Excitement is in the air as the Rugby World Cup is underway, and there is no better way to show our support for the Springboks than by coming together as a community! We are thrilled to announce a fun and spirited initiative that will unite us all in cheering for our beloved team: Bok Fridays!
treat in store for you! When you
don your Bok gear and join us at the Wine Lounge, you’ll receive a FREE Springbokkie with your first drink order.
We encourage you to spread the word to your fellow neighbours and friends within the estate. The more residents who participate, the more spirited and enjoyable our Bok Fridays will be!
Starting 8 September, every Friday will be Bok Friday at the Wine Lounge. It’s a day for all of us to proudly wear our Springbok shirts and jerseys. But that’s not all - there’s a delightful
Let’s make Bok Fridays a tradition to remember at Croydon Vineyard Estate.
Join us in celebrating our national pride and the Springboks’ quest for victory.
Together, we can make a roaring show of support! GO BOKKE!
CSOS Levy Explained
The Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) levy was introduced in October 2016 to fund CSOS, which was created to offer an impartial dispute solution service. Historically, people would turn to the courts and legal experts to deal with such disputes, so when CSOS and the subsequent levy were introduced, it was met with scepticism. Fast forward to 2023, the CSOS levy still creates confusion and some controversy.
UndERSTandinG ThE CSOS LEvy
Under the CSOS Act, rule 11 stipulates that every owner of a unit in a community scheme where there is shared use or responsibility of land or buildings (such as a sectional title complex,
estate or HOA) must pay the levy referred to in the CSOS Regulation. It is collected by the community scheme on a monthly basis and paid over to Community Scheme Ombud every quarter.
The level is calculated using a prescribed formula set out by the regulations as: “the lesser of R40 or 2% of the amount by which the monthly levy is charged but by the Scheme exceeds R500.” If this still isn’t clear or you’re unsure how this works, CSOS does have an Excel calculator that can help you with the calculation.“Non-payment of the CSOS levy is a criminal offence and owners should be warned of this fact to ensure swift payment and to avoid criminal liability,” explains
Brendan Michie, attorney at Hammond Pole Attorneys.
WhaT aRE ThE LEvy FUndS USEd FOR?
The funds collected from the CSOS levy are utilised to cover the operational costs of the CSOS, which include dispute resolution services. CSOS was launched to create an alternative to lengthy court battles. People living in a community scheme share the use and responsibility for parts of the land and buildings situated in their community scheme. Due to the
shared use and responsibility, conflict often arises on matters involving finances, governance, behaviour, management, etc.
“Historically, unit owners had arbitration or court proceedings as their only legal recourse to address their complaint and/or dispute which, majority of the time, ended as a lengthy and very costly affair. Now, CSOS is there to resolve these community scheme disputes independently, efficiently, and cost-effectively,” explains Tshidi Mahlangu Lekala from ES Kgaka Attorneys.
New Homeow N ers
Then: 2009 - R2.36 million
Now: R8 million obtained in 2021 and 2022
LIFESTYLE CENTRE RENOVATIONS
Over the past two to three years, we have received various requests through surveys, wish lists and complaints regarding the upgrade and improvements to our Lifestyle Centre. The Lifestyle Centre renovation initiative involves redecorating and addressing functional challenges in each of the spaces and venues specific to homeowner interaction. This includes the Wine Lounge, Bar, Function Room, Vinotique, pool and courtyard areas.
The main objectives of this initiative are to: refresh and update the fixtures and furnishings, increase capacity through better space utilisation and functionality, enhance lighting, ambience and multimedia, foster community interactions, and achieve this in the most cost-effective way
The capital expenditure budget is approximately R650 000, including indoor and outdoor furniture, function room seating and tables, bar counter and display, under-counter fridges, lighting, fixtures and fittings. Much of the current furniture and equipment will either be sold or repurposed for use elsewhere. We kindly seek your perspective on the existing conditions of our Lifestyle Centre, along with the necessity to enhance and revitalise its functionality.
A Little Bit of Useless History…
The first 10 houses to be built and signed off on Croydon Vineyard Estate:
• 48 Capricorn Close: July 2007
• 5 Taurus Lane: August 2007
• 3 Virgo Lane: February 2008
• 6 Cancer Close: April 2008
• 29 Gemini Lane: April 2008
• 3 Sagittarius Lane: June 2008
• 9 Taurus Lane: August 2008
• 4 Scorpio Lane: October 2008
• 50 Capricorn Close: November 2008
• 10 Pisces Lane: December 2008
A Clandestine Event Unveiling of Portion 20
Croydon’s winemaker, Rikus Neethling, unveiled Croydon’s highly anticipated Portion 20 wine at a secret dinner last night (as none of us knew why we were being invited or who else would be there).
R250 per bottle, is a blend of chardonnay (66%) and chenin blanc. Portion 20 Red, at R350 per bottle, is a blend of pinotage (predominantly), shiraz, cab sav and malbec. Both the red and white were bottled five years ago!
It was hosted in Croydon’s beautiful wine cellar adorned with string lights and candles. A select few were humbled to be invited to experience the amazing new vintage, and the wine (and food) did not disappoint! Portion 20 White, at
Keeping to Croydon’s wine range nomenclature related to real estate property with our existing “Title Deed” and “Covenent” ranges, the premium “Portion 20” range is named after the part of the original farm which was portioned off to establish Croydon.
