SIMBITHI
" S i m b i t h i i s a p a r t i c u l a r l y s p e c i a l p l a c e f o r m e h a v i n g
g r o w n u p o n B e v e r l e y F a r m a s p a r t o f t h e L a d l a u f a m i l y
W a t c h i n g t h e e s t a t e e v o l v e o v e r t h e y e a r s a n d s e e i n g
t h e o r i g i n a l v i s i o n c o m e t o l i f e h a s b e e n a r e a l p r i v i l e g e .
L o c a l R e a l E s t a t e i s a n e s t a b l i s h e d b r a n d o n t h e N o r t h
C o a s t O u r r o o t s a n d c o l l e c t i v e e x p e r i e n c e r u n d e e p O u r
t e a m m e m b e r s h a v e b e e n a n i n t e g r a l p a r t o f t h e
S i m b i t h i j o u r n e y f o r m a n y y e a r s a n d o u r e x p e r i e n c e d
S a l e s a n d R e n t a l s t e a m a r e e x c i t e d t o c o n t i n u e s e r v i n g
t h e c o m m u n i t y a n d c o n n e c t i n g w i t h y o u . "
– Tim Johnson
Graham White, Managing Director
Tim Johnson, Founder & Principal
The Autumn Harvest
Our chefs curate a three-course meal perfect for the in-between autumn weather when it's not too hot, and not too cool. We'll understand if you skip straight to dessert!
Sharp, Mzala!
meet our dynamic events team and discover the passion behind our growing events and conferencing spaces at the country club.
Off to Inverlochy
Popular golfer Steve Smith shows us he’s just as handy with a pen as he is on the greens: taking us to the Scottish highlands with a curious group of children through his children’s books. meet Author Steve!
Give Me Hope, Fam!
We meet terence, Diane, madison, taylor and charlie for drinks at the Fig tree and an afternoon on the golf course, getting to know this delightful family and why they love life on Simbithi.
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| 032 946 8373/4/5 Visitor SMS Verification | text See to 31671 (or download Simbithi residential app: Search ‘Simbithi’ on App store or Google Play Store) Website | www.simbithi.com
General Manager
Simbithi Eco-Estate gm@simbithi.com
From the
General Manager
Earlier today, a few of the team members and I were chatting about what makes Simbithi a successful Estate. Consistency was an element we discussed, and regular conversation with our community was another. Engagement sessions undergird our community, as they create space for open and honest conversation between you, our team and our Board of Directors. That said, thank you to the homeowners who joined us for our in-person engagement on short-term letting in early February. It was our first session of the year, and it was great to see a pleasing turnout. A virtual session will be announced in due course. I encourage you to become involved as we plan engagement sessions throughout the year, so you may play an active role in how Simbithi evolves.
Our security team recently welcomed a new ‘member’ (our staff has affectionately christened her ‘NooNooBug’, an ode to her petiteness). Fidelity Security Services is trialling e-vehicles around the country, and we are excited to have been selected as a pilot user. You may spot our officers and staff driving the little green ‘bug’ around the Estate, or you can see a photograph on page 13 of the magazine.
This is aligned with our strategic initiative of harnessing technology, and we are proud to work with partners who support our strategy.
Speaking of our strategy, we are poised to begin our next solar panel installation at the Heron Community Centre this quarter. While governance processes are still underway, we look forward to this next chapter of energy conservation, having already seen notable success with the panels on our HOA admin building.
As we begin the new financial year, may I extend a warm welcome to our new landscaping service provider, Idube Landscaping, joining us from 1 April 2026. We look forward to a long, successful working relationship as you care for one of our most precious assets at Simbithi: our flora. Thank you to McWades Landscapes for their efforts during the past few years.
Finally, all the best to the golfers hitting the greens for this year’s Club Champs at the end of March. It’s going to be an exciting weekend!
Have a great autumn.
Marc Mc Clure
Editor From the
It was Shakespeare, wasn’t it, who said “a rose by any other name smells as sweet”? Bah. As an English aficionado (self-proclaimed, and proudly so), I have a deep reverence for all things Shakespearean – but this is one niggling dissent I will maintain with the famous playwright.
I’m writing this between meetings from a bustling Fig Tree, so I have time to tell you why Shakespeare, his rose, and I are on opposing sides of the proverbial fence. I have what I think is a relatively easy name to spell and pronounce. Yet (with tears in my chocolate-brown eyes), there are at least a dozen occasions in a day when people rename me. I’ve had a plethora: Joey, Jolene, Joanie…even Jolly and Jumpy. I kid you not. Then, every spelling from Jody to Jodie to Jodee – every one breaking my little pink heart just that much more.
While Shakespeare might try convincing me otherwise, I believe the misnaming carries a particularly foul odour. Then, there are the short names, or nicknames. Most default to calling me Jodz, which, and I don’t say this often enough, goads me, for some unearthly reason. There really is no science to it, I just don’t like being called Jodz. Ergo, at work, most call me J, or Unicorn (that’s a story for another edition), or the Brand Police. My friends call me Jo, and my family calls me
Jojo. If you asked what I prefer, I’d say Jo. Being called Jodi in a friendly setting jolts me a bit; it sounds so formal!
Why is this on my mind, you ask? This month, I asked our management teams at SEEHOA and the SCC to tell me what they think ‘Simbithi’ would look and sound like as a person. I’ll then use their thoughts to craft Simbithi’s brand persona: the figment of our branding story that dictates how we present Simbithi to our target markets. Knowing the brand as intimately as I do, I am protective of it and all it represents. As its first line of defence, I want to ensure it is treated with care and respect, as is befitting a 21-yearold of its stature. Our name carries intrinsic value, and it matters how we, and others, relate to it.
Simbithians, who do you think Simbithi is?
As you read this edition, I hope you take a moment to consider who Simbithi is, and is not, to you: what does Simbithi look like, sound like, behave like? Drop me a line on marketing@simbithi.com and share your thoughts, and let’s continue to write this incredible story, together.
Happy autumn!
Marketing & Communications
Co-Ordinator
marketing@simbithi.com
Publisher Lorinda Scott | 082 562 7202 | lorinda@fabmags.co.za
Graphic Designer evashini naidoo | evashini@fabmags.co.za
Sales Director Lucille Wendler | 083 747 3694 | lucille@fabmags.co.za
Operations Director Sharlene Odayar | sharlene@fabmags.co.za
Content & Copy Manager cristina Govender | cristina@fabmags.co.za
Accounts accounts@fabmags.co.za
Contact Fabmags 032 946 0357
Head Office Suite 104, San hall Office Park, Kirsty close, ballito, KwaZulu-natal
Website www.fabmags.co.za
Online www.issuu.com/fabmags
Printed By ROc media
Cover Photo chris Allan Photography
SF20 frameless patio enclosure system
YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM HAS NO ROOF
Best Deck composite wood brings Simbithi’s outdoor lifestyle home
At Simbithi, the best moments happen outside. Morning coffee as the sun lifts over the hills. Barefoot kids running between pool and patio. Friends arriving for sundowners that stretch into starlit evenings.
Best Deck composite wood creates the foundation for all of it. Smooth underfoot, cool in summer heat and slip-resistant even when wet, our premium decking transforms patios, pool surrounds and entertainment areas into spaces you truly want to live in.
Unlike natural wood, Best Deck never needs sanding, sealing or staining. Our boards resist the KZN humidity, coastal storms and summer sun without cracking, warping or fading. Our exquisite Diamond Range is backed by a 25-year guarantee, so your deck looks as good in a decade as it does today.
Carry the same refined finish from your deck to pergolas, cladding and screens. Create seamless flow between inside and out. Spend your weekends on the trails or the golf course, not maintaining your deck.
This is outdoor living without compromise. This is Simbithi, beautifully finished.
BEST DECK. FOR LIFE. bestdeck.co.za | info@bestdeck.co.za | 031 028 0070 Unit 4, Cornubia Cube, 27 Crassula Rd, Ottawa South, Blackburn, 4339, KwaZulu-Natal
Photography by Nic Baleta for SA
Homeowner Magazine ©
From the
Club General Manager
As we step into March and welcome the start of a new financial year, the sense of opportunity across the Club is unmistakable. A new year always brings with it fresh energy, sharper focus, and renewed purpose, and this year is no exception. With our strategy guiding the road ahead, the Club enters this period with alignment, clarity, and ambition to continue growing as the heartbeat of the Estate.
The past year showcased remarkable achievements across the Club, particularly within the golf department, which continues to shine as one of our strongest success stories. Course quality, member engagement, tournament participation, and the professionalism of our team have collectively ensured that golf remains a defining feature of our identity. Alongside this, our food and beverage and events teams have delivered an impressive year marked by creativity, consistency, and a genuine passion for hospitality. These teams will play an even bigger role in the coming year as we place strong emphasis on eventing, creating more opportunities for the community to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the spaces that make this Club special. Sports fans, too, have much to look forward to. With soccer and cricket cup competitions taking centre stage on the global sporting calendar, and the anticipation of the All Blacks Tour in August, the Club will be buzzing with big-screen moments and the gees that comes with them.
Looking ahead, anticipation is also building around Master Plan Phase Two (MPP2). This
next phase represents a significant step in enhancing the Club and Estate. As the face of the community, the Club plays a critical role in defining the overall impression, appeal, and ultimately the property value of the Estate. The improvements proposed under MPP2 will not only elevate the member and resident experience but also meaningfully contribute to strengthening the real-estate proposition of the entire Estate. A modern, well-maintained, and forward-thinking Club is one of the greatest assets a residential community can have. As always, communication will be key.
I encourage you to keep an eye on Club updates throughout the year as our teams continue creating opportunities to enjoy every corner of the Club, from sport and golf to dining, socialising, and hosting special celebrations. We understand that the cost of doing business has risen significantly, and we are deeply grateful for your ongoing support. Your loyalty and engagement enable us to keep moving forward, invest in improvements, and deliver the standard of excellence that our members expect and deserve.
With new intentions, renewed focus, and a shared commitment to progress, the upcoming year holds immense promise. Together, we look forward to building on our successes, embracing new opportunities, and making this another outstanding year for our Club and community.
Craig Nell
General Manager
Simbithi Country Club
clubgm@simbithi.com
SHOWCASE DAY
7 March 2026 9h00 - 12h00
Simbithi
Snippets
A Round-Up of estate and club news
A SPOT OF LUNCH
All creatures great, small and otherwise enjoy their lunch in the beauty of our estate. this little one was captured munching on a leaf from the marketing and communications office.
Though I Be Little…
…i be fierce!
We imagine this adorable reedfrog – all of a centimetre – was ruminating on the immortal words of Shakespeare when margi Lilienfeld snapped him in her garden.
Paparazzi on Deck!
it truly is a giggle whenever we schedule a food shoot – watching the dishes crowded by photographers, stylists, and chefs appreciate a stunning creation. here’s this edition’s cover star on our latest shoot.
DOWN TO ELECTRIC AVENUE
Our security team recently took delivery of one of Fidelity Security Services’ e-vehicles, which are being trialled at several locations around the country. here are Assistant Security manager, Rodney Reddy and Security manager, Dysan Parasaraman, before the first drive.
Oh, Don’t Mind Me
this Southern Fiscal Shrike seemed quite content to let claire Regaud take his portrait.
On a recent trawl through the nsimbi wetland, our team came across the beautiful flower of the Barringtonia racemosa. how lovely!
FACE TO FACE
A long-horned beetle decided to get up close and personal with mo nchoe recently. hello, old chap!
Ready for It
Our Sports Operations manager, Willem Rheeder and events manager, nelisiwe ncama, had their first ‘appearance’ on Radio Life & Style recently. here they are preparing for their debut in the studio.
BARRINGTONIA IN BLOOM
Simbithi
Simbithi Diary
There is just so much to see and do on Simbithi Eco-Estate. Below is our diary of upcoming events. Isn’t life great on Simbithi? You can also view the events on our Simbithi App or on our website: www.simbithi.com/events
Weekly Events
MONDAY NIGHT OFF
An affordable array of starters, mains and a dessert prepared by our chefs, to give you a night off from the kitchen. Let us do the cooking!
WeDNesDAY CurrY NIGHT
indulge in the north coast's finest buffet: an array of fragrant curries with traditional sides. R285pp. booking essential: 032 946 5403
suNDAY BruNCH
A bountiful breakfast selection every Sunday. bring your family along, or enjoy a quiet breakfast for one from our indulgent buffet. booking essential: 032 946 5403
Please note, the dates, times and costs printed are subject to change without prior notice.
MeAT COMP
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
NOrTH Vs sOuTH
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
FIrsTIes & CArVerY
Live music with Rebound and our famous Sunday carvery. Venue the Fig tree Restaurant
Time 12:00 – 15:00
Cost R380pp
Booking essential 032 946 5403 or foodbev5@simbithi.com
eNVIrONMeNTAL TALK
Venue Pavilion Room, Simbithi country club
Time 18:00
Cost R30, at the door enquiries environmental@simbithi.com or ea@simbithi.com
KIDDOs CHAMeLeON NIGHT WALK
With Dr Jeanne tarrant of Anura Africa Venue meet at Kingfisher community centre
Time 18:30
Booking essential wc@simbithi.com
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 032 946 5403 or foodbev5@simbithi.com
FrIDAY MeAT COMP
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
COurse CLOseD
seMs / sWAGGers
CLuB CHAMPs DAY 1
Spot our bright, colourful eggs popping up around the estate and take a photograph with them. WhatsApp your photo to 073 156 1378 and stand a chance to Win something special from the easter bunny. 14 17 18 20 21 21 13 15
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
CLuB CHAMPs DAY 2
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
sCC V uCC (HOMe GAMe)
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
GLOBAL reCYCLING DAY
FrIDAY MeAT COMP
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
sLAMMers / sWAGGers
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
sIMBITHI uNCOrKeD the ‘last summer hurrah’: champagne and wine, food stations and live music on the deck. For more information: sccmsc@simbithi.com
INTerNATIONAL DAY OF THe FOresT
BIG eGG HuNT BeGINs
BIG eGG HuNT eNDs make sure your entries are in before the easter bunny takes the eggs back to SeehOA!
eNVIrONMeNTAL TALK
“10 years of Frog Research & conservation at Simbithi ecoestate” by Dr Jeanne tarrant. Venue Pavilion Room, Simbithi country club
Time 18:00
Cost R30, at the door enquiries ea@simbithi.com or environmental@simbithi.com
GOOD FrIDAY ALL DAY COMP (1-Tee sTArT)
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
ANNuAL eAsTer eGG HuNT
the easter bunny makes his final stop in the forests of Simbithi. have some fun with easter activities! book your spot: WhatsApp your children’s names and ages to 073 156 1378
eAsTer suNDAY BruNCH
celebrate with us at the Fig tree. Bookings foodbev5@simbithi.com or 032 946 5403
ALL DAY COMP (1-Tee sTArT)
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
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
FrIDAY MeAT COMP
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
sLAMMers
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
THe GreeN JACKeT
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
KZN seNIOr LADIes
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
to FrIDAY MeAT COMP
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
MeN’s TOP 8 / LADIes’ TOP 4
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
eArTH DAY
FrIDAY MeAT COMP
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
seMs / sWAGGers
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
TrAIL BOOGIe
in honour of earth Day, come and boogie with Secret Sunrise and us. Venue meet at the heron community centre Time 07:30
Booking essential WhatsApp your name and address to 073 156 1378
NeW PLAYers’ WeLCOMe
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
MAY
WOrKers’ DAY ALL DAY COMP (1-Tee sTArT)
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
FIrsTIes & suNDAY CArVerY
Live music with Rebound and our famous Sunday carvery.
Venue the Fig tree Restaurant Time 12:00 – 15:00 Cost R380pp Booking essential 032 946 5403 or foodbev5@simbithi.com
sCC V KCC (HOMe GAMe)
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
eNVIrONMeNTAL TALK
Venue Pavilion Room, Simbithi country club
Time 18:00
Cost R30, at the door enquiries ea@simbithi.com or environmental@simbithi.com
FrIDAY MeAT COMP
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
sWAGGers
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
WOrLD MIGrATOrY BIrD DAY
A BrIDGerTON MOTHers’ DAY
BruNCH
high tea at the Fig tree: an event that will surely be the talk of the ‘ton! Bookings foodbev1@simbithi.com or 032 946 5403
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 foodbev5@simbithi.com or 032 946 5403
FrIDAY MeAT COMP
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
seMs
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
JACK & JILL
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
INTerNATIONAL DAY OF BIODIVersITY
FrIDAY MeAT COMP
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
sLAMMers
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
sCC V KCC (HOMe GAMe)
For more information: 032 946 5407 or proshop@simbithi.com
GreATHeArT WINe TAsTING
An evening of wine, conversation and #TheSimbithiExperience Venue the Dragonfly Restaurant Time 18:00 for 18:30
Bookings sccmsc@simbithi.com
FrIDAY MeAT COMP
For more information: 032 946 5407 proshop@simbithi.com
Autumn Harvest Table
Autumn is a gorgeous season, by any description. Known as ‘fall’ in other corners of the world, autumn bridges the heat of summer and the chill of winter with gentle, cool mornings and mild afternoons.
As the temperatures transition, so does what we put on the table.
Considering fig trees bear their main crop between January and May in our area, we thought it poetic to ask our Fig Tree kitchen to share their perfect Autumn Harvest Table. In this edition, Executive Chefs Godfrey Kinyanjui and Louis Lesch are joined by Senior Sous Chef Lungile Ntshulane, Sous Chef Rahul Bansee and Chefs Lucky Ndlovu and Nonhlanhla Mkwanazi. Let’s cook!
STARTER
Beetroot & Goat Cheese Salad with Honey & Balsamic Glaze
A showstopper of note, and a delightfully playful way to begin a journey of gastronomic wonder.
Ingredients
• 100g beetroot
• 0.06g - 0.08g mixed greens: you may use arugula, spinach, or watercress
• 100g crumbled goat cheese
• 60g walnuts or pecans
Dressing:
• 15g honey or 15g balsamic sweet and tangy reduction of balsamic vinegar and honey
• Optional Additions: Orange segments, fresh mint and pomegranate seeds
Method
1. Roast your beets until tender, then peel or slice them. You’re also welcome to use pre-cooked beets.
2. Lightly toast your walnuts or pecans, whichever you are using.
3. To make your dressing, reduce equal parts of honey and balsamic vinegar. To do this, simply simmer the liquids in an uncovered pan on medium-high heat until the volume is reduced by half. This will give you a slightly thicker consistency and increase your depth of flavour.
4. Now, to assemble: arrange your greens, then beet slices, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted nuts on a plate. We arranged ours in a tower of beautifully stacked elements.
5. Drizzle with your dressing and serve immediately.
6. To add your own twist, you may add orange segments and a touch of cinnamon or use a raspberry vinaigrette for a fruity twist. Or, if you’d like your salad to have a bit of crunch, try candied walnuts or pumpkin/sunflower seeds.
MAIN
Fig Tree’s Legendary Lamb Potjie
This took serious cajoling but, here you have it: one of the most requested, popular dishes served on special occasions at the Fig Tree! You don’t have to have a three-legged potjie pot to make this bowl of goodness. A large pot in your kitchen will suffice, but remember: the key is slow cooking.
Ingredients
• 1kg sliced lamb neck
• 1kg lamb shoulder cubes, bone in
• 3 large onions, sliced
• 500g baby potatoes
• 500g pearl onions
• 250g carrots, halved
• 250g baby marrows
• 250g patty pans, halved
• 80g fresh garlic (peeled and chopped)
• 10ml thyme, chopped
• 10ml dried rosemary
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 50g paprika
• 10ml salt
• 400ml jus and demi-glace dissolved in water
• 250ml red wine
• 100ml tomato paste
Method
1. Add the oil to a heated pot. Now, add both the lamb cuts and sear them.
2. Keep turning until all the pieces are evenly seared. The reason we use
a small amount of cooking oil is that we’re using all the healthy fats in the lamb cuts, which makes this potjie a guilt-free delight!
3. Once the meat is well-browned, add the sliced onions, thyme, rosemary, garlic, tomato paste, paprika and keep turning your meat. At this stage, the pot should be hot, and some of the ingredients should be starting to stick.
4. Add half of the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the browned bits left at the bottom. This will help in creating a rich, flavourful gravy.
5. After deglazing, add the jus and demiglace mix, with the rest of the red wine and leave to simmer for approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Note that the pot should simmer, not boil, hence control the heat accordingly.
6. While the meat simmers, place your vegetables in a roasting pan. Season and place in the oven to roast, but don’t cook them fully.
7. At this stage, the lamb chunks should be getting soft, but not falling off the bone yet. Start adding the half-roasted vegetables, beginning with those that take a while to cook: baby potatoes go in first, and when they start getting soft, add the carrots, then pearl onions, patty pans and end with the baby marrow. Add the salt, and taste for seasoning.
8. Cooking times might differ depending on the cuts of meat used. As it simmers, you might need to keep adding liquid until you are satisfied that the meat has cooked through (soft and falling off the bone).
9. At this stage, lower the heat even further and let everything simmer and reduce. Avoid stirring unnecessarily, as your potjie should be layered as it gets ready.
10. Serve with samp, mielies, rice, or pap. At Fig Tree, we serve ours with a pillowy bread.
Brûlée Fig Tart
Could there be a more perfect end to this autumn symphony? A fig tart from the Fig Tree: decadent, moreish and simply exquisite. This recipe makes a 9-inch tart.
Ingredients
For the Crust
• 168g unsalted butter, preferably Frenchstyle with 82% fat, at room temperature (You’ll also need a bit more to prepare your pan)
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt
• 1 cup / 112g confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• Rounded ⅓ cup / 39g almond flour, sifted
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 extra-large egg, beaten
• 2 ⅔ cups / 315g all-purpose flour or cake flour, sifted
For the Tart
• ⅔ cup / 70g almond flour
• ¾ cup / 70g confectioners' sugar
• ¾ tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp cake flour or all-purpose flour
• 5 tbsp / 70g unsalted butter, preferably French-style, at room temperature
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract
• 1 extra-large egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp dark rum
• ½ cup / 150g fig jam (home-made, or store-bought)
• 500g fresh figs
• 100g confectioners’ sugar for brûlée
Method
1. Prepare your crust first. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sea salt on medium speed for about a minute.
2. Scrape down sides of bowl and paddle with a rubber spatula, add confectioners’ sugar, and combine with butter at low speed.
3. Once incorporated, scrape down the bowl and paddle. Add almond flour and vanilla extract, combining at low speed, gradually adding egg and a quarter of the flour (approximately 55g).
4. Scrape down bowl and paddle, then gradually add remaining flour and mix just until dough comes together, stopping from time to time to scrape in any mixture sticking to sides and bottom of bowl. Be careful not to overbeat. Your dough should be soft to the touch.
5. Separate the dough into two equal portions. Gently press each portion into a ½-inch-thick rectangle. Double-
wrap airtight in plastic wrap. Refrigerate one dough portion for at least four hours, preferably overnight; chill or freeze the second portion.
6. Very lightly (you should not be able to see the butter) butter a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to a 10 ½-inch circle, ¼-inch thick. Dust the work surface and dough often, and work quickly so the dough remains cold.
8. Gently roll the dough over a lightly dusted rolling pin and transfer to the pan, gently easing it in and trimming the top edge. Chill uncovered for at least one hour, preferably longer, if you are able.
9. Now, let’s prepare the tart. Pre-heat your oven to 180°C.
10. Sift together almond flour, confectioners’ sugar, cornstarch and flour into a medium bowl.
11. Place butter, salt, vanilla and almond extracts in mixer with the paddle attachment and beat for one minute at medium speed.
12. Scrape down bowl and paddle, and add almond flour mixture. Beat at medium speed for one minute, until incorporated. Stop, scrape down the bowl and paddle, then turn on the machine and gradually add egg.
13. Add rum and beat at medium speed until incorporated with egg.
14. Remove tart shell from refrigerator and place on a baking sheet. Using a fork, pierce rows across the surface of the crust, about one inch apart. Scrape almond cream onto the crust and, using a small offset or rubber spatula, spread evenly.
15. Place in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, until the crust and almond cream are golden brown and the tip of a knife inserted into the crust comes out clean.
16. Remove from oven and let cool for 40 minutes on a rack. Keep an eye on it as it may not need the full time.
17. Using a small spatula, spread fig jam over the surface of tart in an even layer.
18. Almost ready! Remove stems from figs. Cut small and medium figs into quarters, large figs into sixths or eighths. Arrange in concentric circles, starting with the rim, with the stem end down. Slices should angle upwards.
19. If you are not serving right away (though we cannot possibly see how you could wait to devour this creation), refrigerate. Sprinkle with sugar and “burn” just before serving to create your brûlée.
Meet the Hope Family
WOrDs JODi chetty | PHOTOs chRiS ALLAn PhOtOGRAPhy
Hope, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is “a feeling of trust”. Serendipitously, there is no better way to describe a family bearing this name. There is an inherent sense of comfort, ease and trust between Terence, Diane and their three daughters: Madison (16), Taylor (14) and Charlie (8).
Say hello to the Hope family!
The Hope ladies are easily recognisable in the Fig Tree Restaurant, their varying shades of blonde tresses glinting in the afternoon sun. Terence joins a few moments later, just as Charlie is confidently introducing herself, and Diane confirms that she is, indeed, the talker in the family. The Hopes moved to Simbithi just shy of a decade ago, in 2017, when Charlie was only a month old.
“We were in Johannesburg with Mads and Tay, and we wanted to come back to KZN,” Terence, originally from Westville, shares. “If we were coming home, then I knew we were going to live near the sea. Umhlanga was too busy, so we looked at Ballito, and Simbithi was our first choice.”
Diane had actually foretold the move about a year earlier. “I was newly pregnant with Charlie, and we were holidaying at a unit in Tamboti. Taylor and I shared a morning coffee
and hot chocolate while watching the sunrise, and I told her that we were going to live here one day…”
And back to Tamboti it was, once Charlie made the Hopes a family of five. “We lived in three units in Tamboti!” Taylor remembers, easily recounting the numbers of each. Now, Pambathi Lane is home, and the Hopes are firmly settled. Simbithi’s outdoor lifestyle suits the family perfectly. Terence is currently ranked
in the KZN Golf Union’s Premier Senior and Mid-Amateur rankings, representing Simbithi Country Club, and was recently part of Team iLembe at the 2024 KZN Golf Union Interzone competition. “The course is my favourite thing about the Estate,” he says. “It’s the most challenging, underrated course I think a golfer could play, and there is a perception that because it’s short, it’s an easy course.” Naturally, he is on the greens as often as he can be – Terence had the most registered rounds at Simbithi last year!
Diane, a passionate runner, is equally enthusiastic about Simbithi’s trails. “We often use the trails for long training runs through the night, and it is incredible to see our nocturnal wildlife within the Estate.” She also highlights Simbithi’s safety, security and strong sense of community.
“Whether I am going out on early runs or travelling for work, it has been made a lot easier living in Simbithi as we know the girls are
“There’s always something to do, whether it’s with my family or my friends. We can take our dog for a walk on the trails or the dog park, or get dinner at Fig Tree.”
always safe and that there is always a friend around to help if needed.”
When she is not on the soccer field, Madison – captain of the Reddam House Ballito girls’ team, and recently awarded Best Defender and Girls Player of the Tournament at interschool competitions –appreciates how social Simbithi is. “There’s always something to do, whether it’s with my family or my friends. We can take our dog for a walk on the trails or the dog park, or get dinner at Fig Tree.”
For Taylor, a rising golf star, being on the golf course daily – if she can help it – is non-negotiable. She became interested in the sport as a child just shy of two years ago. “My dad plays a lot of golf, and I used to go with him
to the driving range. One day, I used my sister’s set of clubs and realised that I could actually hit the ball.” And, she now plays daily. “I play with Dad quite a bit, but we do tend to fight,” she laughs, exchanging a good-natured look with her father. Taylor, who won the KZN Junior Championships Girls Silver Division last year, has recently been selected for the KZN Ladies Golf team (playing and squad). She is the youngest South African to earn this honour. “Golf is a great sport, and I love how quiet it is – well, maybe not when I’m on the course!”
As for the spunky Charlie, who has provided emphatic commentary during the interview and gallantly offers to swing upside down for a photograph (while mid-handstand), the Heron Community Centre is Simbithi’s best asset. “I also like the trampolines at Kingfisher,” she adds, “But the magherita pizza at Heron is the best!”
Hopes, you certainly bring joy to our Estate, and we love watching you enjoy life on Simbithi!
,
A household name on the North Coast, the Fiona Crago Real Estate team, led by Fiona Crago herself, is synonymous with quality high-end properties and expertise. Over the past 19 years, Fiona Crago Real Estate has stood the test of time, flourishing through challenges and complications in the competitive Ballito market. The longevity is testament to Fiona’s expertise, resilience, and the trust she has built with her clients. Her success is also deeply rooted in her love for Ballito, a place where she has found both personal and professional fulfillment.
LOCAL REAL ESTATE
A Home That Celebrates UnHUrrIED LIVInG
In an era infatuated with productivity, efficiency and perpetual busyness, this is a home that celebrates relaxed indoor/outdoor living, encapsulating an unhurried lifestyle.
The key to this home's allure is its simple and rational layout. Comprising a clean rectilinear form, this spacious home is divided into two main sections. The upper level is dedicated to family relaxation, studying and sleeping accommodation, while the lower level is dedicated to relaxed indoor/ outdoor living and enjoyment. This layout ensures that the internal living areas offer seclusion while providing visual connection since all the living areas and all four of its bedrooms enjoy views and outdoor access. Nothing in the design is
superfluous, and every aspect has been meticulously considered for practicality, comfort and tranquillity.
The integrated living spaces spill out onto a large, covered tiled verandah for informal and relaxed
living. This tiled area extends out onto an extensive wooden pool deck area, plus there is also an adjoining sunny outdoor tiled patio area, which augments the immersive feel of the outdoor spaces. These combined spaces offer generous choices to sit and watch the world
WORDS CHRISSIE JOHNSON
Top LefT The entire lower level opens seamlessly onto an expansive covered patio that adjoins a large pool deck, and all these spaces have distant sea views. Upstairs, two bedrooms and the TV lounge open out onto the spacious covered balcony that runs along the entire front façade. BoTToM righT The lounge opens onto an expansive, sun-drenched patio that serves as a generous viewing platform and, after dark, a relaxed gathering space around a freestanding fire pit. ABoVe One section of the shaded verandah is dedicated to al fresco dining and, together with the adjacent freestanding bar, benefits from the serene outlook. A sliding shutter enables this space to be protected from inclement weather, creating a sheltered, adaptable setting that works equally well for relaxed family meals, entertaining, or evening gatherings, regardless of weather or season. Top righT The master suite opens into a refined, resort-style en suite bathroom, where a centrally positioned freestanding bath is not only a striking feature, it also creates a sense of space and fluid circulation between the double vanities, glass shower and separate WC. CeNTre The home is entered through a generous, welcoming outdoor living space, immediately signalling a lifestyle centred on relaxed outdoor living.
go by, and areas to relax, swim, reflect or entertain. Positioned between the lounge and dining room area, the chic black-andwhite kitchen also functions as a central hub for engagement and immersion. The fourth airconditioned bedroom with an en suite shower offers flexibility for a guest suite and opens onto the outdoor verandah and bar area.
The upper level is organised around a generous landing and TV lounge with a refined builtin workspace that extends onto a large balcony shared with the main bedroom and bedroom two, also en suite. The master suite is complemented by a sculptural open-plan full en suite, whilst
This home’s design offers a multiplicity factor with outward sightlines and layered transitions between indoors and outdoors, creating a sense of openness and calm; fostering a lifestyle that emphasises slowing down, and all the while encouraging its occupants to appreciate the understated pleasures of the outdoors.
This home is available to purchase through Local Real Estate. For more information contact:
Rory Anderson: 073 697 4159
Jake Morgan: 082 607 1229
Scott Whitaker 063 404 6430
the third bedroom is served by a separate bathroom.
Blooming
A Good Time
“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.” The words of Alfred Austin conjure up images of fingers caked with dirt, a brow stained with sweat and a content spirit, do they not? This is the genesis of our Simbithi Garden Club, which is just beginning to bloom. We chat to Environmental Manager, Ayanda Duma and resident, Shirley Wittig, about the inspiration behind the group.
“At its root, the Garden Club is designed to teach, involve and collaborate with residents,” says Shirley, a member of the Environmental Advisory Working Group, and Ayanda. “The intention is to learn together and share knowledge to keep Simbithi flourishing,” Shirley says. “We want to share resources and inspiration for creating lush, sustainable gardens that blend seamlessly with Simbithi’s natural surroundings.”
Ayanda shares that the Club is an informal, relaxed, welcoming space for garden enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned gardeners. “We want to foster a love for our indigenous flora through several initiatives, which will include information sessions, hands-on activities and community connections.”
The Club recently held its first Meet & Share event at the Heron
Community Centre, where residents introduced themselves, discussed gardening tips and participated in plant, cutting and seed swaps, focusing on indigenous species that thrive in our local climate and are on the Simbithi plant list.
“As we progress, we would love to see more of our community join these gatherings, grab a coffee and chat with like-minded neighbours, and even take new plants home.”
The success of the Garden Club is directly aligned with Simbithi’s strategic initiatives of Promoting Sustainability and Optimising Stakeholder Relations. “Whether we’re swapping stories about successful shade gardens or troubleshooting common plant issues, we’re all about building community,” Ayanda believes. “As the Club grows, gardens will undoubtedly improve, and this will contribute to building our reputation as an eco-estate.” Enhancing our biodiversity by focusing on indigenous plants and encouraging sustainable gardening practices are natural offshoots of the Club’s strength.
So, what can you expect from the Simbithi Garden Club? Workshops, special talks, plant shares and swaps, gardening support, garden tours and visits, and nursery visits.
If you would like to join the Club, please join the Simbithi Flora Group in our official WhatsApp Community, or WhatsApp us on 073 156 1378 to be added.
Happy gardening!
Dragon Dracaena or Dragon Tree Dracaena aletriformis
Grows to 1-4m, evergreen, found in forests, beneath the canopy of tall trees
Single-stemmed with large terminal rosette leaves
Thrives in the shady, humid, hot conditions
Fruits are reddish orange and loved by wildlife (February - August)
Dune Fern Microsorum scolopendrium
Grows to 45-80cm
Evergreen, found in coastal forests and dune scrub
Tropical fern that forms beautiful, wide-spread fronds
Low maintenance, best in shade or semi-shade
Creeping rhizomes
Epiphytic nature: it grows on trees, rocks, and even concrete surfaces like old walls
Krauss’ Spikemoss or Clubmoss Selaginella kraussiana
Grows to 5-10cm
Evergreen, found in high rainfall forests
Soft-textured fern, mat-forming Best in most shade or semi-shade
Great walkway ground cover
Not a browser plant
BEHIND THE SIGNBOARD
WHAT IS BEHIND THE SIGNBOARD?
Property is often reduced to prices, photographs, and statistics. But the most important parts of a sale usually happen long before a board goes up, and long after it comes down.
Behind every signboard are conversations, confidence, timing, and trust. These moments shape decisions quietly, without urgency or spectacle, and they rarely make it into headlines or online listings.
Behind the Signboard is a quarterly column offering insight into Simbithi Eco Estate’s property market from inside the process. Each edition will explore what sells, why it sells, what truly matters to buyers and sellers, and how value is formed, including the context behind price-per-square-metre figures.
This is not a market report, a sales pitch, or a collection of listings. It’s a considered discussion about property, people, and perspective, written for those who value clarity over noise.
I don’t see myself as a salesperson, but as someone who pays attention. My career has had two chapters: 18 years in IT sales and 13 years in property. What’s stayed constant is understanding people, reading timing, and earning trust through clarity, not pressure.
In property, I’ve worked closely with buyers and sellers, seeing how confidence builds or fades long before anything is public. I’ve learned where uncertainty comes from, pricing ahead of the market, misaligned expectations, or timing that isn’t right, and I recognise when decisions become simple, when value is clear and the next step feels natural.
Much of my work happens before a signboard goes up, walking estates, assessing value, and having honest, pressure-free conversations where outcomes begin to take shape.
WHY SIMBITHI MATTERS TO ME
Simbithi matters to me for a few simple reasons. I live here, I work here, and I believe it’s the leading estate on the North Coast. Despite new developments drawing attention, Simbithi remains the most established and sought-after, with a strong connection to nature, an extensive trail network, and a consistently high standard of management.
Wildlife is part of daily life, not a marketing idea. Homes sit within the landscape, and the estate continues to balance growth with long-term care.
That mix of maturity, lifestyle, nature, and strong governance is why Simbithi has earned its position, and continues to deserve it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stephen Frizelle has spent over three decades in sales and business, including 18 years in information technology sales followed by 13 years in residential property.
He specialises in Simbithi Eco Estate and the greater North Coast, bringing an analytical, long-term perspective shaped by both information technology and property markets. His approach focuses on clarity, timing, and relationship-driven decision-making.
stephen@remaxdolphin.co.za
SIMBITHI ECO ESTATE: R13,995,000
Set within the prestigious Simbithi Eco Estate, this immaculate four-bedroom home offers modern, effortless living. Open-plan spaces flow onto a landscaped garden, entertainment area, and swimming pool, perfect for family life and hosting.
Three ensuite bedrooms are on the ground floor, with a private guest suite above the triple garage featuring its own balcony and coffee station. A designer kitchen with a central island, walk-in pantry, and scullery sits at the heart of the home.
Additional features include
and
finishes,
The Simbithi Exp E r IE n CE
We often use this expression: The Simbithi Experience. If you were to chat with our stakeholders, each group might have varying notions of what it encompasses. At its core, though, The Simbithi Experience may be defined as the impression one is left with after time at our Country Club. The curation of this experience is in the capable, passionate hands of a team we are delighted to introduce you to in this edition. Say hello to nelisiwe, Devini, S’celo, Sizwe and nhlanhla – Team Events!
When I arrive to interview them, the events team is scattered throughout the Club, as they often are on days when multiple events are scheduled. Their gathering, though, is seamless, as Events Manager Nelisiwe Ncama finds Events Supervisor Devini Naicker en route down the stairs to the Fig Tree. As the ladies sit down, “the boys”, as they
gallantly call themselves, arrive promptly: S’celo Cele, Sizwe Sishi and Nhlanhla Mngomezulu. The camaraderie is evident as the team catches up on the morning’s events and briefly strategises for those planned for the afternoon.
Nelisiwe, who heads up the team, joined Simbithi last year. She had been working in retail and was expecting her first son when she met Candice Morphew. “She owns
a company called Simply Fabulous Events. I started working with her and discovered that events really fill my love tank. She taught me everything I know, and that’s knowledge and experience I get to share with my team daily.”
With 17 years of experience in the hospitality field, Devini assists with supervising the events team and the execution of events. “I studied hotel management, so it
has always been my passion. It’s a relatively niche field, and I’m grateful to still find enjoyment in what I do.” S’celo, too, studied hospitality. “I worked in logistics before I joined Simbithi and, man, I can’t tell you how good it feels to do what I studied.”
Sizwe and Nhlanhla were both in the food and beverage department before working their way into events; Sizwe, a barman at the Drop Zone, and Nhlanhla at the Fig Tree. Sizwe, who describes himself as a ‘busybody’, believes this department is where his heart truly lies. “I worked with people when I was down at the bar and the restaurant, but with events, it’s different. Our clients really make us smile.” Nhlanhla, whose first job was as a shopkeeper, puts service at the heart of his work. “When I was a shopkeeper, I learnt how to serve others in a way that makes their lives easier. Here at Simbithi, I have grown because there are people who teach us.”
The team agrees that, in accordance with Simbithi’s values, excellence is non-negotiable. “When we sit with a client to plan an event, be it a wedding, birthday or business
dinner, we know that it is important to them, and we do not take it for granted that they chose to celebrate with Simbithi,” Nelisiwe says. “So, as a team, we do everything we can – and then, beyond that – to ensure our guests are satisfied. That starts with keeping the venues in their best shape, familiarising ourselves with what the client needs, and staying close to them through their journey with us.”
This, Devini continues, is what keeps clients returning. “If we give them our best the first time around, they are bound to come back, which is exhilarating for us. To know we’ve done enough for someone to return, or better still, recommend us to their friends and family, is a lovely validation.”
With a team as sizeable as the Club’s, and an operation that hardly stops moving, cohesion is key to executing a memorable event. “We don’t work in isolation,” Nelisiwe shares. “Every department at the Club is interdependent, especially with events. Whether it’s with the food and beverage team for menus or letting the sports team know we have an event in the Pavilion that might affect them, we’re always in communication with our
They affectionately refer to each other as ‘mzala’, a Zulu term of affection that denotes familiarity and kinship among close friends
colleagues.” The respect between departments stands the team in good stead, she continues. “So, if we need extra hands, you’ll find our colleagues are kind enough to assist, as we do for them.”
Having worked together for a while, the events team is steadily hitting their rhythm. They affectionately refer to each other as ‘mzala’, a Zulu term of affection that denotes familiarity and kinship among close friends. Each of them carries a fondness for Simbithi, which Devini believes begins with how the team relates to each other. “What strikes me about Simbithi is that everyone is friendly and approachable, from the managers to junior staff. Our culture is phenomenal.” S’celo and Sizwe agree, mentioning that Simbithi feels like home. “We are a family, in that we can walk into any space at the Club and be greeted with a smile. That’s special.” Nhlanhla remarks on the scope for growth within the company. “I never thought I would work in events, but here I am, all because I was given a chance to try something new.”
Nelisiwe sums it up with a single word: “Belonging. As a team, there’s that sense among us, and it translates into the passion we bring to events.”
WALKInG Keep
‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ is an ancient Chinese proverb often used to encourage bravery, particularly when one is ruminating on a significant decision. There is, perhaps, no better adage to describe Lindiwe Mkhondo’s impeccable feat of completing the Camino de Santiago, a world-renowned pilgrimage route across Europe. Walk with us as Lindi retraces her sacred steps, from training in Simbithi to the electrifying finish at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
In November 2024, Lindi’s family asked her how she wanted to celebrate her 60th birthday.
“A milestone birthday,” Lindi smiles, as she settles into her chair. “I found myself reflecting on the path that brought me here, a life rich with lessons, beauty, and shaped by extraordinary people.”
Lindi recalls taking her time with the decision until she felt a gentle nudging. “I said to my husband, darling, I have decided: I’m going to walk the Camino de Santiago as a walking prayer of gratitude, for life, health, unforgettable experiences, and, most of all, for the love and support my special circle of family, friends and mentors have given me, which I believed was fitting for this birthday. In every breath, every heartbeat, every step, I carried my circle…with joy, lightness, grace and fierce gratitude.” Lindi, a life and business coach, and her family divide their time between their homes in Johannesburg and Simbithi. She began her training in January last year, after she decided to walk the Camino in September.
“This gave me eight months to prepare,” she recalls. “We are walkers, usually on the street, so to train for the Camino, I decided to explore Simbithi’s trails. The hills and nature are somewhat similar to those along the Camino, so I started walking between four and five kilometres daily, and increased each month incrementally, until I got to 25km a day. For the Camino, I knew I’d need to walk an average of 25km a day.” Simbithi’s trails, Lindi shares, were an exceptional training ground. She met fellow walkers Terry Dearling and Hayley Browne on one of her walks, and they invited her to join the Simbithi Hiking Group. “Those
women are gold,” Lindi smiles. “They walked the 100 steps along the Simbithi fence line with me, which prepared me very well for the mountains and hills I crossed on the Camino. As they showed me more of Simbithi’s trails, I felt a childlike sense of freedom and discovery.” To devote herself completely to this journey, Lindi took a two-month sabbatical. “For me, it was a period of pause. My mind was clear, and I was confident and ready mentally, physically and emotionally. My heart was grateful to God for the opportunity, and this was much deeper than a physical undertaking for me; it was a spiritual journey.”
At the starting point in Saint-JeanPied-de-Port, Lindi felt a mixture of excitement and a bit of nerves,
taking those first steps, going uphill and crossing the beautiful Pyrenees Mountains. “The wind was so strong, I almost felt I would be blown off the cliff. The thrill I felt from this challenge was unbelievable,” Lindi recalls.
The French Way route is 780km long, starting at Saint-Jean-Piedde-Port to Santiago de Compostela, the cathedral believed to house the remains of Saint James. Along the way, Lindi was intentional with her thoughts, time and interactions. At the beginning of each day, she would carefully plan her route.
“I knew where I would stop to rest and to eat. For some portions of the journey, I would chat with other walkers and walk solo in
other spaces. I never felt alone. These moments of silence were very precious. Listening to the sound of my footsteps, my heartbeat, and witnessing beauty around me for hours.”
“The support, generosity and care were an exceptional experience. You have the sense that you are never alone, even if you’re walking in solitude. The Camino provides all one needs. If I took a pause, there would always be someone asking if I was alright before they continued. If someone had a blister, we all offered first aid and shared resources.” In the tough moments – like when her feet took a beating navigating rocky terrain towards Zubiri – Lindiwe relied on a strong sense of self-belief. “My body knew what to do, and I reminded myself of that. I knew that I had to
push through the pain because it was shaping and strengthening me. There was courage and resilience within me, and I just needed to put one foot in front of the other.” “Looking around at all that God has created, I found a renewed sense of awe and the gratitude I started the journey with.” Every day of the journey was open and immense, says Lindi, and remaining present and grounded was pivotal. “I took everything in. In the abundance and the stillness, I reconnected with who I am.”
At the end of a 36-day walk, Lindi saw the peaks of Santiago de Compostela As she recounts the moments, months later, tears pool in her eyes, much like the tears she felt when she took her final step in October last year. “What a feeling,” Lindi exhales.
It’s the joy experienced in simplicity and feeling ‘enough’. It’s being able to surrender, let go and forgive as I took each step, releasing, stepping into real freedom
“It was euphoric, and I took a moment to sit with my emotions, coming to terms with what the journey had meant to me.” Lindi spent two days in Santiago, followed by two days of reflection at Cape Finisterre and Muxía in Galicia, Spain. “Some call this place the end of the world, and I enjoyed exquisite sunsets and the endless horizon of the Atlantic Ocean. I lay on the rocks for hours, experiencing absolute stillness, peace and a sense of accomplishment.
It was the perfect space to soak everything in and internalise it before I came home.” Summing up the experience, Lindi eloquently shares that Santiago de Compostela was the destination, but the Camino was the experience of a lifetime.
“The 40-day Camino has been a teacher. I continue to glow in the light of this journey and reap lessons from it every day. As the saying goes, the Camino begins once the last step is taken. The real pilgrimage is not the 780km to Santiago de Compostela, it’s the lessons learnt and how these are applied in real life. It’s the friendships made during this time, and the stories shared. It’s the joy experienced in simplicity and feeling ‘enough’. It’s being able to surrender, let go and forgive as I took each step, releasing, stepping into real freedom.”
The lessons are numerous, and Lindi adds that it is the importance of presence in her life – fully being in the here and now and all sensations awakened, feeling an aliveness, lightness, and truly coming home to who she is – to her true essence. “It’s realising the true meaning of life and having clarity about what’s important and what’s not. Most importantly, the Camino clarified for me what living a full and meaningful life means.”
Would she do it again? “Without a doubt,” Lindi confirms, with a broad smile. “I have shared with my family that I would love to celebrate my 70th this way! Who knows? I might do it even sooner!”
An Arctic Adventure
There are many obvious benefits to travelling: seeing and experiencing new places, meeting and interacting with people, and broadening one’s cultural horizons. For some, though, travel entrenches itself just that much deeper, and a destination becomes a moment of enlightenment, introspection and fulfilment. For Terry and Tony Dearling, a trip to Antarctica was all that, and then some.
Antarctica, Terry shares, has always been at the top of her bucket list. “Since I was young, I have wanted to step onto the coldest, most remote continent in the world. My close friends and family have heard me say that if I had six months to live, I would go to Antarctica.” The allure, she explains, is Antarctica’s remoteness, and that less than 0,0013% of the world’s current population visits the continent annually. “I chatted to Tony late last year, and we decided to do it. We were never going to be younger, fitter and healthier than we were then.”
The Dearlings departed in November, flying from Durban to Johannesburg, onto Sao Paolo, Brazil, and then Buenos Aires, Argentina. They spent three nights in the Argentinian capital, exploring the culture, food scene and architecture. “At times, it felt like we were in Paris or London, in the summer,” Tony reminisces. “Memories that will stay with us are the Wisteria trees, the Agapanthus in bloom and the simple, one-trader greengrocers everywhere…and, of course, the graffiti in La Boca.”
As Terry and Tony prepared to leave their hotel for the precruise in Buenos Aires, they discovered 90 others sharing their excitement. “We were introducing
ourselves to the stranger in the bathroom and sharing our stories with others as we waited to board the buses that would take us to the airport for our charter flight to Ushuaia.” Ushuaia is the southernmost port in the world, where the crew of explorers would board the SH Minerva, the expedition ship with 120 staff, including scientists, and where they would spend their 10-day adventure. “We were one of the oldest couples on board, we soon figured,” Tony shares. “That said, though, everyone on the ship was physically fit, which is important if you are considering this sort of trip.”
After being shown to their cabins and touring the ship, the SH Minerva sailed from the Ushuaia port towards the Drake Passage, signalling the highly anticipated start of the journey to Antarctica.
The Drake Passage is a body of water between Cape Horn in Chile and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. “That was an experience,” Terry’s eyes sparkle as she thinks back. “The Drake Passage has different levels of intensity, and it would take about two days to reach the Antarctica Peninsula via the passage. There was a great deal of anticipation and conversation about how our journey would go.” She quips that she had downloaded books and packed her journal, thinking she would spend the days relaxing, sleeping, dreaming and reading. “Not so! It was busy! In December, Antarctica has about 22 hours of daylight and two hours of twilight.”
Both Terry and Tony remarked on how pristine Antarctica is, largely due to the rigid environmental protocols, which included a briefing by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). This voluntary organisation advocates for safe and environmentally responsible exploration of the continent. “All the personal expedition clothing we brought was meticulously checked for alien invasives, and a stowaway seed was found in Terry’s gloves!”
The expedition was planned in meticulous detail, with a flexible itinerary set for each day. “In the mornings, we would hear where we were going, and learn a bit about the history, geography, topography, etc.” Tony shares a photograph of one of the information sheets. “Every time we got off, and on the ship, we had a security check using a Radio
Frequency card in our jackets to ensure everyone was accounted for. We had to disinfect and scrub our Muck Boots before and after each trip onto the ice. We could not sit, lie down or touch anything on the ice and walked only on demarcated routes set out by the expedition team before we left the zodiacs.”
The ship stopped at several sites during the trip on both the Antarctic continent, including some historic research stations, the world’s southernmost post office, and small islands on the Antarctic Peninsula.
“Antarctica is so vast, it reminds one how tiny we really are in relation to the world at large. It also reminds me that humans have destroyed so much of our planet, especially when you have seen how unspoiled Antarctica is.”
Tony’s highlights included observing the birdlife, particularly the colonies of different penguins and their ‘penguin highways; pathways in the snow made by waddling penguins marching single file to and from their colonies to the ocean, to clean themselves and feed. “Looking at the stunning blue of the ice, and it being quiet enough for us to hear it carving in some places, was awesome.”
The crew was presented with what the Dearlings call an “unusual opportunity” to leave via the Melchoir Archipelago,
which comprises 19 small islands. “This is not often possible as icebergs prevent ships from navigating this narrow channel. It was breathtaking.”
Doing the Polar Plunge is something crazy enough to feel excited and nervous about. It is not on the itinerary and depends on the weather conditions, so when the call comes on the intercom, a military manoeuvre begins. “Safety is paramount,” Terry says. Doctors and paramedics are ready, and rescue crews are waiting on the zodiacs. Just as the first passenger was ready to go, a large iceberg was too close to the ship, and we had to wait. It was a cool -1ºC, but hellishly invigorating and well worth the Aquavit reward.”
Another highlight for Terry was kayaking and seeing at least 20 humpback whales breaching very close by.
While it is near impossible to summarise the impact of the journey, Terry encapsulates it by reflecting, “Antarctica is so vast, it reminds one how tiny we really are in relation to the world at large. It also reminds me that humans have destroyed so much of our planet, especially when you have seen how unspoiled Antarctica is.”
That said, humans are responsible for the global warming that is causing Antarctica to lose an average of 150 billion tonnes of ice a year.
A World of IMAGI nATIOn
WOrDs JODi chetty | PHOTOs cReAtivSPROUt
A book, it has been said, has the ability to transport you anywhere in the world: all you need is a sprinkle of imagination. This is precisely the magic Steve Smith is hoping will return when young minds pick up one of his books and see the world through the eyes of siblings Jack and Megan, and their two friends, Archie and Kimberley. In this instalment of our Hobbies at Simbithi series, we meet an unlikely author and take a trip through an old Scottish mansion.
“Absolutely not,” is the emphatic answer Steve gives when asked if he had ever dreamed of writing a book. “I’m a project engineer,” he says, with an easy smile. His author’s bio describes him as an ‘average student’ born in Alloa, Scotland. “I travelled the world as an engineer and then eventually settled in South Africa, where I ran a business. When I retired, my son suggested I write a book.” Initially bemused by the idea, Steve took to spending hours in his wood workshop to clear his mind. While fiddling with some wood, he thought… “You know what, writing a book might actually be fun!”
In his younger years, Steve was a keen reader of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series. “I particularly enjoyed the mystery of those books. I could be sitting at home and, through those stories, my mind could be somewhere completely different.” Using his childhood in Scotland as inspiration, Steve chose to set his first book in the village of Inverlochy in the Scottish
Highlands. “The concept was simple. I wanted these four to find magic and adventure. The story begins with the children exploring the mansion and stumbling across a secret chamber in the library, where they find a magic button. They press the button, and suddenly, they’re in another world.”
And, the first in a series of books was born. The Adventures of the Inverlochy Gang begins with A Journey to Kimberley, and is followed by A Trip to Treasure Island. “Once I realised I could transport these children anywhere, I began to enjoy writing an adventure for them,” Steve shares. “With the first book, I shared history about Kimberley, so it became a tool to educate readers about South African landmarks.” Through Steve’s pen, the Inverlochy Gang has seen Santa Claus in the North Pole and experienced the Australian gold rush. “I avoid anything scary, like guns or violence, because I believe simple, childlike fun is
missing in today’s world. Before I write, I study the areas the gang will visit so the books are educational and enjoyable.”
The books are also illustrated to improve readers’ concepts of the story and fuel their imagination. “There’s nothing better than a good book, and if I – at my age –can inspire children to put down the screens and read for a bit, then I am happy to help.” Steve is passionate about his hobby and sees it as the beginning of his legacy. “In these books, there are no stereotypes, and everyone is included. It does not matter where you are or what circumstances you find yourself in; dreaming is for everyone. I hope my books encourage children to dream.” He will keep writing, of course, though he quips: “I’m sure my English teacher would be having a laugh!”
You may purchase copies of The Adventures of the Inverlochy Gang on Amazon, or email enquiries@simbithi.com.
