From the General Manager
Wild & Wonderful
Endangered Species Day
Growing Life From The Ground Up
What’s in a Name?
Special Sighting UVP
Hoppy EaSTER, SImbITHI!
FroM THE General manaGer
It’s a relatively cool morning, and the sound of rain is creating a lovely rhythm on the roof of the HOA building. Autumn is definitely bidding us a grudging farewell and preparing the way for winter. One of my favourite things about Simbithi is that there is beauty to be seen all year ‘round, especially when one considers the natural wonders of the Estate.
to allow a family of ducks to pass safely by. While on the topic of Simbithi’s nature, this month, we commemorate Endangered Species Day. Our recent communications have mentioned two such species on the Estate: the African Rock Python and Crowned Eagle. The African Rock Python is classified as threatened in South Africa, while the Crowned Eagle is considered endangered in our country due to rapid population declines. As an eco-estate, sightings of these animals are a positive indicator of the standard of our natural environment.
Speaking of natural wonders, our Birding Group has been quite busy recently, with two special sightings. A Grey Cuckooshrike was spotted hunting insects on the Mngeni Forest boardwalk, a first for Simbithi, followed by a rarely seen Half-collared Kingfisher sunning itself on the Cormorant Dam. As an avid birder, I enjoy walking our trails and spending time with our winged residents. I encourage you to do the same, whether it’s bird watching from your veranda, or stopping
However, understanding that sightings of either of these animals may cause panic or fear, we have shared resourceful tips on what to do. Essentially, remain calm and contact our 24-hour Control Room on 032-946 8373/4/5, and our team will assist you in line with our wildlife protocols and procedures. Moving onto facilities and maintenance, thank you for your patience during the extended roadworks on Ladlau Drive. This is one of several projects underway within the
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technical department to ensure Simbithi remains well-maintained, and your co-operation during periods of inconvenience is greatly appreciated. Another project we are excited about is the roll-out of our highly anticipated facial biometric readers, the associated infrastructure of which is currently being installed. We will keep you updated as the project is rolled out, and look forward to harnessing technology in this space.
Finally, well done to our golf section on an outstanding Masters’ Tournament. I may be a bit biased because I got to take home the coveted green jacket, but the Club team and golf committee are to be commended on their efforts and all the special touches that contributed to an enjoyable day on the course. Enjoy the last month of autumn, Simbithi.
Marc Mc Clure
Wonderful Wild &
1. Big Bird
Sue Jarvie spied this gorgeous Giant Kingfisher, pensively contemplating life.
2. Look Into the Mirror
This beautiful mother of pearl butterfly gave Chantelle I’Ons a pleasant surprise.
3. Oh, Hear my Cry!
Hearing the call of a fish eagle is always special, and spotting this magnificent bird, even more so. Keaton Naidoo took this photograph of a Fish Eagle rather serendipitously taking flight over its namesake dam.
ENVIRONMENT
4. Bath Time!
Splish splash, I was takin’ a bath… so sang the Hadeda Ibis, spotted by Claire Regaud.
5. Eagle-Eyed
Brian Roberts captured this image of a juvenile Crowned Eagle, with its characteristic beady stare.
6. Altogether Now, Everyone
There are all sorts of families on Simbithi, and this adorable pack took their time crossing Ladlau Drive, with Jacqui Weddell patiently waiting.
7. Standing Tall
A special sighting for Warren Sutherland, this handsome Rufous Juvenile Black Spar.
glorious morning sunlight, with Tom Bower only too happy to watch.
8. Basking In the Ambience
This little guy taking advantage of the
9. A Puff of Magic
The Barringtonia in full flower on Nsimbi Trail, captured by Charlotte McGill.
ENDaNGERED SpECIES Day
16 May 2026
Black-headed Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion melanocephalum)
5 Facts about the Black-headed Dwarf Chameleon
1. Endemic to KwaZulu-Natal
This species is found only along the coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal, mainly around Durban and nearby areas.
2. Small and well-camouflaged
It can change colour to blend into surrounding vegetation, helping it avoid predators.
ENVIRONMENT
3. Prefers dense, low vegetation
It lives in coastal bush, thicket, and shrubrich grassland where it can climb, hide, and hunt insects.
and the surrounding coastal belt, where suitable natural vegetation remains.
4. Gives birth to live young
Unlike many reptiles, it does not lay eggs but produces five–20 live offspring.
5. Highly vulnerable to habitat loss Urban development and habitat fragmentation are the main threats to its survival.
This species thrives in a variety of vegetation types, including reedbeds, high grasses, bushes, riparian thickets, trees and urban gardens. These habitats provide essential cover, moisture, and structure for climbing, feeding, and protection from predators. It feeds on flies, mosquitoes and other insects.
individuals, reducing the risk of harm. We appreciate the efforts of all involved, as your participation plays an important role in conserving this species. To support its continued survival, we encourage you to continue pre-construction chameleon sweeps, maintain indigenous gardens using species from the Simbithi plant list, and avoid the use of pesticides to protect the Black-headed dwarf chameleon.
The Black-headed dwarf chameleon is a small, generally brownish endemic reptile found along the coastal regions of KwaZuluNatal, including within Simbithi Eco-Estate. Its distribution is largely limited to Durban
Despite its ability to adapt to small habitat patches, the Black-headed dwarf chameleon faces growing pressure from urban development.
At Simbithi Eco-Estate, chameleon sweeps are conducted at construction sites prior to handover to safely locate and relocate
Simbithi also provides important habitat for a range of endangered species, including the Pickersgill’s reed frog, Spotted Ground Thrush, Grey Duiker and Grey Crowned Crane, each recognised as endangered and facing significant pressure in the wild.
ENVIRONMENT
Reference
1. Armstrong, A.J. (2009). Distribution and conservation of the coastal population of Bradypodion melanocephalum in KwaZulu-Natal. African Journal of Herpetology.
4. Black-headed Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion melanocephalum) image, https://www.sanbi.org/ animal-of-the-week/ kwazulu-dwarf-chameleon/
2. Armstrong, A.J. (2008). Translocation of Bradypodion melanocephalum in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. African Journal of Herpetology.
5. Douwes, Errol. (2020). EThekwini Municipality's Buffelsdraai Reforestation Project. EThekwini Municipality’s Buffelsdraai Reforestation Project.
offer full management of properties for both Holiday and Permanent Letting — with trusted, hands-on service from a
3. Tolley, K.A. (2018). Bradypodion melanocephalum. South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) & IUCN Red List.
6. Chameleon photos taken by Ruan Stander, Endangered Wildlife Trust Field Officer.
Growing Life from the Ground Up: The Value of Biodiversity at Simbithi
Biodiversity is much more than simply the number of species in an area as it encompasses the intricate web of life they create together. From microscopic soil organisms to fungi, plants, insects, birds, and mammals, biodiversity includes not only what lives here, but how these living components interact, depend on one another, and form functioning ecosystems.
garden maintenance guidelines. Each policy and protocol is designed to support and enhance biodiversity, recognising that healthy ecosystems are essential not only for wildlife, but for human wellbeing too.
Remove one species, and it is like losing a piece of a tapestry. Remove several, and the system itself begins to unravel. At Simbithi, this understanding underpins everything from our Operational Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) to our
As the ever-inspiring Dr Jeanne Tarrant, well known to many residents for her magical frog and chameleon night walks once remarked: “When the frogs croak, so will we!” And she wasn’t referring to their chorus.
Frogs, along with dragonflies, are key indicator species. Their presence and abundance tell us how well our ecosystems are functioning. When they decline or disappear, it signals that something is amiss.
ENVIRONMENT
While residents delight in sightings of graceful bushbuck or troops of curious banded mongooses, true biodiversity begins beneath our feet. Healthy ecosystems are built from the soil up. Living soil hosts a complex “soil food web” of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and small soil fauna. This underground network supports diverse plant life, which in turn sustains pollinators like bees and butterflies, and ultimately the birds, bats, and mammals we enjoy.
So how can you help strengthen this foundation?
Simple gardening choices can make a significant difference:
• Minimise soil disturbance and allow fallen leaves to remain as natural mulch.
• Add compost or manure to organically enrich soil.
• Use organic fertilisers rather than synthetic alternatives.
• Avoid pesticides.
• Plant a diverse mix of approved, locally indigenous species. These steps improve soil structure, increase beneficial organisms, enhance nutrient cycling, and reduce harmful pathogens, while also boosting the soil’s ability to store carbon. Soil is a non-renewable resource and caring for it is one of the most powerful ways we can support biodiversity above ground. One of nature’s most remarkable traits is its ability to respond to restoration. Create or rehabilitate a habitat, and magically the wildlife returns.
Simbithi’s grasslands are a good example. These are secondary grasslands, as the original, ancient grasslands estimated to have been more than 10,000 years old were transformed nearly 200 years ago for agriculture. Under the careful management of Ayanda Duma, the invasive Panicum grass species that dominated has being brought under control. However, full restoration will remain a longterm challenge. Ongoing efforts include the removal of woody plant encroachment and the reintroduction of grassland forbs, non-woody (herbaceous) flowering plants such as bulbs, herbs, and creepers. Forbs once formed the majority of plant diversity in our grasslands but do not easily return on their own and require active reintroduction.
Of course, maintaining ecological balance is complex. Some species, including certain antelope and porcupines, have thrived so successfully that population control through live removal has become necessary to prevent ecosystem degradation. At the same time, alien invasive plants and animals pose a continual threat and require vigilant management.
Simbithi is also beginning to look beyond general biodiversity restoration towards conservation of rarity, actively supporting species that are endangered or no longer common in the region.
You play a vital role in this effort by:
• Removing alien invasive plants from their gardens.
• Planting only locally indigenous species in the ground.
• Keeping non-local or exotic plants in containers.
• Introducing a wider variety of indigenous species – including less-common ones.
• Planting indigenous creepers to enhance habitat diversity.
Examples include the rare Bachmannia woodii (Four-fingerbush), the beautiful wild ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus), now extinct in the wild in KwaZulu-Natal, the endangered Pickersgill’s reed frog, and the vulnerable blue duiker. These efforts represent an exciting step forward and will position Simbithi as a true custodian of ecological heritage and not just as a biodiverse eco-estate.
Ultimately, biodiversity is not just about nature – it is about sustaining the living systems that sustain us all.
What’s in a NamE?
Every so often, we are asked where our name originates. Simbithi is a derivative of the Umsimbithwa, or Umzimbeet, a tree called the Milettia grandis. When Rosemary Ladlau, original farm owner, was asked by Simbithi’s developers what she would like to name the Estate, she picked this tree as inspiration.
Here is a towering Milettia grandis in the Mfuleni forest.
SpECial SIGHTING
Indeed, it was, for Warren Sutherland on the Mngeni Boardwalk: “I have been looking out for the Grey Cuckooshrike in Simbithi for a long time now, this morning this one was hunting insects high up in the upper canopy with a mixed group of Flycatchers and Weavers.”
A likely first for Simbithi and, as fellow birder Luke Allen excitedly shared, the closest he has heard of the Grey Cuckooshrike in the area.
UVP Monkey CoUnt
Thank you to the enthusiastic group of residents who joined us for our recent Monkey Count. The count follows the one undertaken in October 2025, just before “baby season”, and allowed our environmental department, partnered by the Urban Vervet Project (UVP) team, to check demographic changes.
Hoppy EaSTER, SImbITHI!
What an egg-citing Easter weekend at Simbithi, this year. On Friday, 3 April 2026, Fidelity Security Service’s enlisted the services of Mister Easter Bunny to share chocolate eggs with our team. Mister Bunny then hightailed it to the Heron Community Centre for our Annual BIG EGG Hunt. This year, we ventured into the Mfuleni Forest, and each little bunny participated in a scavenger hunt before enjoying activities at the Heron Community Centre.
EVENT
Mister Bunny ended his weekend at the Country Club
– read more in the Club’s section. Thank you, everybunny, for your egg-xemplary behaviour. Until next year!
Moms and Dads, Click here to download photographs of your little bunnies. Please note, the link will be active until 31 May 2026. P.S. Congratulations to Vera Konst for guessing the nearest correct number of chocolate eggs in the jar, in our annual Easter competition.
SECURITy SECURITy
Speeding
As you travel along our Estate roads, you may notice speed display boards positioned at key points. These are there to help promote awareness of our Estate speed limit of 40 km/h and to support the safety of everyone in our community. If a vehicle exceeds the speed limit, the system records the speed, with an image of the vehicle and its registration number. In the spirit of keeping our roads safe:
• For a first occurrence, our security team will kindly engage with the driver and offer a reminder about the speed limit.
• A second and third occurrence will each result in a R500 penalty.
• A fourth and fifth occurrence will each incur a R2,500 penalty.
We encourage all road users to be mindful of the 40 km/h speed limit. By working together, we can help ensure a safe and pleasant environment for everyone who lives in and visits our Estate.
Lost & Found
Items that are misplaced around the Estate, particularly in our common areas, are collected and temporarily stored by our security department. Our team then follows a process to attempt to return lost and found items. If items are not claimed within a month, they are then donated to one of our CSI initiatives. If you have lost an item, please contact our Security Manager dysan@simbithi.com with a full description of the item.
Short-term letting
Just a friendly reminder that short-term letting within Simbithi Eco-Estate is guided by Clause 13.2 of our Rules of Association. If you’re thinking about short-term letting your property, we kindly encourage you to register with SEEHOA. This helps us support the safety, security, and overall harmony of our community. Where properties are not registered, the HOA may reach out to assist, and in some cases, penalties could apply. You can find the relevant rules and application forms on our website, or you’re very welcome to contact the HOA Welcome Centre if you’d like any help or further information. Thank you for your understanding and for playing a part in keeping our Estate such a special place to live.
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Single Residential
Single Residential
Sectional Title Units
Sectional Title Units TOTAL DEVELOPMENT: 1496 of 1610 = 93% developed
FROM THE Club General Manager
May at Simbithi Country Club is shaping up to be another wonderful month, filled with music, good food, friendly competition and plenty of opportunities to spend quality time together as a community. As autumn settles in and the days become slightly cooler, the Club remains the perfect place to relax, reconnect and enjoy everything that makes Simbithi such a special environment for families, friends and neighbours alike.
course. Bookings and enquiries can be made through the Pro Shop. We also look forward to the return of the SSS Golf Day, featuring Sems, Slammers and Swaggers, which once again brings together our broader golf community for a spirited and social outing. Players are encouraged to connect with their respective group captains for entry details and information.
Golfers have some exciting dates to diarise this month, starting with the ever popular Jack & Jill Tournament taking place on 17 May. This much loved event is all about fun, camaraderie and friendly competition, making it ideal for couples, friends and mixed teams looking to enjoy a relaxed yet engaging day on the
Food and hospitality continue to sit at the heart of the Simbithi experience, and May offers several familiar favourites. “Firsties” returns on the first Sunday of the month, celebrating a treasured tradition that brings all generations together around the table in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Mother’s Day on Sunday, 10 May will be a heartfelt celebration as we take the opportunity to honour and spoil all the wonderful moms in our community. Each mom will be welcomed with a complimentary drink
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on arrival and treated to a special surprise on the day. Live music from Tristan will fill the Club as families gather to enjoy a warm, relaxed Mother’s Day together, creating moments that will be remembered long after the plates are cleared.
the end of the month on Fridays. These evenings have become firm favourites on our calendar, blending post golf prize-giving gatherings with lively, family friendly entertainment and creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and social Friday night.
Wine lovers can look forward to a special evening on 12 May when Hermanuspietersfontein (HFP) showcases their wines at the Club. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a curated tasting experience, followed by an optional two-course dinner designed to complement the wines on offer. Full pricing and booking details will be shared in our communications as the date draws closer, and early booking is recommended for this popular evening.
As the weather cools, it also marks a particularly exciting time across our Sports Complex, where the focus remains firmly on participation, enjoyment and family connection.
Live music continues to bring vibrancy and energy to the Club throughout May, with Hail Mary and DJ Ash returning towards
Our sporting programme this month offers something for everyone, whether you are introducing younger players to a new sport, enjoying a social hit with friends, or simply cheering from the sidelines. Padel continues to gain momentum, kicking off with a fun and playful Star Wars Padel event early in the month, followed by a special Kids Padel afternoon later in May that allows our younger residents to take centre stage in a safe and encouraging environment. Squash players can enjoy Family Squash, where
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parents and children are invited to share the court, as well as Sunrise Squash for those who enjoy starting the day with early morning energy and activity.
Thirsty Thursday Tennis offers a relaxed after work game. Our bowls community will gather for Ballies Bowls, an event known for its light-hearted spirit and inclusive atmosphere, while Simbithi Rollers adds further variety to the sporting calendar, showcasing yet another way residents stay active together.
where families feel welcome, friendships are strengthened and memories are made. Whether you are enjoying a meal, listening to live music, taking part in sport or simply spending time with loved ones, May promises many moments worth sharing.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to the Club throughout the month ahead. Details are on offer with each of the Departments, please feel free to call or connect.
Across every aspect of the Club, the emphasis remains on creating spaces
Craig Nell
FROM THE
Golf Chairperson
I would like to start by expressing sincere thanks to Adriaan and his team, Amos and the Matko team, all of the Simbithi F&B staff for the remarkable efforts put into making our 2026 Club Championships a memorable event. The course was presented in the best condition ever. Everyone went the extra mile to ensure the success of the event and the outcome reflected it. Well done and thank you!
mineral sediment layer and the underlying organic/peat substrate, which constitutes the original wetland bed material. This boundary is physically verifiable in the field and provides a geologically defensible dredge stop level. We are now of the opinion that we should be able to commence the process at the beginning of August to be completed before the end of August.
We are also able to report that the Environmental Assessment of the wetland along the 12th fairway has been completed. The outcome of the assessment has determined that Environmental Authorisation is not required for dredging, excavation, or removal of material from a watercourse where such activity is undertaken for maintenance purposes in accordance with a maintenance management plan. The works described in this MMP are limited to the removal of allochthonous (imported) mineral sediment that has accumulated within the 12th hole wetland. Removal will be carried out to the naturally defined interface between the accumulated
We are also pleased to announce that Anele Khumalo has been accepted to commence the 3-year Pathway to Membership Program, which, when successfully completed along with fulfilling the necessary requirements, he will become eligible for membership of the PGA of South Africa as a Class A PGA Professional. We wish him all the best and encourage him to persevere diligently and stay the course!
Until next time ... good golfing!
Robin Rigney
FroM THE Men’s Ca P tain
Dear Members
Simbithi CC hosted a very successful Club Champs over the weekend of 14 and 15 March, hosting 138 golfers.
A Huge Congratulations to our respective men’s division winners: A Division Winner: Santi Dos Santos, 125 points
B Division Winner: Gary Lawrence, 141 points
C Divison Winner: Elton Irusen, 72 points
Congratulations to our two men’s league teams won both their matches on Sunday 29 March. Our A Team played against Camelot at Bluff GC and won 9-3.
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The Allerton team played against Toti GC at Kloof CC and won 8-4. Well done to both sides, you make Simbithi proud.
We hosted our first monthly Friday braai at the club to build a bit of “gees”. We will do this monthly. Please bring your families and join us on Friday the 24th for the next braai. Braai packs are available to buy at the club which includes side dishes. We hosted an excellent and fun Masters tournament on Sunday 12 April. Our golfers played Simbithi as it was Augusta National with playing it as a 72-hole course with the same ratings and holes as Augusta.
Our porters looked the part. Thank you to Bugsy for the beautiful flower arrangements on the day. Our Green jacket winner was Marc McClure on a staggering 54 points. Well done.
Kind Regards,
Pieter van der Westhuizen
Simbithi Ladies Golf
Our recent Club Championships delivered a fantastic showcase of talent, competition, and camaraderie. Congratulations to all who participated and made the event so memorable.
Club Championships Results
Gold / Silver Division
Best Gross: Tammy Taylor
Best Nett: Michelle Dold
Bronze Division
Best Gross: Belinda Dix
Best Nett: Karen Herbert
Copper Division
Winner: Mira Castleman
Runner-up: Dawn Tate
A truly fantastic championship - well done to all our winners and players.
A sincere thank you to the Pro Shop and everyone involved in
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organising such a successful event. We are also thrilled to report an outstanding result in our recent league fixture against our neighbouring rivals, Umhlali, securing a resounding 12–0 victory. An incredible team effort – congratulations to all involved!
fields and a great atmosphere on the course. It’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm week after week.
Ladies’ Tuesday mornings continue to enjoy wonderful support, with consistently strong
Looking ahead, we are excited for our annual Charity Day on 5 May. This year, we will be supporting the Christmas Fair Fund, a charity very close to my heart, as I have proudly been a member for many years. We look forward to a meaningful and enjoyable day, all in support of a wonderful cause.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and participation.
Olga Serton
a t the Masters
You would have been forgiven for imagining you were in Augusta, recently, for our Club’s outstanding Masters competition. Down to pimento cheese sandwiches and Georgia peach ice-cream sandwiches, the team put on an excellent show.
Congratulations to Marc Mc Clure on winning the coveted green blazer.
Easter Carvery
Simply Wonderful
And, the last stop on Mister Bunny’s annual visit was the Club, where he popped up for a hunt in the Play Park, and to enjoy our scrumptious Easter Sunday carvery. Thank you to all who joined us.
Chef G Shaping the Future
Our very own Executive Chef Godfrey Kinyanjui was honoured to be invited as a Senior Judge at this year’s Unilever Food Solutions Future Menus Chef of the Year 2026. The annual national competition is Unilever’s flagship event, and encourages chefs who are “pushing boundaries, refining their craft, and cooking with purpose” to enter regional cook-offs and a national finale. Well done, Chef G!
Jeff Leaver: Chairperson
Clive Mc Creadie: Deputy Chairperson HOA
Frank Bradford: Deputy Chairperson
SCC EXCO
Gavin Dunlop
Pamela White Alternate Director SCC & Marketing & Communications board9@simbithi.com
John Gowans
Trevor Luyt
Andrew Mackenzie
Anura Tewary
The Greatest Swamp on Earth by Nicolette forbes
Venue: Pavilion room, Simbithi Country Club
Time: 18:00
Cost: r30, at the door
Enquiries: environmental@simbithi.com ea@simbithi.com
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
Spoil Mom with an afternoon at our Carvery: r380pp. Bookings: foodbev1@simbithi.com or 032 946 5403
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407 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
: r195pp
: foodbev5@simbithi.com or 032 946 5403
– SLammERS
