ENVIRONMENT
COVER PHOTO
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!
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.
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.
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
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. Have a great month.
Marc Mc Clure
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.
our deck. Come and watch the Proteas in action!
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
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.
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
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 fi nance@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
Connect with us via WhatsApp: 073 156 1378. Join our Broadcast Lists by sending us your name & address
Technical Manager 032 946 8384 tm@simbithi.com
Jeff Leaver: Chairman
Clive Mc Creadie: Vice-Chairman HOA
Andrew Mackenzie
Louis Boshoff
Gavin Dunlop
Lisa Southey
Margi Lilienfeld
Frank Bradford: Vice-Chairman SCC EXCO
John Gowans
Director Marketing & Communications board8@simbithi.com
Director Security board4@simbithi.com
Director Finance & IT board3@simbithi.com
Director Design Review Committee board5@simbithi.com
Director Technical & Maintenance board7@simbithi.com
Director Human Resources board9@simbithi.com
Director Environmental board6@simbithi.com
Director Simbithi Country Club board2@simbithi.com
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.
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.
Snake Season
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.
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
WETLAND
Rehabilitation
Earlier this month, our Environmental Department began rehabilitating a wetland along the 12 th 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.
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.
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.
Tinker Reed Frog
Sangoma
Painted Reed Frog
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:
Owner or Lessee’s name and telephone number.
• Each pet must, at all times, wear a collar with a name tag indicating the
• 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
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.
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.
road possible, using the shoulder or sidewalk if available.
7. When attempting to cross, always look left, right, and left again.
• 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.
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
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
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.
Single Residential
Single Residential
Sectional Title Units
Sectional Title Units
TOTAL DEVELOPMENT: 1471 of 1610 = 91% developed
09 NOVEMBER
18 NOVEMBER 14 NOVEMBER
QUIZ NIGHT STABLES SOIREE WELLNESS DAY
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
Limited a la carte menu served.
Bookings: foodbev1@simbithi.com or 032 946 5403
This is the perfect way to gently sashay into summer! Pack a picnic basket and a warm blanket, and join us on the lawns of The Stables Community Centre for an afternoon of music, entertainment and community.
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.
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.
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.
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
Treat TRICK OR
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!
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.
