32nd Edition
Social Scenes | Meet the Richards and Shabalala Families
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Please note that the photo was taken prior to lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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CONTENTS
AUTUMN 2021
ISSUE 32
12
14 12 meet tHe ricHardS family Get to know Johan, Elmarie, Riaan and Simon and find out more about why they love living in Palm Lakes.
14
20
landScaPing on tHe eState Find out all the ins and outs of landscaping on Palm Lakes.
20
22
conSerVation How much do you know about Palm Nut Vultures? Find out more in this interesting piece.
22 meet tHe SHabalala family Get to know this wonderful family of four and learn more about what they enjoy about living in this family-orientated estate.
24
24 reciPeS Try out a delicious Oven-Baked Kingklip or refreshing Watermelon and Kale Salad in this editions recipes by Lucia Mthiyane.
08 eState manager’S rePort
10 cHairPerSon’S letter
16
26
Social SceneS
Pet feature
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www.ezair.co.za
Aircon Installations, Repairs & Maintenance
083 267 5476 info@ezair.co.za 6 | www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za
Contact Information
eD’S NOTE
Should you require any information regarding the Estate, please contact any of the following persons: Ross Bishop Wilma Prinsloo
Estate Manager 078 801 1569 | ross@plhoa.co.za Administration Manager 065 518 8944 | wilma@plhoa.co.za
Security Control Centre 083 740 7585 (24 hours) Royal Palm Home Owners’ Association - RPHOA & body corporate Estate Managing Agents Ballito Estates (Contact: Barbara Shingler) Office: 032 946 2055 E-mail: barbara@ballito-estates.co.za General HOA enquiries: admin@plhoa.co.za DEVELOPER: Royal Palm Property Holdings Ltd (RPPH) Office: 087 554 3916 Fax: 086 531 2331 Cell: 083 675 7789 E-mail: info@rpph.co.za
publisher
Lorinda Scott
lorinda@fabmags.co.za
082 562 7202
Graphic designer
Savannah Greyvenstein
savannah@fabmags.co.za Lucille Wendler
lucille@fabmags.co.za
083 747 3694
journalist
Jordie Trotter
content@fabmags.co.za COPY EDITOR
Anne van Gelder
Production sharlene@fabmags.co.za
Sharlene Odayar 083 761 3137
Office Number Fax
032 946 0357
WEBSITE
086 605 0098
ONLINE
www.fabmags.co.za http://issuu.com/fabmags
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As the first quarter of 2021 is almost over, we are looking forward to gaining back some of what we lost last year — we want big- and small-scale joys. We are loving being back in the office, the teamwork is fantastic (interruptions are not, though). Small wins — enjoying things like eating at a restaurant and being able to see family and friends on a regular basis…all the things that we all love to do, but have not done in a year. Big joys are for so many that missed 18th, 21st, 30th, 40th and 50th celebrations, weddings and (fingers crossed) international travel. It is a bit weird that “wanting to get back to normal” feels a little selfish in some ways, though. Does it not? Anyway, at some stage, we have to move on and on that note:
Website: www.palmlakes.co.za
Sales director
There is nothing we love more than producing magazines! That is a fact. The first one of the year is also always especially exciting for us and this edition of the Palm Lakes mag is no different. We are very relieved, too, that the world seems to be a bit different already — we are breathing more easily, we are more positive and we are all looking up, looking forward to making 2021 a fantastic year.
Warrick Trotter ROC Media
This edition kicks off well with some fabulous features, from nature to landscaping and more. We meet the Richards and the Shabalala families. We love your family stories and we can see that you are both really happy on the estate. The estate management team and the chairperson cover some estate business — it is always good to catch up on that. Karen Bonsall talks about socials “then” and “now”, and Altha Hutton tells us about the advantages of adopting older pets. Enjoy the last of our healthy summerfocused-type meals with the wonderful fish and salad recipe ideas, all served up just in the nick of time before our short winter hits and we happily pull out the blankets and the potjie pots again. All in all, this edition offers a really good, diverse read. So, sit back with a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine and enjoy reading your mag about your estate. (And please don’t forget to mention any time you use one of the suppliers/advertisers in the mag, where you found them as they are the reason this mag can be supplied to you free of charge, after all) Till next edition — stay safe and keep well!
Lorinda Scott
and the FabMags team
Some inspiration: Every great story on the planet happened when someone decided not to give up, but kept going, no matter what.
Staying In Touch While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents FABMAGS cannot be held responsible for any omission or errors, or for any misfortune, injury or damages that may arise there from.
If you have anything you’d like to share with us, whether it’s your opinions, your suggestions or your ideas, please feel free to e-mail me at lorinda@fabmags.co.za I’d really like to hear from you.
FabMags is a privately owned and funded company and is not subsidized by Palm Lakes Family Estate or the PLHOA.
www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za | 7
Estate Manager’s Report APRIL 2021
mountain bike-riders of all ages), as well as braai areas, jungle gyms, boardwalks and bird hides. In addition, we are conducting routine maintenance on some of the swimming pools, the clubhouses, nature trails (including the addition of cycling trails) and roads. As usual, security remains one of our highest priorities and we continue to try to stay ahead of the pack when it comes to our procedures, systems, and technology. We are upgrading sections of the perimeter fence, adding CCTV cameras on certain areas of the fence line, and we are also going to be installing “no-touch” wave readers (biometrics) at the main gate, which will eliminate the need to touch anything and, therefore, there will be no need to make use of sanitiser when entering or exiting the estate. We are having an estate map designed, which will show the layout of the various trails, the locations of the dams and other facilities on the estate.
PHoto WarricK trOtter
I
t was around this time last year that we first started hearing on the news about a new virus called COVID-19 that had been discovered in a remote part of China.
I don’t think we imagined for a second at that stage that it would not only reach our continent, but completely turn our world upside down and that, a year later, we would still be walking around wearing masks like actors in a Sci-Fi movie, with some of us still trying to recover from the loss of a loved one or the effect that Covid-19 has had on our job or business. We all realize that things will most likely never revert the “normal” that we used to know, but
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we are definitely looking forward to settling back into the comfort of the “new normal”. As the first quarter of 2021 draws to a close, and Easter eggs are on the shelves in all the shops, I feel fairly excited about what the rest of the year has in store for us. At Palm Lakes, we have just started our new financial year and, even though we managed to keep the estate’s levy increase to a minimum, we still have some exciting projects planned for this year, which will hopefully add to the quality of our lives as well as the value of your investments on Palm Lakes. Some of these projects include the construction of a pump track (for skateboarders and scooter-, BMX- and
I am also compiling a bird checklist specifically for Palm Lakes as we have an ever-increasing number of avid bird watchers and some really exciting species have been recorded here over the last couple of years. I do hope you notice some of the fantastic improvements that we will be undertaking over the next 12 months. Stay safe and well.
Ross Bishop Estate Manager
Estate Issues Ross Bishop Estate Manager Steven Erasmus Building Control Manager Wilma Prinsloo Administration Manager Corrie McPherson Administration Assistant Jason Britz Assistant - Building Control Pieter Nel Body Corporate Supervisor PLHOA Office landline Security Issues Control Room Steven Gomes Security Manager - IPSS David Mthembu Access Control Officer Mon-Fri 07h00 to 16h00 Saturday 08h00 to 11h00 Visitor’s SMS code number Landscaping Andrew Erasmus Landscaping Manager DRAGONFLY CLUBHOUSE Clubhouse Restaurant Clubhouse Manager Erica Poppmeier Emergency Numbers Retirement Village Clinic (24 Hours) Netcare 911 Ballito Shaun Paul (Medic) Ipss Medical Rescue Ambulance Alberlito Hospital (Trauma) Fire Department Police Dolphin Coast SPCA KwaDukuza - Electricity Ilembe Municipality - Water Vodacom Fibre Faults
078 801 1569 063 346 8047 065 518 8944 0873543917 0787306188 071 707 6087 083 388 2866 087 287 9643
083 740 7585 074 216 1234 032 815 1058
31671 or GLOVISITOR APP
082 300 8587
087 086 0220 076 813 6631
082 603 2662 083 557 1591 082 391 1911 032 946 6711 032 946 2711 032 947 9900 087 550 0512 032 437 5081/87 032 437 9426 or 9427 082 1904
animal welfare Altha Hutton (pet committee) Durban & Coast SPCA Sharks Board (Marine Wildlife) Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Snake Catcher (Neville Wolmarans) Snake Catcher/Locksmith (Quinton Powers) Bee Man (Trevor Thompson) Crow Care Wildlife
073 242 2276 031 579 6500 031 566 0400 082 559 2847 082 561 4969 082 789 3332 082 770 8376 031 469 0883
* These contractors are purely for recommendation to residents.
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HOA
PHoto WarricK trOtter
Dear fellow Palm-Lakes owners and residents Although, with Level 3 Lockdown, this year did not start well I would like to wish you all everything of the best for 2021. March has arrived and with it a change to Lockdown Level 1, giving us more freedom of movement and perhaps some sense of returning to “normal”. We can only hope that the “third wave”, when it does arrive, will be more of a ripple than a tsunami.
the constitution rest with you, the members, as it is you who will need to understand the proposed changes and vote on them. I urge you to read all the correspondence in this regard and to take an interest and have a say in the document that guides the trustees and protects the members.
Welcome to the new board of trustees. It is always good to have some changes, with new perspectives and ideas. I am sure I speak on behalf of all of us when I say we look forward to working together in the best interests of the estate as a whole.
Over the last two years the board and the HOA have made every effort to improve communication in the form of e-mails, messages on GloPortal and GloVisitor, as well as with newsletters. Communication is, however, a two-way street and we encourage you to read all notices before summarily deleting them. If you have any suggestions on improving communication, we are always willing to listen.
During the next few months, the board will be giving its attention to the revision of the constitution and you will be kept informed of the process. Ultimately the changes to
I never cease to be amazed by the beauty of our estate and the peace and tranquillity that surrounds us. Take the time to go for a walk along the many trails or even stay on the
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roads and paths — there is so much to see. Sit on your patio in the late afternoon and watch the amazing sunsets on display every day. Make time to spend with your children — watch them swim or play soccer, fish with them at the dams. Life is too short not to enjoy what we have on our doorstep. Do it today — tomorrow may be too late.
Mell McConnachie Chairperson of Royal Palm Home Owners’ Association
www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za | 11
MEET THE NEIGHBOURS
Meet the
J
Richards Family
ohan and Elmarie Richards moved to Palm Lakes in 2015 after spending 22 years in Richards Bay. Johan drove by the estate back in 2009 and was drawn to the rural feel, but little did he know that six years later he would move there and build their dream house. Johan and Elmarie met at the University of Pretoria, where Johan completed his BSc Quantity Surveying and Elmarie her B Proc degrees. They got married in Winterton in the Drakensberg on 5 December 1987 and lived in Pretoria. In 1990 they embarked on a two-year adventure in Chesterfield near Sheffield, UK where Johan worked as a quantity surveyor for Henry Boot Construction. Elmarie could not practice as an attorney in the UK, so she decided to work as a tea lady in a factory close to where they lived and was quickly embraced by the local Derbyshire lasses, learning the local vernacular and knitting techniques. Johan obtained his master’s degree in Construction Law and Arbitration in 2013 from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland and is now an experienced construction mediator, adjudicator and arbitrator.
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Upon their return to the Republic in February 1993, they settled in Richards Bay and their firstborn, Riaan, was born in June of that year. Riaan went to Grantleigh School, just outside Richards Bay and matriculated there in 2011. The next four years were spent at UCT in Cape Town. He is currently working for Bingelela Consutling Professionals where he assists in the development of electronic procurement systems and the estimation of construction projects. He has recently enrolled as a candidate property practitioner and is looking to focus on property management and development in the future. Johan and Riaan are serious chilli lovers, even planting their favourite Habanero varieties. They are starting to reap these chillies and have experimented with making their own chilli sauce, which they call “Picadura Chilli”. It isn’t for the faint-hearted, though, says Riaan. The family love cooking together and, with two curious sons, they often experiment with different cuisines. Their youngest, Simon, was born in 2002 and matriculated from Curro Mount Ridgemore, Salt Rock during the infamous 2020 lockdown year. He was head boy and says it was an interesting challenge to do matric
under those circumstance but that, if you know your purpose, you should embrace the process and will achieve your goal — he certainly kept his eye on his vision and obtained four distinctions and admission to study International Business Management in Coventry in the UK. He will be exchanging our shores for the British Isles in late August this year. Elmarie is a director at a legal firm, Serfontein and Richards Attorneys, that has its head office in Richards Bay and branches in Ballito and Somerset West in the Western Cape. After nearly 25 years, the company has distinguished itself in the field of Notaries, Conveyancing, Wills and winding up of Deceased Estates. If anyone needs to have their will looked at or updated, Elmarie will do it for you or free of charge. The family enjoys the tranquil lifestyle on Palm Lakes Estates, where they enjoy an uninterrupted view of the dam and can watch the Egyptian Geese have their war games and also view the multiple bird species in and around the dam. They also enjoy strolling down the forest trails while they catch up on the day’s activities. They say that they relish the occasional neighbourly interaction with the many
pedestrians that are out and about for their afternoon strolls. (It’s high time that we reached herd immunity so we can celebrate the rich diversity that we are so proud of in the estate with a proper “straat braai”!) Johan and Elmarie say they are truly grateful to the developer of Royal Palm Lakes Estates and his family for having the vision to persevere and establish this wonderful family-orientated lifestyle estate which they
have the privilege of living on today to enjoy and to contribute to to make it even better. We decided to build a steel structure house and use a more cost effective method. We have also installed water tanks to gather the rain water, battery back-up for load shedding. Just need to add solar panels to be more energy efficient.
ServiceS offered Wills AdministrAtion of deceAsed estAtes conveyAncing Business contrActs divorces notAriAl Work including AuthenticAtion of documents, Apostille & mArriAge contrActs contact elmarie richardS 032 586 1170 elmarie@serfontein-richards.co.za 220 Simbithi Office Park, Simbithi Country Club, Ballito
But none of this would have had any meaning, say the family, if it wasn’t for their deep devotion to, relationship with and belief in God. They believe that it is the goodness of God that leads people to repentance and their desire is to reflect God’s goodness to all mankind.
We can assist you With:
- Advice on costs for budgeting purposes before building your house - Calculating the cost of your new house or additions - Determining replacement value of your house - Valuations of damages to house for insurance purposes - Mediate disputes
contact Johan RichaRds
082 552 6350 | jrichards@bingelela.com 219 Simbithi Office Park, Simbithi Country Club, Ballito
www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za | 13
MAINTENANCE
LANDSCAPING ON THE ESTATE
W
ith the fantastic rains we have had this summer, everything is looking green and vibrant. Now, going into the cooler months and as things quieten down, the landscaping team will start focusing on gardens on the estate’s common property that need attention. The alien vegetation teams will get back into full swing and we will continue with work on the nature trails and bridges through the greenbelt areas to make them more accessible to all residents. It is now time to start preparing your garden for autumn. With the soil we have in Palm Lakes, it is always a good idea to feed your
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plants throughout the year and add good quality compost to your beds, as well as to use organic fertilizers. Some things to take care of at this time of year are dividing and replanting perennials, feeding your lawn with fertilizer to get its last growth before the winter months, a light pruning of trees and shrubs, reducing watering and feeding flower beds with organic fertilizer every two to three weeks. Autumn in KZN is a fantastic time to do some planting. The soil temperatures are still high and there is plenty of time for plants to settle in and get great root growth before the colder months. With the temperatures dropping, it is a perfect time to get into the garden and reap the rewards in the winter months.
I would like to take this opportunity to clarify a few things. Below is the list of responsibilities that fall on the HOA gardening team. The team offers basic garden maintenance to homeowners on the estate. With almost six hundred freestanding houses serviced in two days, the teams do slip up every now and then so, if you notice something you are not happy with, please contact me directly and I will do my best to rectify the problem as soon as possible. Gardening responsibilities for freestanding houses and body corporate units: Body corporates: 1. Cut Lawn. 2. Weed beds. 3. Rake dead leaves. 4. Cut dead branches. 5. Clean retaining walls up to 2.2m. 6. Hedging of structured shrubs. Things we do NOT do:
3. Digging up of roots. 4. Cleaning up of hard surfaces. 5. Spraying of ants around units. 6. Weeding in the grass. Freestanding houses: 1. Cut Lawn. 2. Rake leaves. 3. Weed beds every two weeks. 4. Edge beds every two weeks. Things we do NOT do for freestanding Houses: 1. Cleaning of hard surfaces, paving, driveways, and washing line areas. 2. Cutting back of trees. 3. Weeding in the grass. 4. Hedging. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly should you have any questions. Happy gardening,
Andrew Erasmus Landscaping Manager
1. Tree Felling. 2. Cutting back of trees.
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Social Scene Slowly, slowly we are able to mingle in small numbers. Roll on the day that we can integrate fully and enjoy all the social benefits of community living on Palm Lakes Estate, writes Karen Bonsall. We squeezed in a Retirement Village Christmas Luncheon early in December and then in the new year we seemed to be back in a heavier lockdown. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. The first pub evening took place recently and more are planned. Steve Graham was a huge success and everyone partied up a storm. Golf, darts and card games have started up again. Claudia Passmore has a social Salsa evening planned for Saturday, April 17 and Gordon Amos is working his magic to entertain us for a Quiz Evening on Tuesday, May 25. This will happen with strict Covid-19 protocols in place! We’re also thinking of another Bingo evening and a Potjie competition. Let’s all enjoy what’s planned without forgetting that we must keep each other safe during this pandemic.
Retirement Village Christmas luncheon The annual Retirement Village Christmas luncheon was held on December 2 at the Dragonfly Restaurant and with the thought of the camaraderie and delicious food over 70 residents booked for the occasion. Unfortunately, it also coincided with a spike in Covid numbers and some people sadly opted not to actually attend but instead were able to have their meal as a take-away version. Thanks to Erica, Hannes and the Mamma G’s team for providing such a delicious meal. Some of the ladies worked hard in the weeks prior to make sure the venue and tables looked 16 | www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za
properly festive and this was achieved. And by all the happy faces and laughter it seemed that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal and afternoon. We look forward to this year when we hope to be able to have a full house with no virus issues. Dave and Brenda Scott
SOCIAL SCENE
www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za | 17
SOCIAL SCENE
bullSeye Take aim at the Dragonfly Clubhouse every Wednesday from 6pm for an evening of honing your mental arithmetic skills while bending your elbow! Get onto the Whatsapp group to receive important information by contacting John Grindrod on 0813474001 or Ivan Bharath on 0824908367. Regulars include Miles Wood, Roelof Faul, Shashin Seonath, Ivan Bharath, Warren Naidoo and me. Come along for a game of Cricket, Killer, Nomination Killer and 501/301. Everyone is welcome! John Grindrod
LOOKING FOR MORE CANASTA PLAYERS! Please join us at the Dragonfly Clubhouse on a Wednesday from 1pm for a great afternoon of cards and camaraderie. For more information please contact Dave Scott on 0837791823. 18 | www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za
FOOTIE (SOCCER) Game on at our Astro near Mini Palm. Teens vs Dads! Join us for some fun and exercise on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5.30pm. For more information please contact Shashin Seonath on 0847061564.
Out of the rough The Palm Lakes monthly golf day caters for players of all standards. It was born out of a need for guys and girls to get together for a social game. Many residents first met at the Driving Range when I was coaching there from late November 2016. The first Sunday of the month we meet at a designated course. With the help of Jean Marais a WhatsApp group was started and we keep in contact through that. The first competition was at Umhlali Country Club with 28 entries on October 8 2017 and it was only during 2020 lockdown that we were forced to take a break! We’ve played Mount Edgecombe Country Club, Zimbali Country Club, Princes Grant golf club, Simbithi Country Club and Umhlali Country Club. The field varies between 20 and 40 players. It was agreed that visitors could be invited to swell the numbers. At present there are 76 names on our database and we encourage residents, old and new, to contact me to participate in the monthly Palm Lakes Golf Day. It’s a great way of meeting new residents. Hilton Anderson SA PGA Life Member Cell: 0824109499
www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za | 19
words Matt Yardley
T
he Palm Nut Vulture is a bird
province in early 1900, so they have only
that there are only about eighty thousand
that birders will travel all over
been active in KZN for 100 years.
of these birds left in the world.
the country to find, and we’re The distribution of the bird is from
The bird is very particular about where
find them literally on our doorstep. The
Gambia through to Kenya and South
it nests and will only nest in the palm
place with the largest concentration of
Africa. If these birds are seen inland,
fronds, where they build little stick nests.
Palm Nut Vultures in South Africa is the
it is probably because the Palm Nut
Their greatest predators are monkeys
Mtunzini/St Lucia area on the KZN North
Vulture has been forced to look for a new
and pythons, as well as other bigger
Coast, as that is where the most suitable
home. The number of Raphia Palms is
birds of prey and, of course, man. The
habitat is found. The bird tends to strongly
decreasing rapidly due to development,
Palm Nut vulture is under enormous
favour the Kosi Palm, (Latin name: Raphia
resulting in loss of habitat for the Palm
pressure, with a diminishing habitat, a
Australis, meaning the South Raphia Palm.
Nut Vulture, necessitating a search for a
diminishing food supply and the increase
Australis does not mean from Australia, it
new habitat. One does not have to look
of predatory monkeys due to their habitat
is the Latin word for south.)
far to see human development in these
being disturbed by the development of
lucky enough to be able to
areas and the resultant destruction of the
estates, etc in the bird’s habitat areas (and
The Palm Nut Vulture is so named as
Raphia Palms. In the past, before humans
because people feed the monkeys).
it prefers eating the fruit of the South
lived here, the seeds of the Raphia Palm
Raphia Palm — the bird seeks out a ripe
were widely dispersed by elephants
But, despite all the above, I find myself
nut, breaks a bit off with its beak and
grazing here when the elephant migration
in a privileged position, as just in front of
carries it away to eat the fruit inside,
route spread all the way from PE to
Palms 7, right here in Palm Lakes Estate,
breaking the nut with its beak. The reason
Mozambique. Elephants love these trees
there are several Raphia Palm trees, where
that the Palm Nut Vulture is so rare is
too, so the seeds were transported over
there have been frequent and repeated
because of the scarcity of the Raphia
a larger area. The Palm Nut Vulture was
sightings of Palm Nut Vultures, both adult
Palm. The bird was extinct in KZN until
therefore also prevalent there before they
and juvenile.
Raphia Palms were re-introduced into the
became extinct in the area. It is believed
20 | www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za
The adults court by performing
They are quite inactive birds, meaning
high-flying acrobatics and, once they
that they tend not to migrate too far
have mated and laid eggs, there is
if they aren’t forced to. They prefer
an incubation period of about 45
to stay in “their” area, especially the
days. They need to find the perfect
youngsters, which is happy news for
tree to nest in, the right amount of
Palm Lakes, as our Palm Nut Vultures
food and they have to protect their
will most likely remain here for a
eggs from predators for nearly seven
while.
CONSERVATION
weeks, which are quite high odds! Palm Nut Vultures usually lay eggs
I am also exited by a combination of
around August and September. The
sightings in Palm Lakes of the African
baby birds grow to be about 60cm in
Striped Weasel, sightings of turtles laying
length and 1.6kg and it takes about
eggs on the Tinley Manor beach and now
three months for the adults to wean
sightings of the Palm Nut Vulture. Our
the babies onto Raphia Palm fruit.
WOW list for this area is growing and
They also feed off of crab meat, sea
it is very exciting to live here. We need
lice and fish if they’re unable to get
to protect and nurture these “rubbing
enough Raphia Palm fruit. Palm Nut
elbows with nature” events that we get to
Vultures have been known to act like
witness when we look for them.
Fish Eagles and grab dead fish from the water, and this is why they are
Palm Nut Vultures are monogamous
often mistaken for Fish Eagles. It
and some have been known to use the
takes up to four years for a juvenile
same breeding site for over three years,
to reach adult plumage, so they stay
so here’s hoping that we keep our Palm
around their parents for a good period
Lakes Palm Nut Vultures for a good long
of time. The youngster seen at Palm
time. I hope this encourages you to seek
Lakes is roughly about three years old.
out sightings on your next walk.
www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za | 21
MEET THE NEIGHBOURS
Meet the
Shabalala Family
W
e met at an event in Richards Bay in September 2012. I remember that it was a Sunday afternoon and I didn’t want to go out. However, a friend of mine managed to convince me and eventually I agreed. If it hadn’t been for that friend, I wouldn’t have met my wife, so I am glad he kept on pushing until I gave in. I proposed to her on her birthday in 2014 (14 April) and proceeded to pay lobola for her in July of the same year.
22 | www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za
We were blessed with our first daughter, Lithandwe, AKA Litha, on 31 August 2016 and Litha and I share the same birthday. God blessed us with our second daughter on 6 September 2018 and we named her Athandwe, AKA Atha. Atha was supposed to be born on the same day as me and Litha, but, because my wife’s’ gynaecologist had a double booking, her arrival was delayed by a few more days. Mom works for the Ethekwini Municipality as a Geographical Information Systems
(GIS) Specialist. Dad is a mine manager for a global mining company. The kids enjoy walking around the estate in the afternoons and love also riding their bikes. We ensure that we set some timeout every weekend to allow them to ride their bikes. They also enjoy jumping on the trampoline — the only problem with that is that they insist that mom and dad need to jump with them. The kids also enjoy swimming, so every now and then we take them to either Mini Palms or the main
clubhouse. They also have swimming lessons as an extramural activity at their school. Dad enjoys having a braai or a potjiekos for the family. Mom absolutely loves fashion and she has her own little business selling clothes, shoes, etc. We moved in to Palm Lakes in February 2015. We love the family set-up and its locations. It gives you the privacy that you want without it being too far from busy Ballito and other surrounding towns. The estate is also very safe and we were happy that at the time we decided to purchase our property in 2015, estate statistics showed that there had never been a burglary. Our home is located in a quiet private street, Beaver Lane, and we have beautiful views from our balcony. We have recently renovated our kitchen to an open-plan, which gives us more space to enjoy the kitchen and living room. And Mom can cook and still interact with the family. The family-orientated environment. We love the clubhouse but we do believe that it may be time for a bigger or second clubhouse since the number of residents has increased considerably since we moved in in 2015. We love the morning runs and walks and seeing friendly faces whilst we do so. We also love how friendly the security and the clubhouse staff are.
Does advertising work?
lucille@fabmags.co.za 083 747 3694
www.fabmags.co.za
www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za | 23
Watermelon and Kale Salad
INGREDIENTS Salad
method
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500 ml chopped kale
1. Start assembling the salad on a
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¼ of a medium-sized watermelon, sliced
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1 medium avocado, sliced – sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent it turning brown
by Lucia Mthiyane
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2 wheels feta cheese, cubed
This is a light and refreshing salad but
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2 carrots, shaved – use a
can be bulked up by adding pasta rice to it. What kind of tune would you pair this caring, sharing salad? I’d choose something with a vibe as vibrant as these ingredients.
peeler to make shavings •
salt and pepper, to taste
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50 ml mixed seeds (optional)
a layer of kale. 2. Next, add a layer of watermelon slices. 3. Add a third layer of avocado slices. 4. Sprinkle the cubed feta cheese over the salad. 5. Finally, sprinkle the carrot shavings on top. 6. Season with salt and pepper.
Dressing
7. Sprinkle the seeds over, if using.
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15 ml extra-virgin olive oil
8. Mix all the dressing ingredients
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10 ml freshly squeezed
together and drizzle over the
lemon juice
salad just before serving.
Serves 4 • 24 | www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za
large salad platter by first adding
5 ml honey
RECIPE
OvenBaked Kingklip by lucia MthiYane
At Bona Magazine, I once had to prepare this dish for a photo shoot, but right before the shoot my assistant broke the fish by mistake. It was total mayhem until the photographer said, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll cover it up.’ With a huge sigh of relief, I could only marvel at the joys of technology. Kingklip is a very delicate fish and it can easily dry out, so be careful to follow the recipe. Serves 2
INGREDIENTS •
2 kingklip fillets, skin on
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1 medium onion, cut in wedges
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2 cloves garlic, crushed
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5 ml dry oregano
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1 lemon, cut into thick slices
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30 ml canola oil
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salt and pepper, to taste
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350 g Bella or cherry tomatoes
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30 m fish sauce
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a handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
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4 lemon wedges, to garnish
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Oven-Roasted Vegetables to serve
METHOD
6.
Add the tomatoes and roast for 10 minutes.
7.
Rub the fish sauce onto the
1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C
fish, as well as a little oil if
2.
In a piping-hot shallow or griddle
needed, and season with salt
pan over high heat, grill the fish skin
and pepper.
until crispy. 3.
4. 5.
8.
Place the fish on the bed of
Place the onion in a roasting
roasted onion and lemon
tin. Sprinkle with the garlic and
in the roasting tin, return to
oregano. Add the lemon slices, and
the oven and bake for 10
drizzle with the oil.
minutes.
Season with salt and pepper. Toss
9.
Plate the fish, garnish with
to ensure the onion is coated in oil.
parsley and lemon wedges,
Roast for 15 minutes, turn the onion
and serve with the roasted
and lemon slices over and bake for
vegetables.
Lucia Mthiyane, TV personality, singer, and kitchen queen has been in the food industry for more than 10 years. In her recipe book, she offers us food infused with flavour and flair , enthused with love and light and grace
15 minutes on the other side. www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za | 25
PETS
wordS altha huttOn •
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Senior pets have loads of love to give, plus they do not constantly want to rush off and play and will happily stay by your side. What you see is what you get — there is no guesswork over size, colour, coat, or behaviour. With better focus and calmer behaviour, they are easier to train than youngsters. Many are already trained and understand commands. They still have many years ahead of them, as dogs and cats can live for 10 to 15 years and pet birds even longer. Seniors are calmer and less over-thetop than little ones and tend not to be destructive (so your shoes or the TV remote will not get chewed up, or your furniture destroyed). They can usually be left unattended for
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periods of time — not a good idea with puppies or kittens. You will have an instant companion and be able to do stuff together, like go to out for walks or relax on the lawn. Get a custom-made friend by deciding exactly what you want and then finding the one that matches. Seniors are perfect for first-time pet owners, senior citizens and or busy families. You will be a hero. Senior pets are usually overlooked and, by adopting one, you will save his/her life and change the world for that pet.
ADOPTION EXPLAINED Rescue organisations do not “give away” their animals (dogs or cats), nor do they “sell” them.
They are “adopted” from the rescue organisation and an adoption contract is signed. All animals that are adopted from a rescue organisation are sterilised to prevent them from having unwanted litters; they are vaccinated to safeguard them from contracting diseases such as distemper, parvovirus and rabies; they are dewormed to assist in the elimination of internal parasites and they receive a tick and flea preventative to ensure that there are no external parasites; and they are microchipped. This is what prospective owners are paying for when they adopt an animal from a rescue organisation — there is no fee charged for the animal itself.
A TRIBUTE TO MY DEAREST ADOPTED GANNET On 26 February, 2021 we said our goodbye — after one last embrace, we turned around and then you were gone. It is strange how you only realise what a big part of your life a pet is until it is no longer there and that our lives revolve around them and their special little ways.
26 | www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za
People thought I was the crazy dog lady but, as you began to rule the household, for the first time in your life you were my top priority and deservedly so. We miss your way of moving closer and closer to the front door in the afternoons in anticipation of the homecoming of your master.
Thank you for choosing us, thank you for teaching us, thank you for allowing us to be part of your healing process and for showing us that anything is possible with a little bit of love and patience. You were never truly my dog — I was your human.
www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za | 27
palm lakes IS OUR STORY.
Pictured (Left to Right): Scott Whitaker, Stacey Berkeley, Clint Wahl, Nordean Laird, Dayle Shuttleworth
SALES
SCOTT WHITAKER
NORDEAN LAIRD
CLINT WAHL
072 725 9633 scott.whitaker@seeff.com
076 807 7258 nordean.laird@seeff.com
082 572 9315 clint.wahl@seeff.com
Accredited Sales Agent
Accredited Sales Agent
Accredited Sales Agent
RENTALS
DAYLE SHUTTLEWORTH
STACEY BERKELEY
Accredited Rentals Agent
Accredited Rentals Agent
067 022 0244 dayle.shuttleworth@seeff.com
079 491 7795 stacey.b@seeff.com
CONTACT THE PALM LAKES MARKET EXPERTS TODAY.
NORTH COAST 032 586 0170 | ballito@seeff.com
www.seeffballito.com
28 | www.palmlakesfamilyestate.co.za
SEEFF OFFICE:
Suite 4, First Floor, New Salt Rock Shopping Centre, Salt Rock