Friedland urges Pretoria community to remain kind and united

Netcare chief executive Dr Richard Friedland greets every employee in a hospital by name, believing that small gestures of recognition can make an enormous difference. 

As guest speaker in the Pretoria Hebrew Congregation sukkah last week, he spoke about ethics, not only in the medical profession but in the way people treat one another. 

Like every employee at a hospital, he clocks in and out every day, wears a name badge, and makes a point of greeting people by name. He always thanks people for the work they do, offering praise and encouragement. 

Friedland spoke passionately about the importance of unity within the community. He reminded the audience that internal disagreements are often observed beyond the community, and that when conflict becomes public, it can cause considerable harm. 

Not that Friedland believes disagreements should be ignored, rather that they should be handled with sensitivity, dignity, and discretion. “Let us chase peace and deal with disputes quietly behind the scenes, without embarrassing anyone publicly,” he urged. 

He encouraged people to find a way to apologise when necessary, and to acknowledge the pain, embarrassment, or shame that their actions may have caused, whether intended or unintended. In doing so, he said, an opportunity for healing is created rather than deepen divisions. 

Friedland reminisced about his time studying in Pretoria and the connections he had formed with the community during those years. 

Pretoria Jews live and work within a predominantly non-Jewish environment, which, Friedland said, is both an enormous blessing and an enormous responsibility. The way they conduct themselves, treat others, and care for one another reflects not only on them, but on the community as a whole. 

He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pretoria and Durban Jewish communities stood out for the extraordinary way in which they cared for their members. “The kindness and chesed I saw were incredible.” 

He concluded by wishing the Pretoria community continued growth, into an even stronger beacon of light, kindness, and unity in the wider community.