FROM JOB SEEKER TO MENTOR, JERRY MONYAKENI TALKS OF 30-YEARS OF DEDICATION

By Madali Chibambu

• Jerry Monyakeni’s lifelong commitment to the Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre in Cullinan is being rewarded by a Long Service Award from the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
• Arriving at the treatment centre straight out of school, Monyakeni and his three friends were hired immediately, despite struggling to communicate in Afrikaans and English.
• Monyakeni, who has given 30 years of dedicated service as a gardener at the centre, now mentors young employees.

For Jerry Monyakeni (57), stepping into Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre in Cullinan, in the eastern outreaches of the City of Tshwane, was the start of a lifelong career.

Now, after 30 years of dedicated service as a gardener at the rehabilitation centre, he is set to receive the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Long Service Award in February 2025.

Fresh out of matric, Monyakeni and three friends arrived at the institution, which was then called the Magalies Oord Sentrum, seeking work despite struggling to communicate in Afrikaans and English.

Their determination paid off when a white Afrikaans-speaking man put them to the test, assigning them tasks like yard work and tractor driving despite their lack of licenses. To their surprise, they were hired the same day.

Monyakeni remained committed to his work, building a home for his family and putting his three children through school. One went on to become a teacher.

As he approaches retirement, he mentors young employees. But he has noticed a shift in work ethic. “Opportunities are scarce, take any job seriously and prove your worth,” he advises today’s youth.

Monyakeni’s story is proof that hard work, perseverance, and the power of dedication ultimately pays off.