Simbithi Eco-Estate Newsletter July 26

FroM THE General manaGer

The change of season is easily felt in the drop in temperature and nature’s appearance. In our office, the change of ‘season’ is marked by a planning session, a bunch of whiteboard markers and the increase in mentions of “agenda, notice, proxy” and “resolutions”. The season I am referring to, of course, is Annual General Meeting (AGM) season, which kicks off in July, for our team. Our SEEHOA AGM is scheduled for 27 August 2026, and, during this month, we are leading up to sharing the official notice of the AGM with homeowners. Participation in the AGM is the cornerstone of our governance procedures, and I encourage every homeowner to either attend in person or submit a proxy. Your input and involvement are testament to the strength of our community. We will share invites and updates regarding the AGM, including planned engagement

sessions and the nomination process for the 2026/27 Board of Directors/Executive Committee, during the next week.

One of the resolutions we expect to vote on at the SEEHOA AGM is regarding our short-term letting policy. The Advisory Working Group (AWG) formed for this purpose has been meeting regularly and is making good progress evaluating the input received from the engagement sessions we hosted earlier this year. It is anticipated that the AWG will make a recommendation to the Board, which will be considered and put to a vote at the AGM.

While still on the subject of AGM and engagements, next week we host the first of two planned engagements to present the EXCO’s proposed Rejuvenation Project for Simbithi Country Club. The Rejuvenation is currently scheduled to be voted on at the SCC AGM on 18 August 2026, and – if passed – would significantly improve

FroM THE GENErAL MANAGEr

the SCC’s position in a competitive market. For the Estate, as a whole, the proposed rejuvenation presents an opportunity to enhance Brand Simbithi and improve the quality of life for our entire community. We look forward to joining the Club team at the engagements, scheduled for 8 July 2026 (in person) and 23 July 2026 (virtual). And, chatting about votes…thank you to everyone who voted for us in this year’s Best of Ballito Awards. Now, we wait and hold thumbs that we can soon add a fourth trophy to our collection!

Closing off for this month, congratulations to Local Real Estate for topping the Business Property Practitioners for a second consecutive year, and to Local Real Estate’s Rory Anderson for his impressive seventh consecutive Best Selling Property Practitioner title. Thank you to all the practitioners who joined us at our engagement last month, for your continued passion for Simbithi.

Have a great July, Simbithi.

Marc Mc Clure

PLANT of THE moNTH

Exotic Plant: Dracaena species

Locally Indigenous: Dracaena hyacinthoides

New edition to the Simbithi plant list

By Nqobile Makhaye, Environmental Assistant

While I enjoy being single, I do imagine meeting my husband and my mother-inlaw someday. In my imagination, I have never pictured my mother-in-law having a sword-shaped tongue, either literally or figuratively.

(More about the plant on this link) https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracaena_trifasciata.

Recent plant classification updates have placed Sansevieria within the Dracaena genus, so it is now scientifically known as Dracaena, reflecting new genetic research on plant relationships.

Mother-in-law’s tongue is a common name for Dracaena trifasciata, formerly known as Sanseviera trifasciata:

Despite its appeal, it remains an exotic plant, including its dwarf variety (cultivar) ‘Hahnii’.

Even if I pronounce it ‘honey’, it still does not

ENVIRONMENT

elicit any romantic attraction from me. Some related species and cultivars include Dracaena angolensis, Dracaena pearsonii, Dracaena trifasciata, Dracaena trifasciata ‘Hahnii’, and Dracaena trifasciata 'Moonshine', to name a few.

outweigh the appeal of exotic preferences.

I admit that it has a year-round colour and striking leaf shape with leaf contrasts, and is commonly found in gardens. Additionally, they are not fussy about environmental conditions, but the benefits of planting locally indigenous plants far

I would like to encourage everyone to consider an alternative with the same genus, Dracaena hyacinthoides, commonly known as bowstring hemp. More about the plant on this link: https://pza.sanbi. org/sansevieria-hyacinthoides.

Bowstring hemp is a locally indigenous plant which can grow in shaded parts of the garden. Its scented flowers also attract insects and birds to your garden.

ENVIRONMENT

Other benefits include:

• Food source for wildlife – Its fleshy orange berries are eaten by birds, which help disperse the seeds.

• Shelter and habitat – Dense clumps provide refuge for small reptiles, insects, and other ground-dwelling fauna.

• Soil stabilisation – Its extensive root system helps bind soil and reduce erosion on slopes and disturbed areas.

• Drought resilience – As a hardy, water-wise species, it remains green during dry periods, contributing to ecosystem stability.

• Low-maintenance indigenous landscaping – It requires little water or intervention once established, making it suitable for sustainable gardens and eco-estates.

• Biodiversity support – When planted with other indigenous species, it contributes to habitat connectivity and increases overall biodiversity.

Part of the beauty we find aesthetically pleasing lies in the effort to plant locally indigenous plants. These species not only offer visual appeal but also attract fauna (visible and invisible); the benefits go beyond appearance and contribute to long-term sustainability. And that is the kind of love story a garden can tell, sustainable, thriving, and truly alive. Choosing locally indigenous plants creates gardens that are not only beautiful but sustainable, functional, and alive with natural interactions.

ALIEN PLANT of THE moNTH

Chromolaena

odorata

Chromolaena odorata: Commonly known as paraffin weed, triffid weed. This is an alien plant and requires eradication.

• It cannot be planted, propagated, or traded.

Under South Africa’s NEMBA (National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act) Alien & Invasive Species Regulations, triffid weed is a Category

1b Invasive species, meaning it:

• Must be controlled and removed.

• Landowners are legally required to manage and prevent its spread.

Growth habit & features

Triffid weed is a fast-growing, perennial shrub with white flowers. It is often described in botanical literature as a scrambling or sprawling shrub that can also behave as a climber when supported by other vegetation. Triffid weed typically grows 1.5-3 m tall, forming dense bushes. Triffid weed is native to Central and South America and the Caribbean. It has spread widely and

ENVIRONMENT

2 Images above show Triffid weed invasive growth

is now invasive in Africa, Asia, and parts of Oceania.

quickly after disturbance and dominating landscapes.

It is multi-stemmed, forming dense bushy growth. The root system is fibrous and shallow, often supported by a basal crown, enabling rapid resprouting and persistence in disturbed environments or bare patches.

Leaves

Leave arrangement: Occur in pairs at each node on the stem.

Leaf shape: Triangular to ovate (egg-shaped) in outline.

Leaf edges/margins: Coarsely toothed or serrated.

It has small, white, tubular florets, giving it a fluffy appearance.

After flowering, it produces lots of seeds rapidly, which exhibit very rapid growth, especially in disturbed areas. It acts as a pioneer species, establishing

Venation: Leaves have three prominent veins originating from the base.

Control Method

Hand-pull seedlings and young plants and remove the entire root system.

Follow-up Method

• Remove seedlings and resprouting plants.

• Rehabilitate by replanting locally indigenous plants and applying mulch to suppress seeds. This will prevent reinfestation and restore diversity.

References:

• Distribution, impact, and management of Chromolaena odorata in Southern Africa, available online: https://www.academia. edu/15057523/DISTRIBUTION_ IMPACT_AND_MANAGEMENT_OF_ CHROMOLAENA_ODORATA_IN_ SOUTHERN_AFRICA.

We kindly ask all residents to do their part by removing invasive plants on their properties.

• Microsoft Copilot. 2026. AI-generated content on Chromolaena odorata.

• Chromolaena odorata (l.) R.m. king & h.

Our team is also actively clearing alien vegetation in common areas. By working together, we can preserve the beauty of the Simbithi ecosystem and build a more sustainable environment for everyone.

Robinson available online: https://www.fao.org/agriculture/crops/ thematic-sitemap/theme/biodiversity/ weeds/listweeds/chr-odo/en/.

A CRAbbY SIGHT

These freshwater crabs were recently spotted scurrying along one of our dams. This is an excellent indication of naturally good water quality and a flourishing ecosystem. Crabs are sensitive to pollution, so their presence indicates the water is clean and wellbalanced. Click Here to watch the video.

Environmental Advisory Working Group (AWG) member and Simbithi Flora Garden Club leader, Shirley Wittig, has compiled this list of plants that flower during winter on our Estate.

If you would like more advice on what to plant this season, you are welcome to reach out to our environmental department at environmental@simbithi.com .

Part of the SImbITHI SToRY

Our annual engagement with our property practitioners is always a highlight on the Simbithi calendar.

This year, we had more than 200 practitioners in the Pavilion Room, certainly our largest group to date: a testament to the strength of our brand within the competitive landscape.

Thank you to those who joined us; those who have been part of our story for decades and those who have just begun their chapters. We are grateful for your willingness to continue partnering with us.

We were also privileged to recognise our top performing property practitioner and business property practitioner for 2025. Congratulations to Local Real Estate’s Rory Anderson for his seventh consecutive win, and to Local Real Estate for their second consecutive win.

WELL DoNE, #TEAmSImbITHI

Our HOA staff recently gathered at the Fish Eagle Community Centre for our Q1 staff meeting, where we recognised top performing employees for the quarter. Well done to:

Innovator of the Quarter: IT Manager, Nicolas Links. Nicolas developed an app to assist with the chronological generation of Hole-in-One certificates.

Employee of the Quarter: Technical Administrator, Mayuri Pillay, who has taken on an increased role within the department with aplomb.

People’s Choice: Assistant Security Manager, Rodney Reddy, as recognised by his SEEHOA colleagues.

SECURITY

Golf Carts

Residents, a reminder that only electric golf carts are permitted on Simbithi EcoEstate. It is compulsory for every golf cart used on the Estate to have adequate, public liability insurance.

SEEHOA has established an insurance policy for this liability through the Estate’s broker. It

is compulsory that this insurance policy is taken by any owner of a Golf Cart. A golf cart permit will be issued annually confirming insurance cover. Golf carts may only be driven by persons holding a valid South African motor licence. Parents are to adhere to this rule.

SECURITY

Due to safety of all concerned these rules must be strictly adhered to while on the Estate roads:

• No overloading of passengers (not more than 2 passengers on a 2-seater and 4 passengers on a 4-seater.

• No towing of a person on a skateboard/roller skates, etc.

The Estate will in no way be liable for any loss or damages incurred to the golf cart.

Estate Speed Limit

The security department has noted an increased number of speeding transgressions on the Estate.

It must be noted the speed limit throughout the Estate is 40 kilometres per hour for all vehicles on all Estate roads.

The Simbithi Country Club has the right to impose its own rules relating to the use of golf carts, bicycles and jogging on the golf course. You may visit the Pro Shop for more advice on these rules.

All drivers, please strictly adhere to the speed limit and remain vigilant for other road users and wildlife crossing our roads.

Short-term letting

A reminder that short-term letting on Simbithi Eco-Estate is governed by clause 13.2 of our Rules of Association. If you would like to short-term let your property, please ensure you have registered with SEEHOA for short-term letting facilities, as failure to do so May attract a financial penalty.

You may find the rules and application forms on our website or contact our HOA Welcome Centre for more information.

Single Residential

Single Residential

Sectional Title Units

Sectional Title Units TOTAL DEVELOPMENT: 1496 of 1610 = 93% developed

FROM THE Club General Manager

July is shaping up to be an action-packed month at Simbithi Country Club, bringing together world-class sport, exceptional social events, fantastic dining experiences, and countless opportunities for families and friends to connect.

wine with friends, competing on the golf course, or taking advantage of our fantastic food offerings, July promises something special for everyone.

JULy HIGHLIGHTS

Saturday, 4 July | Springboks vs England – Live on the Big Screen

As the heart of our community, the Club continues to create memorable experiences built on our values of respect, excellence, inclusivity, and genuine hospitality.

Rugby fever arrives at Simbithi as the Springboks take on England. Gather your family and friends, wear your green and gold with pride, and enjoy all the action on our giant screen in a vibrant match-day atmosphere.

With the winter season in full swing, there is no better place to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the company of fellow members.

Whether you're cheering on the Springboks, enjoying a glass of

Saturday, 11 July | Springboks vs Scotland – Live on the Big Screen

The Bokke continue their campaign against Scotland. Expect plenty of excitement, fantastic food and beverages, and the unmatched camaraderie that only live rugby can bring.

Tuesday, 14 July & Wednesday, 15 July | Soccer World Cup Semi-Finals

Football fans are in for a treat as the tournament reaches its business end. Join fellow members to witness the drama, passion, and excitement of the semi-finals live at the Club.

Saturday, 18 July | Springboks vs Wales – Live on the Big Screen

The final match of the series sees the Springboks take on Wales in what promises to be another thrilling encounter. Bring the family, enjoy the atmosphere, and support the Bokke alongside your fellow members.

Sunday, 19 July | Soccer World Cup Final

The stage is set for football's biggest showdown. Join us as we witness the tournament finale live on the giant screen, complete with all the excitement and anticipation that only a championship match can deliver.

Sunday, 19 July | The Open Championship

Golf enthusiasts can look forward to one of the most prestigious events on the golfing calendar. The Open Championship promises a fantastic day of competition, sportsmanship, and memorable moments on the course.

Thursday, 23 July | Simbithi Wine Festival

One of the highlights of our winter social calendar returns to the Pavilion. Residents and members are invited to enjoy an exceptional evening featuring outstanding wines, delicious food pairings, and wonderful company. This highly anticipated event is expected to sell out quickly, so be sure to secure your place early.

Jack & Jill's Social Evenings

Our ever-popular Jack & Jill's events continue to bring members together in the spirit of friendship, fun, and the golf community.

Whether you're a regular participant or joining for the first time, these evenings are always filled with laughter, connection, and memorable moments.

WINTER WARMERS AT FIG TREE

Why cook when we've got you covered?

This winter, let Fig Tree take care of dinner with our weekly specials and seasonal favourites. Keep an eye on the Club communications for our latest offerings, designed to bring warmth, comfort, and exceptional value to your dining experience.

From hearty family meals to chef-inspired winter classics, there is always something delicious waiting for you. Gather around the table, relax by the fire, and enjoy everything that makes winter dining at Simbithi so special.

SPORTS COMPLEX ACTION CONTINUES

The Sports Precinct remains a hive of activity throughout winter, offering members of all ages opportunities to stay active, healthy, and connected.

Padel

The courts continue to buzz with social mix-ins, coaching programmes, and junior development sessions, creating opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to participate and improve their game.

Don't forget to follow the weekly sports schedules and Club communications for additional fixtures, competitions, and community events throughout the month. You may also keep up to date on the Simbithi App.

Squash Family Squash and Sunrise Squash continue to be firm favourites, providing fitness, fun, and friendly competition throughout the week.

Tennis & Bowls

Thirsty Thursday Tennis remains a fantastic social fixture, while our bowls community continues to welcome players of all abilities to enjoy the camaraderie and enjoyment that make the game so special.

At Simbithi Country Club, our commitment remains unchanged: creating welcoming spaces where families connect, friendships flourish, and lasting memories are made. July is filled with opportunities to celebrate sport, community, and togetherness, and we look forward to sharing these special moments with you. We look forward to welcoming you and your family throughout the month. For bookings, event information, and enquiries, please contact the Member Services Centre or the relevant department.

See you at your Club soon.

Craig Nell

FROM THE

Golf Chairperson

Greens & Tee Complex Agronomic Assessment Completed

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of the golf course, Simbithi Country Club recently commissioned an independent agronomic assessment of our greens and tee complexes.

The purpose of the exercise was to provide an objective evaluation of the condition of these key playing surfaces, identify opportunities for improvement, and assist in planning future maintenance and capital projects. The assessment reviewed factors such as drainage, rootzone performance, irrigation efficiency, turf health, shade impact, and overall long-term sustainability.

The report confirms that the course continues to perform well relative to its age, construction profile, and maintenance programme.

It also highlights a number of opportunities where targeted interventions can further improve consistency, presentation, durability, and year-round playability.

The Golf Committee, SEEHOA and the Matko Team are currently reviewing the findings and working together to develop a clear, phased improvement programme. This programme will be prioritised in a practical and financially responsible manner, ensuring that resources are directed where they will deliver the greatest benefit to members and the long-term health of the course. Many of the recommendations align with initiatives already underway, while others will form part of our future planning.

We would like to thank our Course Maintenance Team for their ongoing dedication and professionalism in maintaining the course to a high standard. We will keep members informed as the improvement programme is finalised and implemented over the coming months.

On another topic, two of our resident golfers have developed and refined their “FoodTee” app which allows members to place orders on halfway house while still out on the course. Effective use of this app by members will certainly speed up the process of ordering and paying at halfway house. We look forward to an enhanced experience at halfway house with the added benefit of speeding up play overall.

As always, our focus remains on continuous improvement, protecting the longevity of our course assets, and providing the best possible golfing experience for all members.

Happy golfing!

Robin Rigney

Men’s Captain FroM THE Men’s Captain

As we enter the winter season and the second part of the year, it is great to see how beautiful our golf course is looking despite being cooler and with lesser rain fall.

having a encouraging year and lie 2nd on game points from Umhlali, Camelot and Cotswold B. It's going to be interesting to see if any of these contenders can dethrone Simbithi from the top of the log.

League news:

Our A League played against Cotswold Downs on 7 June at Camelot and were victorious with a 12 – 0 result to Simbithi CC. Well done to Terence and his teammates, a fantastic achievement.

The Allerton leagues, as always, have been extremely competitive.

There was a lovely write up in the KZN golf newsletter about our respective Simbithi teams. In Central C league Simbithi have rejoined the leagues and look like the team to beat this year having had the convincing wins to date. League newcomers Selborne are

"Will Cotswold make it three in a row?" Is what I asked at the beginning of the year … this seems unlikely with only one win from their first four games. Kloof leads the way, unbeaten and a record of four wins from four. eThekwini follow closely with their only blemish being a draw with Umkomaas. Promoted Simbithi have been a team to watch being their first time in the A league. Their only loss was to eThekwini and they will look for a strong finish to the year.

FroM THE MEN'S CAPTAIN

Sponsorship:

MJ Zietsman and the Huizemark team have officially joined us as prominent Friday sponsor.

MJ is taking ownership of our monthly braai

Friday at the end of every month. His whole drive is to make it a family oriented fun day with families and kids, building and promoting the true Simbithi “gees”.

I want to thank Adriaan, Shanel, Anele and the porters for doing an excellent job, making our golf experience a lovely one. Happy golfing.

Winner 2023, 2024 & 2025

The Durban Regional Championships were played on Sunday, 7 June, at the beautiful Zimbali Golf Course.

Congratulations to all our members who represented Simbithi with distinction.

A special mention goes to Michelle Dold and Lydia Lategan, who dominated the B Division and brought home some fantastic results. Well done ladies – we are incredibly proud of your achievement!

Giving Back

Many members may not be aware that R15 from every Tuesday competition fee is donated to the Porters. Thanks to your continued support, we contribute approximately R1,800 per month to them. Every round played helps make a difference, and we thank all members for their ongoing support.

FroM THE LADIES' CAPTAIN

League Update

Our league team has faced some tough competition recently.

• Away to our neighbours at Umhlali, we unfortunately went down 8–4.

• At home against Mount Edgecombe, the team fought hard to secure a draw. Thank you to all the players who continue to represent Simbithi with enthusiasm and commitment.

Tuesday Golf

Our regular Tuesday competitions continue to be exceptionally well supported, and it is

wonderful to see so many members enjoying the camaraderie and competition each week.

Beginner Ladies Golf (Bambi's)

If you, or someone you know, would like to learn the game of golf in a fun and welcoming environment, our Beginner Ladies Golf Programme (Bambis) will be starting soon.

Please speak to Adriaan in the Pro Shop for more information or to register your interest.

Happy golfing!

Olga Serton

A Wintery Wonder

Executive Chef Godfrey Kinyanjui and Brand Manager Jodi Chetty

joined Mike Charles on Radio Life & Style to chat about the Fig Tree’s wintery food inspiration, recently. Listen to the interview, here

Jeff Leaver: Chairperson

Clive Mc Creadie: Deputy Chairperson HOA

Frank Bradford: Deputy Chairperson

SCC EXCO

Gavin Dunlop

Technical & Maintenance board2@simbithi.com

Pamela White Alternate Director SCC & Marketing & Communications board9@simbithi.com

John Gowans

Trevor Luyt

Andrew Mackenzie

Anura Tewary

For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407

Live music with rockhaven and our famous Sunday Carvery, for r380pp.

Time: 12:00 – 15:00

bookings essential: foodbev5@simbithi.com or 032 946 5403

For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032946 5407

Time: 17:40

Seating first come, first served

The Country Club brings you Quiz Night, sponsored by Local real Estate and hosted by “The Quiz Guys”.

Venue: The Fig Tree restaurant

Time: 18:00

bookings: foodbev1@simbithi.com or 032 946 5403

For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407

Time: 17:40

Seating first come, first served

For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407

For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407

SNAKE TALK WITH ANDREW DoUGLAS

Simbithi kiddos, join us for an interactive talk by the ‘Snake Man’ – learn about snakes, their importance in our ecosystem and how to safely co-exist with them.

Time: 12:00 – 13:00

Venue: Kingfisher Community Centre booking essential: wc@simbithi.com or WhatsApp 073 156 1378 16

17 – fRIDAY mEAT ComP

For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407