-needed support.

An intake process is in place for both existing Chev clients and for new clients. Social

workers will consult with other experts regarding the exact nature of the help required.

Mediation is a service already on offer at Chev Social Services but if abuse is a factor there

may be a need for urgent relocation to our safe house and legal assistance. When that is the

case, once the client is safe, social workers will pair the client

with a court support volunteer.

A graduation ceremony was held for volunteers who

qualified. Social Services Manager, Glynne Zackon, in her

address to them said, “I am proud that we have been able

to expand the abuse services we offer to our community by

providing practical and emotional support to people, mainly

women, who require assistance in obtaining protection

orders, reviewing maintenance orders and securing safe

house accommodation. The work going forward will be

challenging, heart-wrenching, arduous and heart-warming

all at the same time but we know the value and difference

you will be making and bringing to the lives of those who

need this service”.

People in need of assistance should contact Tova Goldstein

on: tovag@jhbchev.co.za or call 011 532 9616

Chev Social Services has launched a volunteer Court Support

programme to assist people in the process of escaping abusive

relationships as well as post-divorce when abuse has been, or

remains, an issue. Volunteers have been trained in court-related

procedures and are able to help with the completion of forms

applying for Protection Orders and Maintenance. They will

accompany applicants to the Magistrates Court and stay with

them during extended waiting periods to provide company and

reassurance. As an added benefit, the volunteer programme will

sometimes save lawyers hours of time at the court.

Tova Goldstein (L) Chev Abuse Services

Coordinator with a group of volunteers on

a visit to the Magistrate’s court: Shayne

Wolovitz, Anthea Glocer, Marlene Lamprecht

(Senior Magistrate), Eleanor Lowatz, Michelle

Blumenau, Avigail Sacks

Tova, Glynne & Amy Grodziki, social work student

Volunteers, trainers and staff

9

Rosh Hashana • September 2017 • Volume 49

Keeping Our Community Well

Common Cents

Healthcare is one of the most important services that the Chev provides

to both residents in our facilities and to people in the community unable

to afford the costs of care.

Within the residential facilities we spend an average of R70 million per

year looking after the healthcare needs of residents in our various homes:

Selwyn Segal, Arcadia, Sandringham Gardens and Our Parents Home.

Outside of these facilities healthcare is taken no less seriously and our

Financial Welfare department considers medical assistance a vital and

basic necessity and assists members of the community with a range of

medical needs:

• R2.5 million per annum pays for medical aid plans for people who

cannot afford them on their own. The type of plan is dependent upon

the individual needs of the recipients.

• R1 million per annum is paid out for medical expenses (including

psychiatric care) not covered by medical aid and for those not on

medical aid.

• An average of R350,000 per annum, which can vary dramatically from

year to year and case to case, pays for once-off expenses like hearing

aids and emergency, life-saving surgeries.

Golden Acres is more than a beautiful, well-appointed

retirement home. Its residents are a family of friends

who celebrate life together. They observe Jewish

festivals, hold birthday parties, play cards, have

movie nights and embark on group charity ventures

like knitting baby blankets for impoverished moms.

But more than all that, there is always something

enjoyable and entertaining on offer for Golden

Acres residents. Recent happenings have included:

• A Spa Day – manis and massages for all!

• An illusionist who performed in a half hour show

• Yael Benjamin came to sing - followed by a tea-tasting

with pots of different flavoured teas

• Herzlia school vocal ensemble

• Yom Ha’atzmaut – a delicious Israeli lunch with not one,

but two Israeli singers!

• Zumba Gold - a Zumba class designed for older

people

• 11 year-old Sam Hertz, a gifted young pianist, touted

as the Most Promising Player in his age group, came with

his sister Rachel to play at a joint event with Sandringham

Gardens residents.

If you are interested in joining the Golden Acres family,

call Lynette Yach for more information and to arrange a

viewing: 011 532 9639 or email lynettey@jhbchev.co.za

The Golden Acres Family

Sam is 11 years old and is in Grade 6 at King David Linksfield Primary School. Sam started playing the piano at the age of 7 and learns with Dr Jean

Pierre Calitz. He has passed his piano exams, all with distinction, through

the Royal Schools in London. In July 2017, he performed at the Linder Auditorium as a soloist with the

Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra. He has recently been selected as one of

50 musicians country-wide to participate in the Hubert Van Der Spuy National

music competition in Cape Town which is taking place later this year. Sam has won numerous awards at music eisteddfods, including winning the trophy

for the Most Promising Player in his age group at the SASMT, over the past two

years. Sam also loves the theatre and has performed in numerous productions at

the National Children’s Theatre, most recently playing “Oliver” in “Oliver Twist”, “James”

in “James and the Giant Peach” and “George” in “ George’s Marvellous Medicine”.

Monday 7 August 2017 | 2:30pm | Gerald Horwitz Lounge

Join us for an Afternoon Piano Performance by Sam Hertz

To whom it may concern,

As you know we have a severe spastic Quadra paresis cerebral palsy daughter complicated by epilepsy scoliosis upper airway obstruction and osteoporosis. As you can imagine it is an ongoing journey of grief, hope, extreme stress, frustration, adjustments and even sometimes joy. We have learnt and been humbled by the valuable lessons of faith and surrendering to Hashem’s will.However, we couldn’t have come so far and continued to maintain and help make our child’s life as comfortable as possible without all the help and unconditional kindness from Shirley Resnick and the Chevrah Kadisha. It is always very hard to come for our consultation to see Shirley but from the second we arrive she has always made us feel so comfortable and the interest, compassion and sensitivity that she displays is phenomenal. We have only left the consultation with raised spirits.

Therefore we thank Shirley and the Chevrah Kadisha for their ongoing chesed and helping us care for this very special blessing…

10

AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY WELFARE

A LIFE TOUCHED BY

Sandringham Gardens

A Personal Meander through Sandringham Gardens

by Gwynneth Howe-Watson, resident

It is a Wednesday morning and my day begins early. I

wake up in my pleasantly decorated room. It reminds

me of a caravan because it serves so many purposes:

bedroom, kitchen with a fridge and kettle, study with a

desk and computer - and best of all three easy chairs

to entertain my friends to tea or coffee.

I peer out of my West facing window overlooking the

garden next to the Nosh Bar, and I spot one or two early risers smoking

and chatting.

My walk usually begins at 7.15 am; my first stop being the fishpond

where about sixteen well-fed red and gold fish dart about. My route

then takes me around Golden Acres where a few staff members park

their cars to begin an early start in what I call the "White House" as the

goings-on seem to be private and one can only enter Reception with

a specific purpose.

I listen to the discordant sound made by the Hadedas and watch a few

doves on the roof. The gardens are lovely and not too neat. Orange

Strelitzias and numerous Bottlebrush trees all bloom according to the

season.

When I continue to walk round the bend and reach the main entrance,

it is satisfying to greet the guards and watch the African staff arriving

in numbers for their early shifts, chatting, singing...

Breakfast is a community affair.

"How did you sleep? Have you heard what happened in Israel? Please

pass the jam ... omelettes today..."

The morning is busy. I have my hair done and my nails manicured

by a capable young lady on the 'World of Work'

programme. Tres chic. On my way to the Lifestyle

Centre, I see some residents whom I know well,

sitting at the crowded Out Patients Department

waiting to see the Doctor. In the large airy

Lifestyle Centre, others are busy with 'beading' or

crosswords or drinking tea or knitting...

I join a popular Mosaic class facilitated by a

friendly and talented volunteer named Lisa. She

encourages me with my fish mosaic.

Before lunch, I attend a fascinating Shiur in our well-attended

Sandringham Gardens Shul. There is a knock on my door whilst

I am resting. Two friendly King David pupils present me with a

doughnut and sweets, and we have an inter-generational chat.

After supper, I may spend a few quiet moments watching the

sunset from my window. No one interrupts me, it's my private

time. Meanwhile 'winding down' is taking place in the residential

section. I like to take part in a little gossip.

"So and so no longer needs her walking stick”

“Someone else had a fall - - I visited her in the Hospital Section and

she's doing fine."

I, Gwynneth, am personally so grateful for the Medical/Hospital

facilities....

I am aware of my neighbours watching their favourite 'soapies',

the news, and walking along the passage having completed their

shower.

The lights go out in the passage at 10 pm. In their rooms, residents

connect with their families. My day finally winds down as I listen to

music or read a book. Then I fall asleep in my comfortable safe bed

in Sandringham Gardens....

The  Torah  considers old age a virtue and

a blessing. Throughout the Torah, “old”

(zakein) is synonymous with “wise”. The Torah

commands us to respect all elderly, regardless

of their scholarship and piety, because

the many trials and experiences that each

additional year of life brings yield a wisdom

which the most accomplished young prodigy

cannot equal. It describes  Abraham  as one

who “grew old and came along in days”

(Genesis 24:1) - his accumulated days, each

replete with learning and achievement,

meant that with each passing day his worth

increased. Thus, a ripe old age is regarded as

one of the greatest blessings to be bestowed

upon man.

This attitude is at odds with the youth-fixated

culture in which we live where, as they age,

people become invisible and the lifetime

of experience and accomplishment they

have acquired is often discounted. It’s not

AGE = WISDOMSolly Edelman’s 103rd Birthday

the Jewish way and that’s why when we are

blessed to celebrate a wonderful occasion like

Solly Edelman’s 103rd birthday at the Chev, the

joy is deeply felt and widely shared between

family, friends and staff.

Solly is the oldest, treasured resident at

Sandringham Gardens. Though he and his late

wife never had children of their own, his nieces

and nephews and their families are not only

present in his life, they are loving and devoted.

Solly’s friends and Chev management, doctors

and staff who care for him all celebrated this

wonderful milestone with him and look forward,

please G-d, to his 104th birthday.

11

Rosh Hashana • September 2017 • Volume 49

According to the latest reports by UNAIDS (UN Programme on HIV/Aids) released in July 2017, for the first time in world history more than half the people living with HIV are on treatment. This is welcome news. HIV remains the biggest killer of South Africans and although we have the largest antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme in the world, still only 56% of people living with HIV are receiving treatment.

Like many socially responsible companies and organisations in the country, with the support and encouragement of Government, the Chev is involved in an active AIDS awareness programme to educate and protect our 1,000 staff members across the Group, including 400 outsourced workers.

A Committee of HIV peer educators was formed in 2015 and 14 staff were given a 5-day course of SETA-accredited training. SETA is the Sector Education Training Authority. The Chev falls under Health and Welfare SETA and discretionary grants are allocated for different kinds of accredited training, especially HIV.

In the past 2 years the Committee has run quarterly Awareness Days to address stigma and discrimination, treatment compliance, workplace HIV policy, circumcision, TB (HIV-related) and to offer general information and updates like evolving medical treatment and medication. Staff are always encouraged to know their status and on Awareness Days free, private HIV testing is provided by Mobile Testing Stations / Clinics funded by the Department of Health; literature and condoms are distributed and guest speakers are invited to address the attendees. Speakers can be medical professionals, activists or HIV positive people. Our own Dr Moshe Singer spoke on circumcision (seen as a protective measure) which is provided free by Govt. Between Awareness Days, the names of peer educators are publicised so that staff can contact them confidentially to get information.

Chairperson of the HIV Committee, Buhle Buthelezi, physiotherapist and Rehab Manager at Sandringham Gardens, said,

HIV/AIDS - EDUCATING TO PROTECTSOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

“The HIV workplace programme started as an initiative to educate our peers on the prevention of HIV; instead what has resulted is that a small group of passionate individuals has started to break down the stigma associated with HIV and in turn motivate their peers to face the realities of HIV, whether affected or infected, with courage and informed decision-making”.

Last year 277 people of mixed race and gender attended campaign events. Halfway through 2017, with two campaign events and World AIDS Day still to come, that number has already been exceeded. 240 staff members have come forward to be tested to find out their status Judging by these stats, the Committee’s strategy is working. Awareness Days are attracting larger crowds and more people are getting tested. Chev employees were asked to participate in researching self-test kits, which will be available in pharmacies if approved. They are overcoming their reluctance to

be associated with the topic of AIDS and are appreciative of the support they receive – not only for themselves but for their family members too.

Editor: Tzivia Grauman, Head of Group Communications. chevrahgroup@jhbchev.co.za

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AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY WELFARE Rosh Hashana • September 2017 • Volume 49

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