Simbithi Eco-Estate Newsletter March 2024

FRoM THE General manaGer

Dear residents,

In the words of late Freddy Mercury, lead singer of Queen: “another one bites the dust.” The “one” I refer to is another month; February has come and gone, including the extra day we gained this year, with it being a leap year. As February ended, officially so did Summer… although March always seems to have something to say about it.

Cormorant Dam. The team is currently wrapping up all the snags on the dam’s infrastructure, and thereafter will be commencing with the required protective measures below the dam wall spillway. This will include other remedial work in this drainage line. Thank you for your patience through this project. Although there have been a few major weather events that delayed the completion, the team and contractor have done their best to ensure we have a facility with structural integrity, befitting the Simbithi standard.

The start of March also signifies the new financial year start for many, including here at SEEHOA. While the new year kicks off, our teams are still actively engaged in closing out some of our major projects which commenced last year. Chief among these are the ongoing renovations to the Guineafowl Dam and drainage line leading to

Stormwater upgrades are also in progress at the Stables Community Centre, as is remedial action on at the Dog Park near the Fish Eagle Community Centre. When you see our teams busy in the areas, please be cautious and patient as we improve our Estate.

So, now that we are officially into the “new year”, we have much to look forward to! Easter is coming up at the end of the month,

FRoM THE GENERAL MANAGER

and it’s always a wonderful time on our Estate. Simbithi kids (and parents), the BIG EGGS will be making their way out of storage and onto the Estate at the end of March. And, we have our a-maze-ing hunt at the Kingfisher on Saturday, 30 March 2024. Make sure you get your bookings in. And, of course, we have a birthday in April! Simbithi turns 20 next month, and we have a weekend of fun planned. There really is something for everyone, and we want you all to be a part of this special time. Keep your eyes peeled for communication during this month, via WhatsApp and e-mail. Each event will have registration processes, so we keep the events seamless and enjoyable for everyone. Have a great month, everyone.

Marc Mc Clure

FrOM THE Club General Manager

It is incredible to think we are already in March, nearly finished with the first quarter of 2024. We have made great strides in the first three months of the year here at the Club, most of which with breaking ground on our new sports precinct, the first phase of our Masterplan.

Before I update you on that, our thanks to the neighbouring residents for being gracious as we proceed with this project.

smaller to keep the project within budget. We will have renderings up at the Club for you to view, soon.

In terms of an update, platforms have been cut and piling is underway. For now, the site is still being established. We will share regular updates of progress, so you are able to see everything unfold. The Padel courts have been made slightly

The Club’s 2024/25 budget was recently shared by our Finance Manager, Etienne Begemann. Thank you to all who joined and engaged with us. Golfers, your updated subscription letter will be in your inbox soon. Please keep a look out for it.

Still with golf, our brand new golf carts are here! The fleet is positively gleaming and was well worth the wait. While we are on the course, thank you for your patience with the reconstruction of the bridge on hole six. As you are aware, that bridge was severely damaged during the storm earlier this year. Additional bunker sand has also been ordered, and these should be filled up soon.

FRoM THE CLUB GENERAL MANAGER

While the course is closed for annual spring treatment, we will be working on a few upgrades to the Pro Shop, including new shopfitting and a newly designed trophy cabinet. Watch this space for the reveal!

The Fig Tree restaurant looks forward to hosting you and yours at our Monday Night Off, famous Curry Night and Sunday Carvery specials each week. It really is a treat to serve you, and we hope you enjoy your time with us. Tuesday Chef’s Special is also very popular, so make sure you have your tables reserved. It’s going to be a great month, and we look forward to seeing you at the Club!

Craig Nell

Reco R d for Simbithi

The Simbithi Birding Group continues to be a pot of birding gold, with incredible sightings posted regularly. In January, avid birder Brian r oberts captured this image of a Black-throated Wattle-eye hosting a Klaas’s Cuckoo on the Mannies’ Farm Trail. With an expert’s confirmation of the identity of the juvenile Cuckoo, it is the first sighting of this occurrence in Southern Africa.

There are previously no records of this relationship outside of Southern Africa. An exceptional sighting and record for Simbithi!

The Unwan T ed Valentine’s Day Surprise

Words Margi LiLienfeLd

A Valentine’s Day surprise that our Environmental Intern, Slindele Cele, would rather not have had was the introduction to this red-eared slider. It was found near Oriole Pond, one of the best birding spots for waterbirds on Simbithi. Luckily the resident who came across it recognised the species and knew of the harm this alien

invasive species has caused in South African wetland ecosystems. The red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta , from the waterways of the Mississippi r iver in the USA, outcompetes our local mud turtle for food, nesting and basking space. But more importantly, it is known to transmit r anavirus

ENVIrONMENT

and alien parasites to locally indigenous turtles and amphibians. In the wild, their diet includes frogs, birds, crustaceans, small fish, tadpoles and invertebrates. They are a particular threat to the more sensitive species of frogs, especially those that do not breed prolifically.

assist by sending a photo of any they see with the exact location.

As they have been recorded as living for over 40 years, they will present a long-lasting threat to the biodiversity in our wetland systems. Sadly, this is the third red-slider the Environmental Department has been notified about since December 2023. One of the three is still at large, and locating and trying to trap it will take a lot of time and effort by our Environmental Department. r esidents can

Please remember that releasing any wild animal or pet animal on Simbithi is against our rules. Should any resident have a redeared slider that has outgrown its tank, please reach out to our Environmental Manager, Ayanda Duma, by emailing environmental@simbithi.com for assistance.

The SA Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment listed the red-eared slider as a Category 1b Alien and Invasive Species which means they can't be sold, bred or transferred. Breaking the law could result in a r 5 million fine.

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Poly P hagou S Shot Hole Bo R e R Update

Since its discovery in Simbithi in late 2018, strides have been made in the study and management of the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB). PSHB is a small beetle, which drills holes into trees and carries a pathogenic fungus, Fusarium euwallacea. As the beetles spread the fungus, the host tree eventually dies off. One of the ways in which to combat the spread of PSHB is to cut the

infested tree down, chip the wood and, while keeping the wood sealed and separate as far as possible, dispose of it.

and in line with our strategic initiative of integration, we agreed. I shared knowledge of identifying PSHB and managing the spread.”

SEEHOA’s best practice for managing PSHB infestation has earned acclaim, with our Environmental Manager Ayanda Duma enlisted by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to train ecologists on managing PSHB. “Sharon Louw of Ezemvelo asked for our assistance,

This training spurred Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to ban firewood at all their reserves as of December 2023. “It is gratifying to know that Simbithi leads the way in this sphere. We will continue to share information as we learn and grow.”

Hello, easter!

Let’s get egg-cited for our Annual BIG EGG Hunt and Competition.

Join in the fun by searching for our BIG EGGS from Friday, 22 March 2024 until Wednesday, 27 March 2024. Here’s how it works:

1. The Easter Bunny has had his biometric access re-activated and will pop into SEEHOA every day to move our FOUr BIG EGGS around. There are two green eggs, one orange egg and a special GOLDEN EGG.

2. At any time, you’ll find two eggs on each half of our Estate (north and south).

EVENTS

3. If you find the egg, stop and take a photograph with it. The key is to be creative: grab props, a funky outfit… anything you can find, and have some fun. E-mail your photo to marketing@simbithi.com or WhatsApp it to 073 156 1378.

Winners will be announced in April and the Easter Bunny himself will ensure your prizes are delivered to you.

Rules:

1. If you must move the egg to take your photograph, please be kind enough to put it back where you found it.

2. If you are driving when you spot the egg, please pull over safely to take your photograph.

3. Please do not harm our plants or wildlife when you take your photograph.

4. Have fun!

14 QuiZ NiGHT

22 - 27 MARCH

BIG EGG PHoTo CoMPETITIoN QUIZ NIGHT

The Country Club brings you Quiz Night, sponsored by Harcourts Dolphin Coast and hosted by “The Quiz Guys”. venue: The Fig Tree Restaurant

Time: 18:00

Cost: R195pp bookings: foodbev1@simbithi.com or 032 946 5403

Follow our BIG EGGS around the Estate! They will pop up in a different location every day. Spot them and take a photograph. Send your photograph to marketing@simbithi.com, or WhatsApp it to 073 156 1378. The more creative your photograph is, the better! Prizes will be awarded for the best submissions.

16 MARCH

ST PADDY’S DAY

It’s time to shake ye shamrock and celebrate the good ol’ luck of the Irish at the Country Club. Live music, themed food and, of course, Guinness!

venue: Club Deck

Time: 17:00 - 22:00

30 MARCH

THE A-MAZE-ING BIG EGG HUNT

And the grand finale: an Easter Egg Hunt for all our Simbithi kiddos. Registration for this event is essential.

venue: Kingfisher Community Centre

Time: 09:00

booking: marketing@simbithi.com

Ballito Galloping Winds, R102 (Between Tongaat and Ballito)

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

Lisa Southey

Margi Lilienfeld

Frank Bradford: Vice-Chairman SCC EXCO

Director Technical & Maintenance board7@simbithi.com

Director Human Resources board9@simbithi.com

Director Environmental board6@simbithi.com

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.

Single residential

Single residential

Under construction:

Sectional Title Units

Sectional Title Units

Completed: Completed:

of

TOTAL DEVELOPMENT: 1484 of 1610 = 92% developed