Simbithi Eco-Estate Newsletter July 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

Dear Residents,

We are officially into the second half of the year… already!

The Winter Solstice has passed so we should see the sun start setting later, and later, and they are especially beautiful to watch at Simbithi. While the Estate is currently in Winter bloom, it is also exciting to know that nature will begin preparations for Spring soon, bringing renewed colour and change to the Simbithi landscape.

our July webinar, where we chatted about the upcoming meetings. We had a taste of the upcoming meeting season with the Country Club General Meeting in June. It was fantastic to see a strong representation of homeowners through a fair number of proxies and a full house at the Pavilion Room. Engagement is the cornerstone of our communications strategy and we are always willing to have a conversation with our community, as we did with our recent sessions chatting about the proposed cell towers on the Estate. This will be one of the resolutions coming to a vote at the SEEHOA AGM.

Speaking of change, the third quarter of the year turns the team’s attention to our Annual General Meetings, which will take place during August. Visit our YouTube channel to see the recording of

In the lead-up to our AGMs, let us keep this momentum going. Within the next month, we will release notice of the meetings, a full pack explaining our resolutions and a series of short clips that will assist in streamlining the process. I look forward to fruitful, respectful engagements with you.

One of the standing resolutions at the AGM is the election of homeowners to the Board of Directors. You would have received the call for nominations earlier this week. Once we have assembled the nominees for the 2023/24 Board of Directors, we will host a session where homeowners may meet and chat with them.

As we approach the end of their tenure, I would like to express my thanks to the 2022/23 Board of Directors. Special thanks to Mr. Derrick Lilienfeld, who retires as a director after six years of service. Derrick, your passion for Simbithi, particularly in the environmental space, will be missed on the Board. We also say goodbye to Mrs Tracy Levinson, who leaves Simbithi for a new chapter with her family. Tracy, we are thankful for your architectural insight and – while you won’t physically be here – a piece of your creativity lives on in every home you’ve designed on the Estate. Thank you, also, to Mr Bright Nkosi,

FroM the GeNerAL MANAGer

FroM the GeNerAL MANAGer

who resigned earlier this year, for his immeasurable input into the Human Resources, Legal and Marketing spaces. Our outgoing Chairman, Mr Jeff Leaver, outgoing EXCO Vice-Chairman, Mr Frank Bradford, and outgoing finance director, Mr Andrew Mackenzie, have indicated their intention to stand for re-election this year. Gentlemen, good luck with the elections. It would be great to work with you again, as this will bring continuity. All in all, it is shaping up to be an exciting third quarter, which I hope to see many getting involved in. Have a great month!

Marc Mc Clure

FROM THE Club General Manager

Dear Members,

As I write this, we are a week after our successful General Meeting to vote on the first phase of the Simbithi Country Club Master Plan. It was great to see the level of active engagement in the weeks leading up to the vote, the proxies that came streaming in, and the hundreds who attended the meeting. To know that the community is so invested in our Club, and the improvement of its facilities, is really something special. Thank you to each of you who took the time to ask questions, engage and cast your vote.

In August, the last piece of the puzzle will go to a vote at the SEEHOA Annual General Meeting. There, homeowners will be asked to vote for the HOA to grant the Club an R10 million loan to fund the project. In the interim, the project team will be working hard to lay the foundations (pun intended!) of the project. I’m sure we all are looking forward to seeing the incredible renderings from Gerhard Breedt become a reality in the next year and a half and enjoying this new space in Simbithi. We will share more about the project as it unfolds.

Now, we look ahead to the next steps as we begin expanding our sports offering here at the Club.

The engagement sessions and meeting also yielded a great deal of feedback for the Club, in several areas. I want to assure you that we have heard you, and we will take your feedback to heart. In this vein, I would like to remind you that my team and I would love to hear from our members. Whether you have a compliment, or something is concerning you, pop over and sit down for a cappuccino with us.

FroM the cLuB GeNerAL MANAGer

If we hear from you directly, and swiftly, this allows us to address your concerns or share your compliment expeditiously, resulting in a happier member base and a well-functioning Club. On the subject of AGMs, allow me to encourage you to attend the Club’s AGM, which will follow SEEHOA’s, in August. More information will be shared on this soon. The AGM is an important event on our calendar, and I hope we will see the same level of enthusiasm we were privileged to witness at our General Meeting.

The first Simbithi Lifestyle Festival was a resounding success, with shopping, wine, and a fabulous Fathers’ Day carvery. Thanks for joining us, and we hope to see you at our next member event, soon: watch this space!

Moving into the Fig Tree, the chefs have introduced two scintillating desserts to the menu: a pineapple creation and a chocolatey morsel that will surely knock you off your feet. Come in and try them, you won’t be disappointed!

In the short term, however, we have much to look forward to here on the deck and on the course. Later this month, our flagship Festival of Golf returns. The golf committee is already working hard to make this a memorable event. If you are interested in partnering with us, please e-mail the committee on golfcommittee@simbithi.com and let us see how we can get you involved.

Have a happy July, everyone, and I’ll see you at the Club!

Craig Nell

Board of Directors

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

CONTACT DETAILS

Tracy Levinson Director Design Review Committee board5@simbithi.com

Gavin Dunlop Director Technical & Maintenance board7@simbithi.com

Lisa Southey Director Legal & Appeals board9@simbithi.com

Derrick Lilienfeld Director Environmental board6@simbithi.com

Frank Bradford: Vice-Chairman SCC EXCO Director Simbithi Country Club board2@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.

to Simbithi, Newbie S

As part of our ongoing partnership with FreeMe Wildlife, our Environmental Department recently welcomed a few intriguing new residents to the Estate. Ayanda Duma, Environmental Manager, and Rowina Kanniappen, Environmental Assistant, recently joined Wade Whitehead and Tammy Caine from FreeMe Wildlife to release a family of Helmeted Guinea Fowl and a Scrub Hare.

“We rescue the animals and look after them, and then find them a home,” Wade explains.

Ayanda expressed her joy at diversifying the wildlife within the Estate. “This speaks to the environmental component of our strategic initiative encompassing environmental, social and governance, which we’re passionate about at Simbithi. I’m sure the Guinea Fowl and Scrub

Hare will be very happy, here, and we look forward to a fruitful relationship with FreeMe.”

Wade Whitehead and Tammy Caine of FreeMe Wildlife with Environmental Manager, Ayanda Duma and Environmental Assistant, Rowina Kanniappen, releasing the scrub hare

15 medicinal Plants

in Your Garden

words Margi Lilienfeld

Medicinal plants are an important aspect of the daily lives of many people and an important part of South African history. It’s amazing to think that many of the plants found within the gardens and natural areas around Simbithi have medicinal properties, which have been used in traditional medicine for many years.

to the high level of tannins in the bark, it is sometimes used for tanning, giving the leather a reddish colour. The gum of the Acacia also has commercial value where it is used as an additive in the food industry.

A “tea” made from the bark, leaves and gum of this widespread tree is used to treat colds, conjunctivitis and dysentery. Due

A common sight in gardens around the Estate, owing to its bright colour and ornamental shape, the root of Agapanthus is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also sometimes used to treat high blood pressure.

1. Acacia karoo (Sweet Thorn)

2. Agapanthus africanus (Blue Lily)

3. Albizia adianthifolia (Flat Crown)

The Albizia is a popular tree in many gardens because of the shade it provides. Its bark is used as a treatment for skin diseases or as a body wash. The bark can also be powdered and used as snuff to treat headaches and congestion or soaked in water and applied to treat eye inflammation.

5. Ekebergia capensis (Cape Ash)

All parts of this versatile tree have uses in traditional medicine. The bark is used to treat heartburn and, when powdered and combined with flour, can be applied to treat acne. The roots and leaves are used for a variety of ailments including coughs, gastritis, headaches and scabies.

4. Aloe ferox (Krantz Aloe)

Aloes are widely known for the soothing gel that they produce which can be used to treat burns and rashes. This is derived from the inner, fleshy part of the leaf. Aloe ferox also produces an interesting compound just below the leaf surface which, when dried forms a resinous solid known as aloe lump. This compound is largely exported owing to its commercial value as a laxative. The leaves and roots can also be boiled in water to help treat arthritis, eczema and stress.

Erythrina lysistemon (Coral Tree)

The bark, leaves and roots of this tree possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This is why a poultice of the bark is commonly used to treat sores, wounds, abscesses and arthtritis, while chewing on the bark alleviates toothache. The leaves and roots are sometimes used to help with earache and sprains.

6.

Leaves and roots of this orange-flowered plant are used to treat snake bites, stings and other insect bites. It is commonly taken for coughs, colds, flu, asthma and bronchitis. Leonotus has even been known to help with headaches and high blood pressure.

flowered shrub are both used as snuff to treat headaches. The powdered roots have also been known to aid in the removal of warts and scarring if applied topically.

The main use of this medium-sized tree is to lower blood pressure and to enhance renal function. The bark boiled in water is used to relieve colic while an infusion of the leaves is commonly used in eye lotions.

This distinctive bulbous plant usually grows in shady places. It is traditionally used to treat coughs and gastrointestinal problems. The leaves are sometimes used as an antiseptic on sores and ulcers and a poultice is said to relieve bruises and sprains.

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Powdered roots and leaves of this popular blue-

The thick bark of the Waterberry is used to treat respiratory ailments, tuberculosis and stomach complaints. Interestingly, recent research has

7. Leonotus leonurus (Wild Dagga)

8. Olea europaea (Wild Olive)

9. Plumbago auriculata (Plumbago)

10. Scadoxus puniceus (Red Paint Brush)

11. Syzygium cordatum (Waterberry)

discovered that an extract of the leaves of this tree shows anti-diabetic activity.

12. Tetradenia capense (Ginger Bush)

Crushed leaves are inhaled as a treatment for headaches while leaf infusions are mainly used for coughs and colds. Fever, malaria and stomach aches have also been treated with this popular remedy.

13. Tulbaghia violacea (Wild Garlic)

The bulbs of wild garlic can be boiled in water and the decoctions are traditionally used for fevers and colds but also for asthma and tuberculosis.

14. Zantedeschia aethiopica (Arum Lily)

Leaves of the arum lily are widely used

to treat wounds and sores. Boiled roots are often mixed with honey or syrup and taken for bronchitis, asthma and heartburn. The mixture can also be gargled for a sore throat.

15. Ziziphus mucronata (Buffalo Thorn)

The roots, bark or leaves of this widespread tree are used separately or in combination to treat chest problems and gastric complaints. It also acts as a general anti-inflammatory. The roots and leaves are used to promote healing and pain relief for boils, sores and glandular swellings.

And there you have it, 15 plants with significant uses beyond looking pretty in your garden.

It is important to note these plants are not recommended for self-treatment. Always consult a medical professional or qualified practitioner.

All About

aloes

words Margi Lilienfeld

Vorfreude (n): The joyful, intense anticipation that comes from imagining future pleasure.

After being away from Simbithi for just a week, I experienced Vorfreude on my return. The reason for my joyful excitement was all the aloes that had come into bud in my absence and the anticipation of the beautiful blooms that would follow, as well as the

bees, butterflies and birds that would be visiting the aloes. We are so fortunate to have no less than 12 ‘aloes’ on the list of locally indigenous plants approved for planting in Simbithi. The following are a few of my favourites.

Van Balen’s aloe, or crawling octopus; icenandhlovu in isiZulu, are the common names for Aloe vanbalenii. One of my favourites, this low-growing, very distinctive aloe has long, twisted, recurved leaves. When planted in damp areas, the leaves stay a stunning lime green but in hot, dry, sunny positions become coppery red. Although almost stemless, in time they develop into dense groups with many rosettes that almost seem to be creeping over each other,

hence the common name of crawling octopus. The flower stems are sometimes over a metre tall and branched. Each branch is topped with a large triangular cone of stunning flowers that can vary from yellow through orange to pink and red. It is pollinated by our nectar-feeding sunbirds and is very easy to propagate by seed or by cuttings.

Aloe parvibracteata is one of the many “spotted aloes” as it has bands of dull white, elongated spots across the width of its leaves. Leaves vary from short, triangular shapes to long, sickleshaped leaves and are green to purplish. This aloe is easy to cultivate and planted en masse provides the most stunning sight of densely clustered orange, coral or red flowers as there

are many branches on each flower stem. Not fussy about soil conditions, this aloe will grow in clay, loamy or sandy soil and even in swampy conditions, which is most unusual for aloes. It does well as a container plant bringing those jewelled sunbirds ever closer.

flowering branches. When a leaf is broken, the sap has a noticeable smell, often likened to rhubarb.

The French aloe, Aloe pluridens, is another spectacular garden plant. Interestingly, this is one of the few aloes that do not mind being out of the full sun and will flower in light shade. The single-stemmed plants are tall and slender with bright green leaves. Although, like all other aloes, they have thorns on their leaves, they somehow appear much softer than most aloes. There are often up to four flower heads on each flowering branch with each plant having up to four

Interesting, too, is that this aloe is not very susceptible to the long-snouted beetle that plagues many of the other aloe species on Simbithi. The flowers are large and showy and usually a pinkish red or orangey red, but there is also a rare yellow-flowering form. Propagation is relatively easy from seed or by cuttings, and occasionally one finds a plant that produces plantlets around the stem, which grow very readily when detached from the “mother plant”. This aloe does not grow in France and how it came by the common name of “French aloe” is a complete mystery.

One aloe that should be planted far more often along the lathe (intengu) fences on Simbithi is the fence aloe, Aloiampelos

tenuior. Tenuior means “very thin” and the genus name means ‘climbing aloe’.

The stems are thin and the plant forms a small to medium-sized bush. It will also climb or seek support from shrubs or trees. One of the beautiful characteristics of this aloe is that there are many colour forms from bright yellow through the oranges to bright red.

borders and containers provided they are in full sun.

Another characteristic is that it flowers profusely and for a much longer period than other aloe species. If a branch becomes too long or straggly, it can be pruned and stuck into the ground next to the parent shrub to thicken up the bush.

The other aloes allowed to be planted in the ground on Simbithi are the tree aloe, (Aloidendron barberae), Chabaud’s aloe (Aloe chaubaudii), the soap aloe (Aloe maculata), the mountain aloe (Aloe marlothii), the bitter aloe (Aloe ferox), the dune aloe (Aloe thraskii) and the summer flowering grassland aloes (Aloe cooperi and Aloe boylei).

Bees, butterflies and sunbirds visit the plant for pollen and/or nectar. This undemanding plant is easy to grow and will add colour to rockeries, retaining walls, banks, mixed

Residents interested in “matters flora” will have noted the new genus names of some of our aloes. These are the result of DNA analysis studies that gave insight into evolutionary relationships leading to the division of the single genus “Aloe” into six different genera.

breakfast with

ProPert Y

In realising our mission, to be recognised as the pre-eminent residential eco-estate in Southern Africa, we are strategic in aligning ourselves with stakeholders who are as passionate about our Estate as we are.

The property practitioners who pour their passion and expertise (and a sprinkling of ingenuity) into

Simbithi are an immovable cog in this strategy. Recently, after a two-year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, we gathered with the Simbithi property practitioners for breakfast and engagement.

This is largely due to the excellent work you put into uplifting our brand and helping us share that Simbithi is the Estate of choice.”

Congratulations to our top performers for 2022:

General Manager Marc Mc Clure thanked practitioners for their sustained partnership with SEEHOA. “I am proud to share that, for the first time, property sales in Simbithi breached the R1 billion mark in 2022.

• Top Selling Business Property Practitioner: RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors

• Top Selling Property Practitioner: Rory Anderson

– Local Real Estate

Light S oN … Light S o ff

As the weather gets crisper, there is nothing quite like a game of tennis to get your blood flowing and warm you up. It is wonderful to see our courts being used extensively.

An appeal, please: once you have used the tennis courts, especially in the early morning (around 06:00), please ensure you turn the court lights off. During Winter, the bright lights may cause disturbance to nearby residents as it is still dark around early morning.

Thank you for your co-operation!

he Y! Di D You K N ow?

Did you?

This month, we learn:

Earlier this year, we started a series of 30-second clips where we share updates and interesting information from SEEHOA. The clips thus far include a brief history of our name and how to pronounce it, how to say “Ladlau Drive” (it’s lad-low, in case you missed it), and an introduction on McWade’s Landscaping, our landscaping service provider.

How to Update Contact Details

With SEEHOA

Did you know that keeping your contact details current and correct assists us in communicating efficiently and timeously with you?

As we get closer to the AGMs, please ensure we have your correct details on file.

Let us show you how!

eStAte NeWS

No-Touch Access

Did you know that if you have downloaded the Simbithi App, you can use the unique ‘no-touch’ access feature to get in and out of the Estate?

You simply need your mobile device and a strong network connection and… there you go!

Let us show you how!

Simbithi Cares

In partnership with Jonsson Workwear, SEEHOA recently handed over VIZIbelts to resident staff. The reflective belts are designed to keep staff safe, as they walk to and from the Estate during darker early mornings, or at night.

Thank you to Jonsson Workwear for partnering with us. See the full story in our Spring Simbithi Scene. For now, watch HR Manager Justine Mia, Security Manager Dysan

Parasaraman and General Manager Marc Mc Clure hand the belts over at Main Gate.

The Warmth of simbithi

A group of creative ladies in Simbithi recently crafted a Simbithi-inspired blanket for the 67 Blanket Drive. Shelley Mc Creadie shared these gorgeous photographs.

l ooking Dam g oo D !

The Guinea Fowl Dam restoration project is progressing well, following its commencement earlier this year.

Inclement weather set the project back a few weeks, and increased its costs slightly, as was shared during the June webinar. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this important project. We cannot wait to see the final result. Click here to watch.

eStAte upDAteS

BUILDING STATS

Single Residential

Single Residential

Sectional Title Units

Sectional Title Units

TOTAL DEVELOPMENT: 1474 of 1625 = 91% developed

14 JULY

FriDAY NiGht Live - JoSh phiLANDer

Live music on the deck - the best way to start the weekend!

Booking essential: 032 946 5403

13 JULY

QuiZ NiGht

Fire up your grey matter, grab your teams and let’s have some fun! Limited à la carte menu will be served. venue the Fig tree restaurant Time 18:00

Booking essential: 032 946 5403

21 JULY

FriDAY NiGht Live - DJ ASh

Live music on the deck - the best way to start the weekend!

Booking essential: 032 946 5403

18 JULY

eNviroNMeNtAL tALK: AFricA’S

BuShMeN: their uNtoLD LeGAcY BY cLive horLocK

venue pavilion

Time 18:00 – 19:00

For more information: 032 946 8382 or environmental@simbithi.com

21 JULY

SiMBithi Secret SuNriSe & WeLLNeSS MorNiNG

Keep your eyes on our communications, and social media, for more on this exciting event. For more information: marketing@simbithi.com

21 JULY

FriDAY NiGht Live – DJ ASh

Live music on the deck - the best way to start the weekend!

Booking essential: 032 946 5403

25 JULY

WiNe tAStiNG: MoMeNto WiNeS

venue Dragonfly conference centre

Time 18:00

Cost r80

Booking essential: events@simbithi.com

26 JULY

WiNe pAiriNG DiNNer: MoMeNto WiNeS

venue pavilion room

Time 18:00

Cost r650

Booking essential: events@simbithi.com

28 JULY

FriDAY NiGht Live – DAve StArKe

Live music on the deck - the best way to start the weekend!

Booking essential: 032 946 5403