FroM THE General manaGer
If you ever want to experience Simbithi coming to life, our annual Trick or Treat event is a great place to begin. Every year, it’s wonderful to see hundreds of children dressed in their creative costumes, stopping at our tagged houses for a treat. The collaboration between the HOA and our community and the way our values are displayed in the respectful way you engage with each other is commendable. Thank you to each of you who contributed to making this year’s event a success, and we look forward to seeing you next year.
Speaking of our Simbithi children, we would like to wish those writing year-end examinations all the best, hoping that all the hard work you have put in throughout the year comes to fruition. We look forward to celebrating your excellent results with you.
This time of year, we also welcome several of our Estate residents back “home” for the holidays. We are delighted to have you with us for a summer in Simbithi, and we trust you will enjoy your time of
FroM THE GENErAL MANAGEr
rest and relaxation. As the Estate becomes fuller and busier, let us remember to be considerate of each other by adhering to our speed limit and keeping noise levels to a minimum. As we often say, security is a shared responsibility, so living harmoniously with fellow residents and wildlife is the foundation of an enjoyable festive season for all.
There are several family-focused events coming up at the Club, which I encourage you to support, beginning with the annual Simbithi Christmas market on the 21st, and a visit by Santa Claus on 7 December 2025.
Have a great November.
Marc Mc Clure
Wonderful Wild &
1. AGM Venue Change
Keaton Naidoo got to host one of our famous Mongoose AGMs!
2. Fly Away, Butterfly Stephanie Mercier spotted this Gaudy Commodore on Plumbago Way.
3. Textured Beauty
Margi Lilienfeld remarked on the beauty of the E. lysistemon’s bark.
4. Dearly Beloved…
…I have gathered you here, today. At least, that’s how we imagine this conversation was going. Thanks to Amy English for the delightful photo of these birds trying to escape the rain.
5. Regal Gent
A gorgeous reed buck spotted by Tony Dearling on the southern side of Harrier Dam.
6. A New Species?
Brian Roberts thought he’d found a new bird … alas! It’s a very muddy White-fronted Bee-Eater.
NESTING SyNDROME
Roy Cackett provided this exceptional account of a pair of Red-capped Robin-Chats’ successful breeding in a flower pot at his home.
“They built their nest on the soil in the pot, at the base of the Dracaena stems. We had a very stressful three weeks while they reared their brood, making sure monkeys and mongooses didn't nail them. Here's how it all happened:
1. 27 August: observed the female sitting in the nest for extended periods of time. We moved all the furniture away and kept clear of the nest.
ENVIRONMENT
2. 2 October: first saw the three eggs in the nest.
3. 8 October: the eggs hatched.
4. 17 October: one of the chicks was sitting outside the nest; we were very worried it had been rejected.
5. 19 October, 06:15: all three chicks in the nest. Relief!
6. 19 October, 12:41: the first chick left the nest, we happened to be watching! It ‘flew’ about five metres into some dense grass. The next one left about 20 minutes later. Parents are very attentive, fussing about and feeding them. We didn’t see the third one leave the nest, but it has also gone.
What a special experience.” Thank you Roy, for sharing with us!
Caridina africana
(African Freshwater Shrimp) at Simbithi Eco-Estate
Our team has recently discovered Caridina africana , a species of freshwater shrimp belonging to the genus Caridina within the family Atyidae , at Simbithi.
General Description
Caridina africana is a small, translucent shrimp typically found in freshwater streams, rivers, and pools. Its natural distribution in South Africa is mainly in parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Interestingly, it has also been recorded in the Western Cape, where it’s considered an alien
species, and there are concerns about its potential impact on native freshwater shrimp. Like other Caridina species, it has a laterally compressed body, long antennae, and filter-feeding appendages for scraping or collecting fine organic particles.
Habitat and Ecology
• Prefers clear, well-oxygenated freshwater habitats.
• Often found in areas with leaf litter, stones, and aquatic vegetation.
ENVIRONMENT
• Plays a role in detritus breakdown and nutrient cycling, making it ecologically valuable.
Behaviour and Diet
• Omnivorous, feeding on biofilm, algae, and decomposing organic material.
• Sensitive to pollution and habitat disturbance, which makes it a good bioindicator species for freshwater ecosystem health.
Conservation
There’s limited data on its population trends, but habitat degradation, water pollution, and changes in river flow are likely threats.
Freshwater shrimp like Caridina africana are often under-studied but important in assessing the ecological integrity of African freshwater systems. Its presence at Simbithi is a positive sign, suggesting healthy water quality and a balanced aquatic ecosystem. This shrimp plays an important ecological role by feeding on algae and decomposing plant matter, helping to maintain water clarity and nutrient balance.
Caridina africana are sensitive to pollution and habitat changes; their occurrence at Simbithi highlights the importance of continued water quality monitoring and careful management of our aquatic habitats.
Golf Cart access renewal
As is stated in the Simbithi Eco-Estate Homeowner’s Handbook, it is compulsory for every golf cart on the Estate to be registered and adequately insured for public liability.
In accordance with our revised rule, proof of adequate golf cart insurance must be supplied to SEEHOA to register and obtain the requisite stickers for your cart. This must be renewed annually, and such time has come.
Please e-mail your proof of insurance to welcomecentre@simbithi.com.
The Welcome Centre will then advise when your three stickers per cart are available for collection. The stickers must be displayed on the front, left, and righthand sides of your cart. An amount of R145 will be payable at the Welcome Centre via debit card or levy account for the forthcoming period.
Kindly note that the above process also applies to visitors intending to bring golf carts onto the Estate. Please advise your guests accordingly. Similarly, if you have sold your golf cart since the last renewal, please advise us via e-mail so we may re-allocate your sticker. For more information, or for clarity on the above, kindly contact the Welcome Centre on 032 946 8360 or e-mail welcomecentre@simbithi.com.
MUSIC tO OuR EARS
Congratulations to resident Suren Indhul, who recently launched his EP, ‘The Beginning’, through his independent label, Frozen Rock. You may listen and download here
Resident Staff Registration
Recently, our security department has noted an increase in transgressions of Estate Rule 11.15, which pertains to the registration and access for resident staff. Residents, a reminder that, according to our Estate Rule 11.15, "all domestic employees must be approved and registered by SEEHOA." Further, our security protocol states that staff must enter the Estate through the pedestrian gates by using their biometric access.
Residents, driving unregistered staff through the access gates is a breach of our rules, and doing so may attract a financial penalty.
Please ensure your staff, whether permanent or casual, are registered with our Access Office (adjacent to the Welcome Centre at 42 Cussonia Way). Alternatively, you may contact 032 946 8372 or e-mail access@simbithi.com for assistance.
SHORT-TERM LETTING
As we approach the festive season, a reminder that shortterm letting on Simbithi Eco-Estate is governed by Clause 13.2 of our Rules of Association. If you would like to shortterm 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 here or contact our HOA Welcome Centre for more information: welcomecentre@simbithi.com.
SECURITy
General Conduct
Security is frequently receiving complaints of loud music, shouting, screaming at properties, which causes unreasonable disturbance, inconvenience, and annoyance. We appeal to you to be considerate of others when playing music or hosting parties.
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 dysan@simbithi.com with a full description of the item.
Single Residential
Single Residential
Sectional Title Units
Sectional Title Units TOTAL DEVELOPMENT: 1494 of 1610 = 93% developed
FROM THE Club General Manager
Dear Members and Friends,
The quieter, revenue-generating months have seen the Club lose its early lead in the financial year. October and November are traditionally slower periods, as families on the Estate and across greater Ballito focus on exams and save for the festive season.
We encourage all members and residents to take advantage of our deeply discounted weekly specials, regularly advertised across our communication channels. From Curry Nights and “Firsties” to Chef’s Specials, there’s always something to tempt your taste buds and make the trip up to the Club worthwhile. Don’t forget your 15% members’ discount, adding even more value to the outstanding creations from Chef Louis and Chef Godfrey.
Building for the Future
It’s been wonderful to see you and your friends gathering at the Sports Complex for friendly competition and relaxed social banter. The growth in Bowls participation has been especially encouraging. While still social for now, we can already sense a competitive spark igniting!
Padel continues to surge in popularity, and it was fantastic to see Standard Bank partnering with us for last month’s successful tournament.
Our recently launched Mimosa Moms Club has also been a hit, with Moms and Tots returning to the Fig Tree and Play Park. There’s truly no better place to unwind with friends while the little ones play in the sunshine. Pop in after school and enjoy the relaxed, familyfriendly atmosphere that makes Simbithi so special.
FroM THE CLuB GENErAL MANAGEr
A Feast for the Senses
If you haven’t yet sampled the Fig Tree menu or explored our refreshed wine list, now is the perfect time. With an expanded range of exceptional estates, there’s something for every palate. This season’s menu celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients, smaller plate options, and weekly chef-inspired specials. The culinary team continues to refine and innovate, with dishes inspired by our popular pairing evenings and the creative flair of our talented chefs. Our restaurant managers and service team - who have undergone extensive training - look forward to welcoming you. They’re always happy to assist with wine pairings or menu recommendations.
• Robin Rigney, Golf Chairperson
• Pieter van der Westhuizen, Men’s Captain
• Olga Serton, Ladies’ Captain
As November draws to a close, table reservations are filling up quickly, so secure your spot early and enjoy one of Ballito’s most loved dining experiences.
The operations team continues to enhance our beautiful course.
Recent improvements include new stairs at the 5th hole, a concrete ramp on the 7th, and a replacement of the practise area driving net.
As we prepare for the new financial year, the course has entered a trial agronomic maintenance period focusing on the greens surrounds and fairways. Expect to see increased aeration, topdressing, nutrient applications, verticutting, and hollow tining - all designed to improve turf density, drought tolerance, and overall playability.
Golfing Excellence
A warm welcome and congratulations to our new Golf Committee:
The result will be lush, consistent surfaces worthy of (officially) the finest golf experiences on the North Coast.
Sport,
Health & Community
With summer around the corner, the sports team is gearing up
FroM THE CLuB GENErAL MANAGEr
for a busy and energetic season at the Sports Complex. Mr Willem Rheeder, our Sports Operations Manager, has settled in seamlessly and continues to make a positive impression. The Sports Complex strategy, presented to the Executive Committee in July, is gaining excellent traction, with open days and community participation steadily increasing. The Pavilion Deck has become a lively hub for families enjoying multiple sports and socialising throughout the day. Please remember to make your court, pool, or rink bookings via Playtomic or ClubMaster to avoid disappointment. Our friendly team is always on hand to assist with any booking queries or technical hiccups. Keep an eye out for our upcoming social events and competitions. There’s something for everyone to enjoy as we head into summer.
Events & Gatherings
While the external conferencing and events market remains competitive, we continue to refine and promote our conference,
year-end, and wedding packages. Uptake has been gradual, but our commitment to excellence remains strong.
We invite you to support the Club by hosting your corporate functions, team-building sessions, birthdays, or special celebrations with us. Members receive a 50% discount on venue hire, and our dedicated events team will ensure every detail is taken care of. As twotime “Best of Ballito” winners for Events and Conferencing, Simbithi is fast becoming a premier event destination. Help us spread the word, and let’s showcase what makes our Club truly exceptional.
Looking Ahead
It’s hard to believe Christmas is already around the corner! Have you booked for our Sunday Firsties yet? And how exactly will Santa Claus arrive at the Club this year? You’ll have to wait and see - but we promise it will be magical for the kids (and the grown-ups too!).
Our Christmas Eve Dinner and New Year’s Eve Party are now
FroM THE CLuB GENErAL MANAGEr
open for bookings. This year, we’re turning up the nostalgia with an Earth, Wind & Fire Disco theme for New Year’s, so dust off those shiny shoes, flared trousers, and big hair, and get ready to groove into 2026!
Christmas Eve at Simbithi never disappoints - bring the family and friends for an evening filled with laughter, great food, and festive cheer. Reservations are essential for both events, so don’t miss out. As we move into November and beyond, our goal remains simple: to make every visit to Simbithi Country Club not just enjoyable, but memorable. Together, we continue to build a vibrant, family-friendly community that celebrates sport, leisure, and connection - the very essence of life on one of Southern Africa’s pre-eminent residential eco-estates. Warm regards,
Craig Nell
FROM THE Golf Chairperson
Thank you to all members who attended the recent AGM. Your participation and engagement are greatly appreciated. I would like to extend sincere gratitude to our outgoing committee members, Haydn Hillestad (Chairperson) and Sue Clarke (Ladies Captain), for their outstanding service and commitment. Their contributions have had a lasting, positive impact on the golf section, and the benefits of their dedication will undoubtedly be felt for many years to come.
A warm welcome to the new committee , and congratulations to Pieter Van der Westhuizen (Men’s Captain) and Olga Serton (Ladies’
FroM THE GoLF CHAIrpErSoN
Captain) on their appointments. Our members’ interests are in capable hands.
The year ahead promises renewed energy, particularly in the nurturing and promotion of junior golf, led by Darren Samuelson , whose enthusiasm will help drive this important initiative. With such depth of junior talent within our club, it remains essential that we continue to develop, mentor, and encourage our young golfers .
our course through the ongoing Course Improvement Programme. The continuity of this programme remains vital to our progress and our vision of positioning Simbithi as an aspirational golfing destination, recognised for excellence while always delivering an exceptional experience to our members.
Finally, we look forward to continued cooperation with the SCC and HOA management teams as we remain united in our goals and vision for the future.
Over the past three committees, in close collaboration with the Matkovich team , we have worked tirelessly toward a shared goal: enhancing the quality and presentation of
Great golfing,
Robin Rigney
FroM THE Men’s Captain
As an avid golfer and a strong advocate of Simbithi Country Club, it is my honour and privilege to be part of this year’s golf committee. Under the leadership of Robin as Chairperson and Olga as Ladies’ Captain, with the rest of the team, it will be our aim to make your golf experience at Simbithi Country Club pleasurable and memorable. We need to strive to continuously improving our service delivery to members and guests.
Zimbos - Vic Crowther
Barbarians - Graham Whitelaw
Boere - Michelle Dold
Important upcoming events:
1 November will be our International Day. This is always a highlight on our annual calendar, and we urge members to participate.
The festivities will continue that evening with our Annual Captain’s Dinner, where we will honour individuals and teams for their achievements and contributions throughout the year as proud representatives of Simbithi Country Club. “Pro’s tip”: Focus on the fundamentals: a strong, consistent swing starts with good posture and balance.
Teams and captains:
Souties - Brad Caulfield
Pieter
van der Westhuizen
FroM THE LaDies’ Captain
What a wonderful month October has been for the Simbithi Ladies’ section!
We’ve had a busy and rewarding few weeks on and off the course. Our league ladies have done us proud, securing two fantastic wins against Zimbali and Camelot. We were also victorious in the Weekday League for 2025, winning the Durban Region League title, a huge achievement for our team
FroM THE LADIES' CApTAIN
and a reflection of everyone’s dedication, teamwork, and spirit. Well done, ladies!
The KZN ladies enjoyed a truly outstanding day on Monday, 13 October, with an impressive field of 72 players. Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many commending the condition of the course and the attention to detail from our Pro Shop. We also held a successful AGM, where it was both a privilege and an honour to be elected as your new Ladies’ Captain. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Sue Clarke for her wonderful leadership, enthusiasm, and the warmth she brought to our section. She’s left big shoes to fill,
and I’m incredibly thankful for her support as I step into this role.
The Simbithi Ladies section is truly close to my heart. We’re not just a golf group - we’re a community of friends who share laughs, challenges, and a love for the game. I’m looking forward to another great season ahead, filled with fun, friendship, and fairways! Here’s to more birdies, less bogeys, and lots of good memories together.
Warm regards,
Olga Serton
Top of the league!
Congratulations to our golfers for claiming top honours in the Allerton B League, securing a promotion to the Allerton A League.
Our Simbithi Stingers also secured the KZN Durban Region title! The ladies dedicated the win to one of our beloved former players, Ruth Rigney.
This trifecta is a first for our Club, and we are exceptionally proud.
starry -eyeD
Have you reviewed us on Google, yet? Or, given us your thoughts on TripAdvisor? We’d love to hear what you think of your dining experience at Fig Tree … which (we are very happy to share) now boasts a 4,5 star rating! To review us, search for Simbithi Country Club on Google Reviews.
SHUBH DIWALI!
The Fig Tree was temporarily transformed into a colourful whirl for our special Diwali curry night. How lovely does #TeamSimbithi look in their traditional dress?
COMMUNITy MEETS
Culinary Innovation
I
Our Food and Beverage Manager, Chris McDaniel and Marketing and Communications Co-Ordinator Jodi Chetty recently popped into Radio Life & Style to chat about keeping community at the centre of our dining experience. Listen to the interview, here
HELLO, WILLEM
Hi everyone, I’m really excited to introduce myself as the new Sports Operations Manager here at Simbithi Country Club.
A bit about me: I’ve recently joined from Curro Hillcrest, where I had the privilege of
serving as Director of Sport. Sport has always been a huge part of my life, and I’m passionate about building a strong sense of community through it. I truly believe that sport brings people together, and my goal is to create a warm, family-like environment where everyone feels at
home and enjoys making the most of our amazing facilities. Before stepping into sports management, I was fortunate enough to play semi-professional rugby, representing both the Sharks 7s team and the South African Universities 7s team, experiences that taught me so much about teamwork, discipline, and passion. I’m also a qualified personal trainer, which ties into my belief that fitness and well-being are key to a happy and balanced lifestyle. Outside of work, I’m a huge fishing enthusiast, it’s my way of relaxing and reconnecting with nature. In fact, I even run a YouTube channel called WR Fishing, where I share some of my fishing adventures and experiences.
On a personal note, I’m 37 years young, recently engaged to the most beautiful woman, Leone, and we’re both thrilled to have made the move to Ballito. This new chapter is an exciting one for us, and I’m really looking forward to being part of the Simbithi community, both professionally and personally. I feel incredibly blessed to oversee the fantastic sporting facilities here at SCC, from tennis and Padel to squash, bowls, and the gym, and I can’t wait to see everyone out there having fun, staying active, and connecting with one another.
Please don’t hesitate to come say hello, share your ideas, or just stop for a quick chat. I’m really looking forward to meeting all of you and working together to make the sporting side of Simbithi something truly special.
Jeff Leaver: Chairperson
Clive Mc Creadie: Deputy Chairperson HOA
Frank Bradford: Deputy Chairperson
SCC EXCO
Gavin Dunlop
Pamela White
John Gowans
Trevor Luyt
Andrew Mackenzie
Anura Tewary
Access Control
946 8381/66 bca@simbithi.com
Control Room
946 8373/4/5 controlroom@simbithi.com Environmental & Landscaping
946 8382 environmental@simbithi.com
946 8360/1 enquiries@simbithi.com General Manager’s Office
946 8364 gm@simbithi.com Heron Pizzeria
946
946 8384 tm@simbithi.com
Unseen Sociality: How mole-rats co-operate underground by Tobias Süess
Venue: pavilion room
Time: 18:00 for 18:30
Cost: r30 at the door
For more information: environmental@simbithi.com
The Country Club brings you Quiz Night, sponsored by Harcourts Dolphin Coast and hosted by “The Quiz Guys”.
Venue: The Fig Tree restaurant
Time: 18:00
Limited á la carte menu served
Bookings: foodbev1@simbithi.com or 032 946 5403
7 - MEAT COMp
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
Shop sustainably and fashionably!
Venue: pavilion room
Time: 09:00 - 13:00
Entrance: r50
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
Venue: pavilion room To book a stall, contact events@simbithi.com
