NEWSLETTER | NOVEMBER 2023
Pantone 334C CMYK 100 0 56 8
ENVIRONMENT
TRICK OR TREAT
SECURITY UPDATE
COVER PHOTO
Content
This magazine is designed & published in partnership by :
From the General Manager
04
From the Club General Manager
06
Hello, Common Sandpiper!
13
Snake Season
14
Tree Pruning and Removal
16
Wetland Rehabilitation
17
Wild About Wildlife
19
Security Updates
20
Building Stats
23
Events Calendar
24
Trick or Treat
25
A division of Fabmags
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Contact the Digi Sales Team Lucille Wendler Cell: 083 747 3694 Tel: 032 946 0357 E-mail: lucille@fabmags.co.za Next issue: December 2023
Disclaimer: This e-newsletter is produced especially for residents of Simbithi Eco-Estate to provide updates and useful information. It is produced by Fab Creative, on behalf of the Simbithi Eco-Estate. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of content, Simbithi Eco-Estate HOA and/ or the Publisher, cannot be held liable for any inaccurate information, and may not agree with all opinions expressed in this publication.
FROM THE
GENERAL MANAGER
As the victorious Springboks tour the country, Webb Ellis cup in hand, the pride and unity in our country is heartwarming to witness. It has been great to see green and gold shirts on #BokFriday (I already miss wearing mine to the office) and the South African flags fluttering. From the Simbithi community, a huge congratulations to the Bokke on a record fourth Rugby World Cup win. We are all incredibly proud of you. Let’s hope that magic rubs off on our Proteas at the Cricket World Cup. It would be quite something to have another World Cup Trophy on South African soil! Speaking of community, we have welcomed a new staff member to the HOA building. Delvin Walstroom joined the technical department as our newly appointed Building Inspector earlier this week. Delvin, we wish you a long, fruitful career with Simbithi.
Our new golf cart stickers have arrived, and you may read more about them and how to register later on in the newsletter. Please make sure your carts are displaying the correct stickers ahead of the festive season. We have also started our annual collection for our service providers, which is a great way to show our appreciation to the men and women who give of their best to keep our Estate safe and clean throughout the year. If you would like to donate (either via debit off your levy account, EFT or credit card) please contact the Welcome Centre on 032-946 8360 or e-mail welcomecentre@simbithi.com. If you are going to donate via EFT, please use the reference Christmas Donation 2023. All donations to please reach our offices by Friday, 15 December 2023. One of the values we subscribe to at Simbithi is respect. We have a mutual respect policy, which is displayed at our gatehouses and common areas. It is, therefore, disappointing when this value is discarded, as it was at the South Gate after the Rugby World Cup 4
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER final. One of our security officers was allegedly verbally abused, with racial slurs. Thank you to the residents who witnessed the incident and reported it, so the appropriate action could be taken. And, credit to our security officer who remained calm, and conducted himself with utter professionalism. Residents, our security officers are an asset to our Estate. They perform what is, at times, a thankless function. The last thing they deserve is to be treated disrespectfully. Please, let us remember to be kind and respectful. As I close off, may I encourage you to check out the Simbithi YouTube channel. We share all sorts of content, including our Did You Know series and other visual representations of events on our Estate. You’ll find us by searching ‘Simbithi Eco-Estate’ on YouTube.
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FROM THE
Club General Manager
Well, I’m sure there is just one thing at the forefront of our minds – and rightly so! The Springboks gave us all the possible feels and emotions, right from the quarter finals to the final, where we stood as champions yet again. Of course, our deck was practically alive with gees from the first kick off in September. Not even torrential rain deterred our Simbithi community from gathering to cheer the ‘Boks on. The singing of the national anthem, the rousing cheers for every kick Pollard launched, the anxious heart-holding for those one-point victories and the absolute euphoria of that final whistle…we saw it all. Thank you, all, for joining us.
I hope to see you give our men in India the same support, as they inch closer to Cricket World Cup glory. The big screen remains on
our deck. Come and watch the Proteas in action! The Club’s calendar is filling up swiftly, as is tradition for this time of year. Quiz Night happens on the second Thursday of November at the Fig Tree Restaurant; round up your team and join us. Still in the Fig Tree, our new menu will launch soon. Keep an eye out for a few new dishes ahead of the festive season. Golf will see our annual International Day later this month. We are fully subscribed, already, so we wish our competitors all the very best. We can’t wait to see who will emerge victorious this year: the Boere, Souties, Zimbos or Barbars? Our events team is standing by to welcome you and your company for your year-end events. Give us a shout and let us arrange a memorable afternoon or evening for you.
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FROM THE CLUB GENERAL MANAGER And, finally, we hope to see you here for our Christmas Eve dinner, special edition of December Firsties and our NYE party, where we’ll celebrate “All That Glitters”. Keep an eye out for updates on our social media and our official comms. Have a great month!
Craig Nell 7
SEEHOA
Access Control
032 946 8372/92
access@simbithi.com OR access1@simbithi.com
Accounts
032 946 8372/92
access@simbithi.com OR access1@simbithi.com
Building Control
032 946 8383
finance@simbithi.com
Control Room
032 946 8373/4/5
controlroom@simbithi.com
Environmental & Landscaping
032 946 8382
environmental@simbithi.com
Facilities & Maintenance
032 946 8380
facilities@simbithi.com
Finance Manager
032 946 8368
fm@simbithi.com
General Enquiries
032 946 8360/1
enquiries@simbithi.com
General Manager’s Office
032 946 8364
gm@simbithi.com
Heron Pizzeria
032 946 5423
foodbev4@gmail.com
Legal & Compliance
032 946 8379
compliance@simbithi.com
Marketing & Communications
032 946 8386
marketing@simbithi.com
Security Manager
032 946 8365
dysan@simbithi.com
Technical Manager
032 946 8384
tm@simbithi.com
Connect with us via WhatsApp:
073 156 1378.
Join our Broadcast Lists by sending us your name & address
9
Country Club
CONTACT DETAILS
Accounts
032 946 5422
bashni@simbithi.com
Events
032 946 5409
events@simbithi.com
Fig Tree Restaurant
032 946 5403
foodbev1@simbithi.com
Golf Manager
032 946 5411
sportsman@simbithi.com
Pro Shop
032 946 5407
proshop@simbithi.com OR sport@simbithi.com
Technical Manager
032 946 5405
clubgm@simbithi.com 10
Board of Directors
CONTACT DETAILS Jeff Leaver: Chairman
Director Marketing & Communications
board8@simbithi.com
Clive Mc Creadie: Vice-Chairman HOA
Director Security
board4@simbithi.com
Andrew Mackenzie
Director Finance & IT
board3@simbithi.com
Louis Boshoff
Director Design Review Committee
board5@simbithi.com
Gavin Dunlop
Director Technical & Maintenance
board7@simbithi.com
Lisa Southey
Director Human Resources
board9@simbithi.com
Margi Lilienfeld
Director Environmental
board6@simbithi.com
Frank Bradford: Vice-Chairman SCC EXCO
Director Simbithi Country Club
board2@simbithi.com
John Gowans
Director Legal & Appeals
board1@simbithi.com
The Board of Directors are your elected representatives who volunteer their time and expertise without remuneration. Approaching a Director should be your last resort. 11
RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors
remax_dolphin
Hello,
COMMON SANDPIPER! This beauty was seen feeding at the Weaver Dam, recently. The rare sighting confirms that Simbithi’s endeavours to improve our habitats for wading birds are paying off.
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Snake Season PHOTO NOT TAKEN IN SIMBITHI ECO-ESTATE
As the warmer months arrive, so do snakes on our Estate. These beautiful creatures are often misunderstood, and as an Estate it is our role to protect them and educate our community on how to live harmoniously with all wildlife. If you spot a snake in
your home or on your property, please do not harm it. Please also do not attempt to catch the snake on your own. Our security officers are trained regularly in safe snake capture. Please call our 24-hour Control Room for assistance on 032 946 5403. 14
FOR SALE Sole Mandate
TREE PRUNING AND REMOVAL As we approach the holiday season, it is most understandable that you would like your home and property to look their best. A reminder, though, before you remove or prune a tree greater than three metres in height, please engage with our Environmental Department first. This is a requirement in line with our landscaping protocols. You are welcome to contact us on environmental@simbithi.com.
R3,600,000 | 302m2 R 3
2.5
2
RORY ANDERSON 073 697 4159 RO
SIMBITHI | KZN NORTH COAST
Connecting. You.
[C] 060 760 4919 | [E] rory.a@localrealestate.co.za
WETLAND
Rehabilitation
Earlier this month, our Environmental Department began rehabilitating a wetland along the 12th fairway. A wetland, Environmental Manager Ayanda Duma explains, is a natural sponge for the environment. “They are important, because they filter the quality of our water, and create a suitable habitat for amphibians. Most notably, the protected Pickersgill
Reed Frog, which Simbithi is a site for.” Prior to the commencement of the work, Simbithi applied for tree removal permits from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DEFF). “The wetland we are presently working on had merged into a swamp forest because it had too many trees. 17
ENVIRONMENT Removing selected trees improves the wetland’s hydrology to improve the wetland.” The tree removal is systematic, Ayanda shares. “We have been mindful of our birdlife. Some trees have been completely removed, while others have been left so our bee eaters and kingfishers are not disturbed. The trees left behind have been ring-barked, so they will die back slowly and become a perching site for the birds.”
The team has worked with Dr Jeanne Tarrant of the Endangered Wildlife Trust, who runs the Threatened Amphibian Programme and has been instrumental in monitoring the Pickersgill Reed Frog with Simbithi. There are four wetlands on our Estate, and the team will proceed with rehabilitating the balance once the first is complete.
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Tinker Reed Frog
Our cover star of last month’s edition has been nicknamed ‘Sangoma’ by Paul
Johnson, in whose home he has taken up residence. Thank you, Paul, for these
striking shots of Sangoma moulting and a few friends who joined him for a garden visit this week, a Tinker Reed Frog and Painted Reed Frog.
Have you taken some photographs around the Estate? We’d love to share them! E-mail marketing@simbithi.com.
Sangoma
Painted Reed Frog 20
SECURITY UPDATES Pets Recently, we have noted several incidents of pets running loose on the Estate. We would like to remind you of a few of our rules pertaining to pets: • Each pet must, at all times, wear a collar with a name tag indicating the
Owner or Lessee’s name and telephone number. • All pets must be kept within the confines of the owner’s or Lessee’s private property, and when outside the Owner or Lessee’s private property, must always be on a physical leash and
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SECURITY UPDATE under the control of a responsible person. • All pets must be registered with the Estate office. It is a breach of our pet rules if you do not disclose your pet. • Pets should not be harming any humans or wildlife. Any signs of aggression by a pet must be attended and resolved as soon as possible. Be mindful when walking bigger dogs. The handler must be able to control and manage the dog when out on the Estate roads.
Security Alert: Shakas Rock Main Road Residents, please encourage your staff to be vigilant when walking to and from the Estate, particularly along the Shakas Rock Main Road. Here are a few helpful safety tips: 1. Avoid walking alone. Rather, walk in the accompany of others or in groups. 2. Avoid walking during unusual hours. 3. Avoid carrying valuable items or high amounts of cash. 4. Do not take lifts from strangers. 5. Walk on the left side of the road so you can see oncoming vehicles. 6. Walk as close to the left side of the
road possible, using the shoulder or sidewalk if available. 7. When attempting to cross, always look left, right, and left again. 8. Make yourself visible to motorists by wearing reflective clothing. Or, use the Johnsson Vizibelt shared with you earlier during the year. Report suspicious activity to our 24-hour security Control Room on the following numbers: 1. 032 946 8373/4/5 2. 032 946 0709 3. 083 599 3561 22
SECURITY UPDATE Golf Carts As from October 2023 when renewing your golf cart permit at our Welcome Centre, each golf cart owner will be issued 3 numbered stickers. Please stick the numbered stickers on your golf cart as follows: • 1 sticker to be placed in front of your golf cart. • 1 sticker to be placed on the right-hand side of your golf cart. • 1 sticker to be placed on the left-hand side of your golf cart. For further information kindly contact our Welcome Centre via email welcomecentre@ simbithi.com alternatively 032 946 8361.
THE RIGHT AGENT EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
Stephen Frizelle 082 938 9944
stephen@remaxdolphin.co.za
www.remaxdolphin.co.za
29 Sandra Road, Ballito
FINE HOMES & LUXURY PROPERTIES
BUILDING STATS Single Residential
Under construction:
Single Residential
Completed:
Sectional Title Units To be constructed: Sectional Title Units Completed:
23 761 of 894
6 710 of 716
TOTAL DEVELOPMENT: 1471 of 1610 = 91% developed
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NOVEMBER
09 NOVEMBER
18 NOVEMBER
QUIZ NIGHT
STABLES SOIREE
by Harcourts Dolphin Coast and hosted by “The
into summer! Pack a picnic basket and
The Country Club brings you Quiz Night, sponsored Quiz Guys”.
Venue: The Fig Tree Restaurant Time: 18:00 Limited a la carte menu served.
Bookings: foodbev1@simbithi.com or 032 946 5403
This is the perfect way to gently sashay a warm blanket, and join us on the lawns of The Stables Community Centre for an afternoon of music, entertainment and community.
The afternoon will include serenading from the suave René Tshiankanyi, an emotive
display from well-known ‘horse whisperer’ Zecks and Viceroy and, of course, a show by the resident Simbithi horses.
EVENTS
Due to limited parking, a shuttle/park and ride facility will be available on the day,
which we will share more information on, in due course.
14 NOVEMBER
WELLNESS DAY
Join our Biokineticist Paula Hertzberger and Dietician Bailey Kemper for a Simbithi Wellness Day at the Simbithi Pavilion. Booking is essential. Please contact 072 992 2731 or 082 563 9375. DISCOVERY VITALITY: 30-minute dietician consult Receive 1000 points = R460 45-minute fitness assessment Receive up to 7500 points = R507,20 MOMENTUM MULTIPLY: 45-minute fitness assessment Receive up to 80 points = R460 Free visual screening on Vitality bloods
Venue: The Simbithi Stables Time: 15:00
RSVP: enquiries@simbithi.com
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TRICK OR
Treat
Our annual trick or treat event was, once again, brilliantly supported by our littlest (and oldest) residents. It was wonderful to see our kiddos out and about, and some of our most senior residents braving the icy wind to hand out treats…and, tricks – broccoli disguised in chocolate wrappers! Thank you to everyone who participated, and who behaved so well. Simbithi, you are so special! 27
EVENTS
28
EVENTS
29
EVENTS
30
FEATURED ESTATE AGENTS
Your Simbithi Rental Accredited Agents
YOUR LOCAL SIMBITHI SPECIALIST
Jake Morgan
082 607 1229
Dolphin Coast
YOUR Simbithi PROPERTY SPECIALISTS
ballito net properties
Martine Owen
SALES AND RENTALS Principal Property Practitioner FFC 0029038
Candidate Property Practitioner FFC 1143002
Sabrina Errico 082 414 8955
Andre Coertze 067 016 7429
082 775 8055 J P Pienaar AUCTIONS
082 650 2082 Minki Matthews PROPERTY SALES
Candidate Property Practitioner FFC 1233956
Candidate Property Practitioner FFC 1238099
Candidate Property Practitioner FFC 1241218
Deon Appelcryn 083 411 1299
Daniela Errico 082 824 4394
Andrea Kumm 063 152 9488
032 946 1818 • 25 Sandra Road, Ballito ballito@sothebysrealty.co.za • www.sothebysrealty.co.za
083 373 9722
KZN NORTH COAST | MIDLANDS [O] 032 940 5482 | [E] jake.m@localrealestate.co.za
Connecting. You.
Based on-site in Simbithi, Ballito.net Properties has been practicing in holiday and permanent rentals on the Estate for over 17 years, offering full management of your holiday or permanant let with our professional team. Let us give you an expert rental valuation on your home today.
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Lucille Wendler lucille@fabmags.co.za 083 747 3694