INTERVIEW
Making a difference Adorantha founder Thami Ndlala explains how health awareness, counselling and training can change lives. How did the business begin? We are passionate about our country and its people. In 1996, then Minister of Health, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, told a conference in Vancouver that most people infected with HIV live in Africa, where therapies involving combinations of expensive anti-viral drugs are out of the question. We knew then that we had to get involved. Our vision was to set up Employee Assistance Programmes designed to assist management and employees in addressing productivity and absenteeism in a confidential and effective manner. Thami Ndlala
What are the main services you provide?
Adorantha provides health awareness, healthcare counselling and training services nationwide. Our mission with the HIV/Aids awareness programme is to help prevent HIV infections and to improve the lives of those affected by providing education and facilitating the free and open exchange of knowledge and training. Counselling and health awareness is based on a holistic approach. What level of qualifications do your staff have?
Adorantha Investments has established a reputation of service excellence. We pride ourselves on the services we render as well as the trained and highly professional and qualified service professionals. We have qualified doctors who are in good standing with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
BIOGRAPHY Thami Ndlala is an entrepreneur and businessman at heart. After working in the corporate environment for a short period, he focussed his energy on building an empire. With the umbrella company, Ndlalayemandla Group of Companies (Pty) Ltd, he set off on this journey. The various subsidiaries reflect his interest in transport, recreation, wellness, insurance, hospitality, property development, education, security and media/entertainment. Thami’s approach has always been to look at ways in which he can make a difference.
Please tell us about the HIV/Aids in the workplace programme.
We provide HIV testing and group education to HIV-negative participants, training on Wellness Referral Programme and Student Life Skills Training. Our wellness programme is about increasing the productivity, morale and teamwork and strengthening the bonds between management, employees and the organisation. The HIV/Aids workplace programme includes creating a company policy, information on HIV/Aids, ways of preventing the transmission of the disease, condom distribution, STI diagnosis and referrals, mitigation services like counselling, community support and home-based care. Please share any success stories.
Our main success story has been to cater for thousands of hard-working construction labourers who are exposed to extreme conditions through our extensive wellness programme. In addition, Adorantha Investments now offers an excellent range of health insurance packages at affordable rates, in partnership with Johan Eksteen & Associates.
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SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2019