Simbithi Eco-Estate Newsletter October 2025 by FabMags

FroM THE General manaGer

Dear Residents,

We are officially into the last quarter of 2025.

For the environment, October means the rainy season is underway, and we have already had a few days of heavy downpour at the time of writing this. We are glad to share that no infrastructural damage has been reported to date, and our team is working hard to ensure this remains the case. October also marks one of the most popular community events on our calendar, our annual Trick or Treat festivities. Communication has been shared detailing the process to register your children and tag your house as a trick or treat spot. The registration process is pivotal in allowing our team to plan efficiently, so we encourage you to sign your children up. This event is always a highlight and brings out the best of our families in Simbithi, so we look forward to it.

Speaking of community, it’s great to see the RUNSimbithi crew growing steadily each week (see photos from one of the latest runs later in the e-Newsletter). RUNSimbithi meets every Wednesday at the Heron Community Centre, and runners of all skill levels are welcome to join for a run through the Estate and coffee at the Heron after, sponsored by Williamson Plumbers. If you are looking for a way to meet like-minded residents, see Simbithi and our facilities first-hand, and improve your fitness as we head toward the summer months, this is a wonderful way to do it.

Recently, a group of residents also started a walking group, which is equally growing in popularity. Walks on our trails are arranged twice a week, so if you are after a slightly slower pace, this would be a

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good fit for you. Send us a WhatsApp on 073 156 1378 if you would like more information on either group.

To close off, 6 October 2025 marks World Habitat Day, which the United Nations designated to reflect on the state of our habitats and how human habitats co-exist with nature. Simbithi remains a pioneer in blending the environment with development, and our community is intentional about living in harmony with our wildlife.

Let us continue to give meaning to our status as an eco-estate.

Wednesday, 8 October, is World Migratory Bird Day, another day we celebrate proudly as an eco-estate. The rich, diverse birdlife on Simbithi is truly special.

Have a great month, and we hope to see you at The Stables picnic next weekend.

Marc Mc Clure

Wonderful Wild &

1. Flapping in Style

How remarkable: a butterfly flapping its front wings independently of its back wings. An exceptional photograph by Brian Roberts.

2. Congratulations…from One Board to Another

If you’re part of our Wildlife Group on WhatsApp, you would be familiar with Kirsty Bissett’s regular updates of the mongooses’ “AGMs”. This serious face was offering congratulations to the 2025/26 Board of Directors, we believe.

3. Oh, Don’t Mind Me

Caught mid-stride and side-eying, Viviene Jackson spied this chameleon, clearly headed somewhere important.

4. Oh, Mickey, You’re So Fine!

Hey, hey, hey, Mickey! The Ochna serrulata in full flower, also known as the Mickey Mouse bush, photographed by Lorin Ash.

5. Anything You Can Do… …I can do better! An impromptu dance-off between a Pied Kingfisher and Eastern Golden Weaver, observed by Sharon Russouw.

6. We Are Family!

All sorts of families find a home at Simbithi. Hayley Baney captured this sweet moment with two proud parents and their delightful babies.

7. Hoo-Hoo You Lookin’ At?

Dael Stojakovic happened upon this nighttime visitor to Ezulweni.

8. Surveying the Kingdom

…and quite regally, too! Thank you for this photograph, Marlene Venter!

11. Vivid Beauty

While out on the Tamboti trail, Jill de Colbert spied this Kniphofia flowering in the Tamboti grassland.

9. Colourful Beauty

Annetia Jacobs captured this shot of a Purple-Crested Turaco with an impressive stare.

10. Hello, Burchell’s Coucal

This dapper fellow with his characteristic red eye was photographed by Claire Regaud.

OH, HONEy HONEy

In collaboration with A Bee C Company, 10 bee boxes have been strategically placed on the Estate and are being regularly monitored. Once the boxes attract bees, the hives will be collected and distributed around the Estate for honey production, which also supports pollination and biodiversity.

Simbithi for Over 20 Years

ENVIRONMENT

arbour month at Simbithi

In South Africa, September is traditionally Arbour Month: four weeks dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of trees and forests for environmental conservation, biodiversity, and human well-being. The ways in which South Africans may contribute, according to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), include planting indigenous trees and caring for existing vegetation.

ENVIRONMENT

As an eco-estate, Arbour Month is important to us, and our environmental team spearheaded two activations to celebrate.

First, the HOA team walked back to the exclusion plots we created during Arbour Month last year. The plot, located just off the Mngeni Trail, is a fenced-off area where vegetation was planted that our antelope, as grazers, were not able to access. This allows our team to study this in relation to other unrestricted areas to gain valuable data on the environment.

En route, the team came across a Harpephyllum caffrum (Natal Plum) and enjoyed indigenous, edible berries.

ENVIRONMENT

Everyone was delighted to find their plants, which they last saw as seedlings! The team watered the plants, assisted by the team from McWades Landscapes and two Durban University of Technology (DUT) interns.

Before embarking on a wellness walk, the team observed the tree of the year, which is growing in the exclusion plot: the Mimusops caffra (Red Milkwood). The second tree of the year is Sideroxylon inerme (White Milkwood) which you may read about here.

…and, we checked in on our Mandela Day garden at RA Padayachee Primary School – how wonderful to see our hard work flourishing!

ENVIRONMENT

Our security service provider, Fidelity Security Services, donated trees to our Estate.

CEO Wahl Bartmann is seen here with Security Manager Dysan Parasaraman and Environmental Manager Ayanda Duma near the first tee.

WEll dONE, TEAm!

We hosted our quarterly staff meeting, recently, where we discussed the implementation and integration of our strategy, and awarded the top performing staff members for the quarter. Congratulations to:

People’s Choice (Voted for by HOA Staff)

A tie! Well done, Environmental Intern Faith Smith and Creditors’ Clerk Ranee Naidoo.

Innovator of the Quarter

Procurement Administrator Shaun Govender embodies the drive to continuously improve and streamline operations at SEEHOA. Well done, Shaun!

A quiet, hardworking gent who ensures our projects are executed smoothly and timeously. Projects Supervisor, Bongani Sithole, your efforts are certainly appreciated.

KEEp RUNNING, SImbITHI!

We are proud to announce our renewed partnership with Williamson Plumbers for our weekly running group, RUNSimbithi. The crew meets every Wednesday morning at the Heron Community Centre for a run through the Estate. All are welcome to join! To join the crew, WhatsApp us on 073 156 1378 or join the RUNSimbithi WhatsApp Group from the Simbithi Eco-Estate WhatsApp Community.

Freeme Wildlife Monthly Newsletter

Click Here to read the latest news from FreeMe Wildlife, one of our partners in caring for Simbithi’s wildlife.

SEcURITy

Pet Related

During the last quarter, we have noted several pets on the Estate that are unregistered with SEEHOA, which is a breach of our Pet Rule, Clause 7 of the Rules of the Association. In accordance with our rule, “no more than a total of two dogs are permitted per household.”

All pets must be registered with SEEHOA.

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.

Introducing our refreshed Simbithi app!

We are excited to share a refreshed version of our Simbithi App, which will be released this week. The latest version includes an upgraded aesthetic and new layout to enhance and simplify the user experience.

Click here to watch an introductory video to tour the refreshed App.

If you require technical assistance, please WhatsApp us on 073 156 1378 or pop into our Welcome Centre.

The Heritage of SImbITHI

To celebrate Heritage Month, Marketing & Communications Co-Ordinator Jodi Chetty visited Radio Life & Style with our very first residents, Craig and Theresa Morgan…who still live on Simbithi!

Listen to the interview, here, where Craig and Theresa share what Simbithi means to them.

It’s that time again, and we’re SPOOKISHLy excited! Trick or Treat ’25 is officially HERE!

This year’s fun will take place on Friday, 31 October 2025. We know you are just as excited as we are, so here’s how to join in the fun:

1. If you would like to register your house as a Trick or Treat spot, please WhatsApp us on 073 156 1378 or e-mail enquiries@simbithi.com with your name and full address, by Tuesday, 28 October 2025.

2. If you would like to register your child/family to trick or treat, please WhatsApp us on 073 156 1378 or e-mail enquiries@simbithi.com

with your children’s full names and ages by Tuesday, 28 October 2025. This is for control purposes, so we know who is registered to trick or treat.

3. If you and your family would like to trick or treat, please consider having someone at your home to hand out treats, too.

4. Trick or treating is only for residents. If you have family or friends visiting, they are welcome to join but must be accompanied by a resident.

5. All trick or treaters must be accompanied by an adult.

On Thursday, 30 October 2025 all registered trick or treaters will be e-mailed a digital copy of a map of the Estate, where all registered homes will be marked with a bright, orange pumpkin.

Trick or treating takes place between 16:00 and 18:30, only. Please only approach homes that are tagged on the map. you are then welcome to join us for our Trick or Treat Party at the Heron Pizzeria from 19:00 to 20:30! Once you have filled your trick-or-treat coffers, please join us for some fun. If your child/ren would like to join in the fun, please indicate this when you register. Parents, please note:

2. Please ensure your children’s trick or treat costumes are appropriate for a family event.

3. When you are trick or treating, please take one treat only. This allows us to share and ensures there is enough for everyone trick or treating.

4. Finally, residents, please be patient during the Trick or Treat time slot. There may be traffic around some of the marked spots, and there will be children walking along our roads. Please exercise caution and kindness.

1. Please encourage your children to trick or treat responsibly. There is no place or excuse for unpleasant, rude and impolite behaviour. Any such behaviour does not align with our values and will not be tolerated.

Single Residential

Sectional Title Units

Sectional Title Units TOTAL DEVELOPMENT: 1494 of 1610 = 93% developed

FROM THE Club General Manager

Dear Members and Friends, Spring is in the air, and with it comes renewed energy and excitement across Simbithi Country Club. After a quieter few months as families focused on school terms and exams, we are thrilled to welcome the return of busier days, longer evenings, and the wonderful buzz of members enjoying all that our Estate has to offer.

Building for the Future

It has been a season of growth and progress. The Gym upgrade, Play Park improvements, Pavilion Deck expansion, and the completion of our Sports Complex have been met with fantastic feedback. These projects not only add value but also strengthen our mission of becoming the pre-eminent residential eco-estate in Southern Africa. Our Kids’ Play Park now boasts an identity, thanks to the

introduction of two fictional characters: Bob the Bushbuck and Danni the Dragonfly. These playful characters will soon feature in our promotions, bringing a connection to our younger members and adding a touch of magic to the Simbithi family.

A Feast for the Senses

Dining at Simbithi continues to impress. Our Executive Chefs and their talented team are hard at work creating innovative menus, comfort classics, and seasonal specials using only the freshest ingredients. Their creativity and dedication ensure that every visit to our restaurants is an experience to savour.

Weekly favourites remain ever popular: Wednesday Curry Nights - a spice-lover’s delight. Sunday Carvery - hearty and generous, perfect for family gatherings. Monday Night Off - leave the cooking to us.

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Don’t forget to book your table early. With the reputation our kitchen team has built, it’s no surprise that our venues are in high demand.

Golfing Excellence

We extend our sincere gratitude to outgoing Golf Chairperson, Mr Haydn Hillestad, for his passion and commitment. His leadership has left a lasting mark on Simbithi Golf. Congratulations to our new golf chairperson and Club captains, who would have been elected by the time you read this. We look forward to building on this strong foundation together. The course is in excellent condition, and all signs point to another outstanding season ahead.

Sport, Health & Community

The Sports Complex has quickly become a hub of activity and connection. We are thrilled to welcome Mr Willem Rheeder to our senior management team. His wealth of sporting experience brings fresh energy and expertise to our programming. Squash: Congratulations to the Squash community on hosting their

first Club Championships! With new ladders and honours boards proudly displayed, this is a thriving and passionate group.

Tennis: After months of fine-tuning, our courts have now been signed off and are in top condition. With their upgraded surface and finish, they’re ready for many competitive matches and social games.

Bowls: A heartfelt thank you to the residents who have stepped forward to support Bowls. The social spirit is contagious, and as the section grows, we’re excited to see a natural move toward more structured play.

A reminder: Squash and Tennis are open to external membership.

If you know friends keen to join, please direct them to Sports Administrator Shanel Pillay in the Pro Shop.

Events & Gatherings

The calendar is filling up! As we head into the festive season, more companies and groups are choosing Simbithi for their end-of-year functions. If you haven’t booked yours yet, our events team -

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Nelisiwe and Khanya - at the Members’ Service Centre are ready to assist. Alongside private functions, we’ve planned a host of member events right through to the end of our financial year. Keep an eye on our communication channels so you don’t miss out. There’s something for everyone.

Looking Ahead

Longer days, brighter evenings, and warmer weather make this the perfect time to be outdoors. Why not challenge a friend to a match at the Sports Complex, or stop by the Pro Shop for new gear and apparel?

Our team is here to make sure your time at Simbithi is not just enjoyable, but memorable. Together, we continue to build a community that celebrates sport, leisure, and connection.

Craig Nell

Buy 2 x Castle Lager

FROM THE Golf Chairperson

By the time you read this message (assuming the requisite quorum requirements for the Golf Section AGM scheduled for 2 October 2025 are met), my tenure both as committee member and Chairperson of the golf section will have ended.

I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has assisted us in our efforts to enhance the Simbithi golf experience over the last two years.

FroM THE GoLF CHAirpErSoN

Firstly, sincere thanks to my fellow committee and sub-committee members for all your (and often thankless!) hard work. Thanks to the golf management team, whose work is critically important, complex, multifaceted, and relentless, your dedicated and supportive efforts during my time on the committee are much appreciated. Thanks also to Craig and his SCC team, who have been supportive of the various enhancement initiatives the committee has pursued, and to Jeff and Frank of the SCC EXCO, who have equally been closely involved and invariably helpful to us. Finally, my appreciation is extended to the members

of the SEEHOA team who have provided support when called up.

Finally, I would like to thank the Simbithi golf membership body. The support offered to me during my tenure as Chairperson and committee member over the last year has been much appreciated. While I will be stepping back from the committee, your continued constructive involvement in Simbithi golf over the coming years is vital to our ongoing success.

Cheers

Haydn Hillestad

FroM THE Men’s capTain

This being my final monthly report as Club Captain, I would like to thank and acknowledge everyone who has made this role such a privilege and honour.

Experience” from the moment we arrive until the close of play, setting a standard we can all be proud of.

Leon, Amos, and the Matkovich team have been outstanding partners, sharing a passion for excellence and ensuring we enjoy a beautifully presented course day after day. Their dedication, often beginning before sunrise, is remarkable and deserves our sincere appreciation.

Adriaan, Shanel, and the Pro Shop team, who greet us so warmly and work tirelessly behind the scenes, deserve equal recognition. Their efforts in preparing and managing our competitions, along with the successful adoption of the ScoreCapture system, have added real value to our golfing experience. Anele and his team, with their professionalism and humility, continue to deliver the “Simbithi

The spirit of Simbithi is also carried by our group leaders, who week after week arrange games and create the friendships that make this Club special. With more than 13 golfing groups, their efforts ensure that new and long-standing members alike find a welcoming and vibrant community. On the competitive front, our Men’s League, under the leadership of Phillup Jansen, brought honour to Simbithi by winning their league and gaining promotion to the A Division next year. Both our midweek and weekend ladies’ teams have shown their competitive spirit and enthusiasm, performing with distinction and flying the flag for Simbithi golf.

Our junior golfers, with the incredible support of their parents, continue to excel, from SA Kids events through to provincial

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and national honours, and even to pursuing college golf in the USA. Their achievements are an inspiration, and junior golf must become a priority given the depth of talent we are fortunate to have.

for their continued efforts behind the scenes to make Simbithi the best of the North Coast, and I warmly welcome the new members who will add their own value and energy.

Special mention must go to Haydn, our outgoing committee chairperson, who has been fully immersed in setting standards and enhancing the Simbithi Experience throughout his term. We wish him well as he enjoys his retirement.

When everyone plays their part, the results are greater than the sum of our individual efforts.

Thanks also to Sue, our Ladies’ Captain, for her dedication to ensuring the ladies’ section remains one of the jewels of the North Coast. My gratitude extends to all committee members

Together, we achieve more than we ever could alone. It has truly been an honour and a privilege to serve as your Captain, and I look forward to supporting the incoming office bearers as they carry forward the legacy of our wonderful Club.

Robin Rigney

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LaDies’ capTain

Spring Carnival Open Day - 2 September 2025

“Spring has sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where the birdies is?” What a day! On 2 September, Simbithi Country Club hosted one of our largest Ladies Open Days yet, welcoming 112 players from far and wide - from Port Shepstone to Hillcrest and Kloof, and our neighbours Umhlali and Zimbali. Captains from surrounding clubs and committee members from the Durban Region and KZN Seniors also joined the festivities. It’s safe to say the ladies had a day filled with laughter, friendship, and a lot of

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clowning around! Our course looked magnificent, earning endless praise:

“The course is in mint condition and a real challenge!”

• Chefs Godfrey & Louis and the catering team - for an outstanding lunch that drew rave reviews.

• Chris McDaniel - for organising Brutal Fruit, wines, tequila slushies, and even a popcorn machine!

“It was such a treat to play on your beautiful course…”

A huge thank you goes to Amos and the greenkeeping team for presenting our fairways and greens at their very best.

• Khanya & Events Team - for managing 120 ladies in carnival costumes with patience and energy.

• Chris Storm - our behind-the-scenes hero, always one step ahead. Give him a high five when you see him!

Teamwork that Made the Day Sparkle

• Adriaan, Anele, Shanel, and the Pro Shop Team - for smooth organisation and keeping everything running effortlessly.

KZN Mid-Am Championship at Selbourne

On 25 and 26 August, five of our Simbithi Ladies took part at the Mid-

Am Championship at Selbourne Country Club: Michelle Dold, Tania Schoeman, Nicky Heuer, Lydia Lategan, and Steph Carter. Our ladies all performed well, but a huge congratulations goes out to Michelle Dold on winning Runner-up in the Silver Division.

Simbithi Stingers - League Champions!

This year, under the leadership of Michelle Dold, our ladies’ league team, the SimbithiStingers, shone brightly. Competing with passion and teamwork, the squad of 16 players proudly won the Weekday League with a game to spare!

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Congratulations, Michelle and teamwhat an achievement for Simbithi!

Farewell from Your Captain

This is my final Captain’s Report, as I will be handing over the baton at our Golf Section AGM on 2 October.

Serton, Michelle Dold, Kayla Dold, Veronica Williams, and Carol Hollandfor their support and tireless work.

I would like to thank:

• Haydn, Robin, and the entire Golf Committee - for their constant support.

• Adriaan, Shanel, Anele, the Pro Shop team, and Porters - for their dedication and assisting me in thousands of ways

• My amazing Ladies’ Committee - Olga

Most importantly, thank you, our wonderful lady golf members. It has been the greatest privilege and joy to serve you as Captain. I look forward to seeing you all out on the fairways - this time a little more relaxed!

Until next time, keep smiling, keep swinging, and keep the spirit of Simbithi Ladies Golf alive!

Sue Clarke

#Thesimbithiexperience Sipping on

As part of our commitment to evolve and enhance service at the Country Club, and our offering to our community, we’re excited to share three additions to our range of menus! Our new beverage menu includes a fantastic range of coffees and teas, now with flavourings and syrups, and new ranges of mocktails, fruit milkshakes, smoothies, steamers and frappés.

Our new cocktail menu has everything you need for a gorgeous evening at the Drop Zone or Fig Tree, from Simbithi’s Signature Cocktails to Classics and Mocktails.

We look forward to sharing #TheSimbithiExperience with you!

Welcome to siMbiThi!

Two new faces have joined our Country Club team, who you may have seen out and about. Here’s an official welcome to our new Events Manager, Nelisiwe Ncama, and Club Maintenance Supervisor, Jean yves-Naude. Glad to have you on #TeamSimbithi, Jean and Neli, and wishing you a fruitful career with us.

SQUASH REpORT

The Dolphin Coast winter squash league, which ran from April to August, had teams from Umhlali and Simbithi competing. Simbithi managed to field four teams in our inaugural year, which was a commendable effort. Simbithi had one team competing in the first league, who acquitted themselves very well to end in a creditable third position, two teams in the second league, and one team in the third league.

For 2026, we hope to field at least four teams. There is a season-opening summer league that is held in February, March, and April. This competition is relaxed and informal, allowing newer or less fit players to test their skills and get into a more competitive shape. Our recently completed Simbithi closed-squash club champs were

a great success, with around 30 participants competing in the A and B sections of the tournament. The event was played over two weeks, and players got four matches each to firm their positions on the ladder.

The men’s A section winner was Frank Bradford, who won an entertaining final 3-1 against Matt du Toit. The final of the B section was won by Nicolas Links, who came from behind to beat veteran Mike Balwanth 3-2 in an entertaining match. The ladies’ final was won by Teneille White, who beat Jane Last in the final. We only had three ladies participating, and we look forward to enticing more ladies onto the court. The squash courts at Simbithi are of great quality, and the club encourages more residents to join and

add to the growing camaraderie of the squash section. We will be holding some fun internal tournaments to encourage new players and those who have not wielded a racquet for some time.

Booking a court is easy through the Playtomic

App or visit the Pro Shop and get help from one of our sports supervisors to make a booking, either for a 30-minute or one-hour slot.

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

Technical & Maintenance board2@simbithi.com

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

946

946 8384 tm@simbithi.com

Let’s have some fun at the Heron to celebrate the end of term three! We’ve got slime, playdough, face painting, and a snake show sponsored by Huizemark properties.

Venue: Heron Community Centre

Time: 11:00

For more information, WhatsApp 073 156 1378