About

Sungardens Palliative Care began with a vision of compassion, founded by Shelagh Lahoud in 1986 and followed by Mamelodi Palliative Care in 1994. Both were born out of a deep understanding of the need to care for those facing life’s most challenging moments. Together, they serve the greater Tshwane Metropolitan area, anchored by our main administrative office and in-patient unit in Pretoria at the corner of January Masilela and Lynnwood Road.

Our mission is rooted in bringing comfort and dignity to patients and their families, whether they are facing Cancer, HIV/AIDS, advanced Emphysema, Motor Neuron Disease, end-stage organ failures or any other life-threatening disease. While our 6-bed in-patient unit provides short-term relief for pain and symptom management, the heart of our work lies in the homes of our patients.

Our professionally trained nurses visit families, offering not only medical care but also a sense of hope and understanding. We strive to create a space where every patient feels valued and supported, surrounded by the care they deserve.

At any given time, we walk alongside approximately 300 patients and their families, ensuring no one faces this journey alone. Beyond physical care, we provide bereavement counselling, run support groups and adherence clubs, and offer palliative care training to equip others with the skills to continue this compassionate work. At Sungardens, we believe that every life matters and that dignity, love, and comfort should always be at the forefront of care.

At Sungardens Palliative Care, our vision is clear:

“To provide unparalleled holistic Palliative Care and support to all qualifying patients, without prejudice, to build a powerful Palliative Care Organization, based on Kindness, Respect, and Integrity.”

Our mission is to ensure that every individual facing a life-threatening illness receives compassionate, patient-centered care that upholds dignity, comfort, and unwavering support. We are committed to delivering holistic care—addressing not only physical needs but also the emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of both patients and their families.

Guided by kindness, respect, and integrity, we strive to remove barriers to palliative care, ensuring that it is accessible to all who need it. Through collaboration with skilled medical professionals, trained caregivers, and dedicated volunteers, we provide a network of care that offers reassurance, expert support, and a compassionate presence.

At Sungardens, palliative care isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. Our work is driven by a commitment to honoring life, preserving dignity, and making every moment meaningful for those we serve.

• General Manager: Mr. Pieter van Heerden
• Nursing Services Manager: Sr. Irma Schnetler-Ras
• Psychosocial Manager: Mrs. Judith Mmola
• HR & Finance Manager: Mrs. Carolyn Vertue
• Retail Manager: Mrs. Hilda Shaba
• Office Manager (Mamelodi): Mr. Ernest Sibika
• Support Services Manager: Mrs. Mandy du Plessis