Honouring Joachim Breydenbach: The Godfather of NRC Pinehaven
Image: Supplied
At the age of 93, Joachim Breydenbach is a revered and much-loved senior member of the dialysis family at National Renal Care (NRC) Pinehaven in Krugersdorp. This Father's Day, NRC pays tribute to its oldest patient.
Having retired almost 30 years ago from the South African Railways, Breydenbach, from Florida in Roodepoort, enjoyed an active lifestyle, spending a lot of time in his beloved garden before finally starting to take things more slowly in the last few years.
'My father will be turning 94 in November, and he is still spritely for his age. He is a real fighter, and to look at him, you would think he's at least 20 years younger. Dad enjoys the company of his friends, whom he sees regularly at his dialysis sessions three times a week, spending time with family and watching his favourite TV shows,' his son Mike Breydenbach said.
A grandfather and great-grandfather with a cherished family all over the world, Breydenbach has been dialysing at NRC Pinehaven since experiencing complete kidney failure three and a half years ago. He has earned the affectionate nickname 'The Godfather' due to his seniority.
'Dialysis is a lifeline for my father, and we spend a lot of time at NRC Pinehaven every week. It's a very supportive community – everyone becomes like a family, including the staff, other patients, and their family and friends,' his son said. He added that the medical professionals and staff are especially considerate of his father due to his advanced age.
Dejmaine Raju, Gauteng operations manager of NRC, meanwhile, said Breydenbach is their eldest patient. NRC Pinehaven, located within Netcare Pinehaven Hospital, has recently reached another important milestone with a redevelopment aimed at expanding its capacity. Upon completion, the haemodialysis centre will feature enlarged treatment areas and enhanced healthcare facilities, designed to meet the evolving needs of patients and clinicians.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Next month, NRC celebrates 30 years of service to patients, providing a lifeline to thousands of people whose kidneys can no longer function to purify their blood naturally. NRC centres around the country support renal patients with services including in-centre haemodialysis, home haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and pre-dialysis education and support.
In addition, its mobile application connects dialysis patients of all ages with real-time tools for planning meals, tracking fluid intake, monitoring symptoms, and staying informed – all in one place.
'No one chooses kidney failure, but the patients we serve each day—like Mr. Breydenbach—remind us why we do what we do. Our mission is to ensure patients maintain the best possible quality of life while supporting them in pursuing what matters most, through compassionate care and a calming environment,' Dr Chevon Clark, Chief Executive Officer of NRC, said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
06-07-2025
- The Citizen
Local church celebrates dads, raises brain tumour awareness
This year, the convergence of Father's Day and Trinity Sunday saw a meaningful celebration taking place at the Mondlo Methodist Church. The congregation paid tribute to 'earthly fathers' (still alive) for their love and guidance; while also honouring 'heavenly fathers' (passed on) who are with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in Heaven. The service opened with a short sermon by local preacher Snakho Mbatha, who read from Psalm 8:4: 'What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?' His message reflected on the value of fatherhood, both spiritual and earthly. As part of the day's commemorations, the congregation also observed World Brain Tumour Awareness Day. Dr Simphiwe Khumalo, a specialist in neurology and cardiology, delivered an informative presentation to raise awareness and promote education about brain tumours. Dr Khumalo emphasised the critical role the brain plays in controlling essential functions such as speech, sight, hearing, memory and mobility. He explained that a brain tumour is an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells within brain tissue. Tumours are classified into two categories: • Primary tumours, which originate in the brain; and • Secondary tumours, which occur when cancer cells spread from other parts of the body. He highlighted that brain tumours can be cancerous or non-cancerous, and that early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve a patient's quality of life. Symptoms may include persistent headaches (especially in the morning or at night), seizures, difficulty speaking or thinking clearly, loss of balance, numbness or tingling on one side of the body, hearing loss, blurred vision, or abnormal eye movement. Dr Khumalo noted that while the exact cause of most brain tumours remains unknown, fewer than 5% are inherited. In some cases, there may be a link to family history or environmental factors such as radiation exposure. Treatment options depend on the tumour's type, size and location, with surgery being the primary form of treatment. He also encouraged preventative measures to reduce risk, including limiting radiation exposure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, and managing stress effectively. Following the presentation, all fathers in attendance were treated to thoughtful gifts, and lunch was served to everyone present. ALSO READ: Happy Father's Day The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
15-06-2025
- IOL News
Honouring Joachim Breydenbach: The Godfather of NRC Pinehaven
Joachim Breydenbach, 93, the "Godfather" of dialysis during one of his many treatments. Image: Supplied At the age of 93, Joachim Breydenbach is a revered and much-loved senior member of the dialysis family at National Renal Care (NRC) Pinehaven in Krugersdorp. This Father's Day, NRC pays tribute to its oldest patient. Having retired almost 30 years ago from the South African Railways, Breydenbach, from Florida in Roodepoort, enjoyed an active lifestyle, spending a lot of time in his beloved garden before finally starting to take things more slowly in the last few years. 'My father will be turning 94 in November, and he is still spritely for his age. He is a real fighter, and to look at him, you would think he's at least 20 years younger. Dad enjoys the company of his friends, whom he sees regularly at his dialysis sessions three times a week, spending time with family and watching his favourite TV shows,' his son Mike Breydenbach said. A grandfather and great-grandfather with a cherished family all over the world, Breydenbach has been dialysing at NRC Pinehaven since experiencing complete kidney failure three and a half years ago. He has earned the affectionate nickname 'The Godfather' due to his seniority. 'Dialysis is a lifeline for my father, and we spend a lot of time at NRC Pinehaven every week. It's a very supportive community – everyone becomes like a family, including the staff, other patients, and their family and friends,' his son said. He added that the medical professionals and staff are especially considerate of his father due to his advanced age. Dejmaine Raju, Gauteng operations manager of NRC, meanwhile, said Breydenbach is their eldest patient. NRC Pinehaven, located within Netcare Pinehaven Hospital, has recently reached another important milestone with a redevelopment aimed at expanding its capacity. Upon completion, the haemodialysis centre will feature enlarged treatment areas and enhanced healthcare facilities, designed to meet the evolving needs of patients and clinicians. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Next month, NRC celebrates 30 years of service to patients, providing a lifeline to thousands of people whose kidneys can no longer function to purify their blood naturally. NRC centres around the country support renal patients with services including in-centre haemodialysis, home haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and pre-dialysis education and support. In addition, its mobile application connects dialysis patients of all ages with real-time tools for planning meals, tracking fluid intake, monitoring symptoms, and staying informed – all in one place. 'No one chooses kidney failure, but the patients we serve each day—like Mr. Breydenbach—remind us why we do what we do. Our mission is to ensure patients maintain the best possible quality of life while supporting them in pursuing what matters most, through compassionate care and a calming environment,' Dr Chevon Clark, Chief Executive Officer of NRC, said.
The Citizen
15-06-2025
- The Citizen
Three east dads share fatherhood wisdoms
Three devoted dads and respected Pretoria east community figures have shared how their children remain their greatest source of inspiration. The three spoke to Rekord in the spirit of Father's Day. For Casper Visser, the line between professional duty and personal passion is blurred in the best way. Visser is the owner and founder of Vemru (Volunteer Emergency Medical Response Unit). His unit responds to medical, trauma, and mental health emergencies in the east of Pretoria for free. 'Because emergency response takes up a large quantity of my time, I focus on making the time I have with my kids high quality,' he said. 'They help me cook or make a fire, I help them build toys with blocks, and we read stories together as often as possible.' Visser's desire to help others began years ago while working on private ambulances. However, it was the failing public healthcare system and the rapid population growth in Pretoria east that pushed him to create his own solution. 'Public ambulance services are overwhelmed. People are cancelling their medical aid. I saw the gap and knew I had to step in.' Fatherhood hasn't just shaped Visser's daily routine but also redefined how he approaches care. 'I've become more empathetic toward patients and their families,' he said. 'Our public education campaigns used to focus on how to respond to emergencies.' Visser however said they are currently focusing more on preventing accidents in the first place. He added that he hopes his children learn that life is more important than material things and that every person deserves equal care. For Visser, Father's Day carries special weight. His son was born weighing just 700g, two months premature, and spent six months in the neonatal intensive care Unit (NICU). 'We had medical aid, but the bills piled up. He came home for the first time just before Christmas. 'I remember one afternoon his monitor went off, and he had stopped breathing. We were lucky to resuscitate him and rush him back to hospital.' Visser added that his little boy turned six years old on June 8. 'He's strong, healthy, and happy.' He said on Father's Day, he will be working from home to be with his family and to remind himself how grateful he is. Ward 42 councillor Shane Maas also serves the east from Waterkloof to Erasmusrand. He said being a father informs every aspect of his leadership. 'I'm fortunate to live and work in the heart of my ward,' he said. 'It means I can stay close to my son while also being available and responsive to my community.' Maas first stepped into community work more than 15 years ago, after being frustrated by deteriorating infrastructure and persistent service failures. He said after studying engineering, he realised he had the skills to fix his area and not let it collapse. Becoming a dad changed his pace, but not his purpose. 'It made me more focused and more determined not just to fix things but to do it in a way that my son could see and learn from,' he said. 'I want him to know that civic duty matters, that his voice counts, and that he has both the ability and responsibility to make the world better.' Maas describes Father's Day as a pause and a moment to reflect on the kind of dad he wants to be. He said, besides free socks, it's about appreciating the unconditional love their kids give them and recommitting to being worthy of it. For other dads looking to give back, Maas advised them to get involved and bring their children along. 'When they see us helping others, they learn that it's normal. Community involvement builds empathy, resilience, and perspective.' For Shaun Wilkinson, another east councillor and long-time community advocate, the call to serve began in childhood. 'My dad was my greatest inspiration. He spent his life helping others, feeding people, supporting churches and mentoring kids through music.' Wilkinson carries that legacy with pride, calling his work in Tshwane his 'ministry'. Whether it's restoring services, attending meetings or checking on residents in need, he said the key is being present at home and in the community. 'It's not always easy,' he added. 'However, I bring the same energy to both roles. Family comes first. My wife and our children understand the demands, and their support keeps me grounded.' He spoke about his children with deep love. His daughter, Kendora, who now lives and works in Japan, was his 'little firecracker' and remains his biggest cheerleader. 'We were two peas in a pod. I remember upsetting her when she was about two or three. Instead of just saying sorry, I told her she could decide when to forgive me. She made me wait a week,' he said. Wilkinson said when she finally did, she hugged him and said, 'Don't ever do it again'. His son, Cameron, a disco DJ known as #DSCOCAM, brought a different energy. He added that he is funny, compassionate and has always been his own person, full of love and laughter. 'I still call him 'River-Dancer' after watching him tap dance in a river during bush school.' Wilkinson said Father's Day is both sweet and sentimental to him. 'It's a time to remember my dad and everything he taught me. It's a chance to recommit to being the kind of father my children deserve.' He added that it's also a time to eat a lot of homemade fudge and chocolate bars. Wilkinson wants his kids to learn and know that showing up matters and leadership is about service, not applause. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
