where I’ll have the freedom to live life on my own terms. Coral Cove is ...
Coral Cove, a first-of-its-kind senior living estate in KZN, is nestled within the tranquil Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate on Sheffield Beach.
This extraordinary community will offer older adults a luxurious, retirement experience with access to stunning beaches and exclusive amenities.
With our extensive wellness programme and dream outdoor and social lifestyle among like-minded individuals, Coral Cove combines natural beauty and tranquility, making it the ideal place to discover the dream lifestyle you deserve, every single day.
Coral Cove has been internationally awarded www.auria.co.za
This is not retirement. 2 Bedroom Garden Villas from R3.8m 3 Bedroom Garden Villas from R5.3m Newly launched Maisonettes from R2.9m
Contact us for a tour of Coral Cove and our show unit: 087 537 0539 or email coralcove@auria.co.za This is living.
Elvida Sydney content@fabmags.co.za ACCOUNTS accounts@fabmags.co.za
CONTACT FABMAGS 032 946 0357
Suite 104, San Hall Office Park, Kirsty Close, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal WEBSITE www.fabmags.co.za ONLINE www.issuu.com/fabmags PRINTED BY ROC Media
PUBLISHER FROM THE
After the longest month of the year—we have finally hit February and the month of love is ahead of us! There are sooo many versions of love in the world—couples, parents, friends, family, and even of the furry kind!
In all of it—no matter who or how you love—remember to love hard, to show those around you that you do love them, and also remember, there are times to love yourself, run yourself a bath, add bubbles and take a good book to the bath and take some time to relax—that for sure allows you time to love everybody around you just a bit better!
In this edition, we meet the Landman Family, a tight-knit family that enjoys quality time, fishing, or spending time with their adorable pups, Chai and Milo. The Family is also well-known in Ballito, and Karen and Paul have so much love for their three kids (their boys spouses and now even a grandson!).
Stay informed about the latest developments in our estate with Compliance's insightful article on planning and designing in our community. Whether you're a seasoned resident or new to the estate, this is a must-read!
The residents had an exciting bird-ringing experience with two veteran bird-ringers, James Rawdon, Kevin Hendrikse, and Richard and Candice McKibbin from The Lionheart Experience, who demonstrated the mechanics behind the nets used for capturing the birds. Then, we have ‘The Importance of Wetlands’ in the estate to fauna, flora, and humans alike and their role in maintaining balance in the ecosystem.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents FABMAGS cannot be held responsible for any omission or errors, or for any misfortune, injury or damages that may arise there from. FabMags is a privately owned and funded company and is not subsidized by Seaward Estate or the SEMHOA.
Till next edition and crazily already the next season! But here we go, again!
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Planning and Design Process
SEMHOA rules and national building regulations
Planning of any structure or building is the most important process to take into account prior to implementation from paper into reality.
The process of designing, drawing and obtaining approval of items from SEMHOA and KDM on building plans is crucial in ensuring that all rules and regulations within the estate, municipal bylaws and national building regulations are met thereby leaving you with a finished product that meets all requirements and mitigates any risk of danger and sub-standard quality.
WHEN ARE PLANS REQUIRED?
Plans are required to be drawn by architects and engineers and submitted for approval whenever you intend to erect, alter or demolish any structure within your property. A structure in this case will be defined as any type of building, deck, boundary and retaining walls, fences, stairs, pools or hardened surfaces.
WHOM DO YOU SUBMIT PLANS TO?
It is mandatory to submit plans drawn by an architect to SEMHOA for approval prior to your architect submitting it to KDM for approval. KDM will circulate your plans
to the relevant departments obtaining stakeholder approval prior to approving it in terms of the Building Standards Act 103 of 1977 following all national building regulations and codes. Once it is approved, only then will you be permitted in terms of the law to commence construction.
The process for submission of plans is as follows:
1. Get a tachy/topographical survey of the property showing all services, contours, structures and levels for occupied sites and a typical tachy survey for vacant sites
2. Appoint an architect and engineer to design and draw out plans as per your brief 3. Submit the plans, survey and any previously approved KDM plans to SEMHOA for consideration
4. Once SEMHOA approves the plans, get your architect to submit to KDM for approval 5. Once approved, send a copy of the approved KDM plans to SEMHOA
WHY DO YOU REQUIRE APPROVED PLANS?
To ensure that all relevant laws are met ensuring that you utilise a safe and adequate space. It is also important that plans get approved by KDM as this directly affects and initiates a final occupation certificate
for the property. If you do any alterations to your property and it is not on an approved KDM plan, this will result in your existing occupation certificate being nullified and an application for a new occupation certificate will need to be made
Approved plans also assist if you are selling your property as most times, purchasers need to take a bond and the plans assist in disclosing spaces for assessors to raise to bond.
Another key aspect is when your property has approved plans, it lowers your insurance premium for the property and in the event of a claim, there
are no problems as everything has been approved legally and in accordance with laws. SEMHOA humbly requests all property owners to please furnish us with a copy of their latest approved KDM plans and if you have had any additions, changes or deviations done to the property, to please contact us regarding a way in which you can regularise the property and ensure you are compliant from a documentation and building point of view in terms of SEMHOA rules and national building regulations.
Geno Moodley SEMHOA Compliance Manager
Landline 031 562 1404
Mobile 081 555 5545
WhatsApp 081 555 5545
E-mail
LANDMAN FAMILY
A tight-knit family that enjoys quality time, fishing, or spending time with their adorable pups, Chai and Milo.
I am Melissa Landman, a 22-year-old, and have lived in Ballito for most of my life—and loving it! I went to Crawford North Coast, studied a bit of IT after school, did some social media marketing, and now proudly running my own
businesses. I am grateful to have Simply Models, where I teach young girls how to be their best and most confident selves. We focus on public speaking, stage modelling and self-care. My background in pageantry has made me
realise how important it is to put yourself out there and lift other women up in the process.
As the current Miss KZN and previous Miss Ballito, I aim to inspire many young girls to give back to their communities and push themselves to succeed. I got many of my traits from my parents, my mom Karen passed on Simply Models to me a few years back as she is the ultimate boss lady—juggling her businesses like a pro! She is passionate about holiday letting, and killing it with Utopia Estates—Ballito. She also has Secrets Health & Beauty under her belt.
My dad is the brains behind many of our endeavours and always finds a way to push us to reach a little higher. He has a background in IT, app development and much more—I am lucky to follow in my parent's footsteps.
We have recently discovered how addictive fishing is, so we try to go every weekend as a whole family. Us Landman's
love the outdoors! Last but not least, Chai and Milo—our adorable and not-so-young "pups". Our lockdown babies bring us joy whenever we walk into the house. They love their morning walks and are obsessed with hiding their toys in the garden. If you see them on our walks, they would love some extra attention from a new friend!
We have lived in the estate for three months. My dad and I (and Milo...) love going for our morning walks in such a peaceful estate. We have to admit, the hills are a perfect workout! We entertain quite often and are grateful there is mutual respect about visitors and decent noise levels. Seaward has a lovely community, with friendly neighbours and with a generally calm atmosphere. We love the architecture of each home, especially ours. Our home allows a lot of natural light to burst in, especially
early in the morning which is beautiful. We are lucky to have a perfect blend of modern and Seaward's typically beautiful Tuscan touch. We are mostly on our patio enjoying a braai and lekker family kuier!
Seaward Estates is a peaceful residential area which has become so sought after in a busy and growing town. We enjoy being close to the Lifestyle Centre and the office parks where we all work. Seaward's best feature is the minimal community issues and the frequent events held. We feel very secure in this estate.
The Importance of Wetlands
Connecting land, water, and wildlife
Wetlands are a vital ecosystem on Earth, offering environmental, social, and economic benefits. In coastal regions, like Seaward Estates, they play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and safeguarding communities.
THE ROLE OF WETLANDS IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Wetlands are unique ecosystems that transition between terrestrial and aquatic
environments. Characterised by saturated soils and periodic shallow water coverage, wetlands support vegetation specially adapted to these conditions. Serving as nature’s protectors and regulators of water resources, they encompass a diverse range of ecosystems, including springs, seeps, marshes, floodplains, mangrove swamps, and estuaries, making them irreplaceable habitats.
Wetlands are home to a rich array of flora and fauna, supporting biodiversity and contributing to ecological balance. They recharge groundwater, regulate streamflow, and attenuate flood peaks, offering critical hydrological services, as well as stabilising soils and preventing erosion, particularly in coastal and flood-prone areas. By trapping pollutants, wetlands filter and purify water, improving overall water quality. Acting as carbon sinks, they play a role in climate mitigation by storing significant amounts of carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Wetlands supply materials such as reeds and offer recreational and tourism opportunities, enhancing their economic value.
THREATS TO WETLANDS
Despite their invaluable services, wetlands are under threat from human activities such as development, agriculture, and pollution. In South Africa, historical exploitation and insufficient protection have put immense pressure on these ecosystems,
making their conservation a national priority.
WETLANDS IN SEAWARD ESTATES
Within Seaward Estates, wetlands are integral to the region's environmental stability. Recent studies have highlighted their significance:
• A 2017 study identified wetlands as critical for managing stormwater and flood attenuation
• A 2018 study underscored the importance of wetlands for erosion control and maintaining ecological health
• The wetlands in Seaward Estates, mostly natural (Class C), play a pivotal role in preventing downstream damage to surrounding developments like Zimbali Estates
LEGISLATIVE PROTECTIONS FOR WETLANDS
South Africa’s robust legal framework seeks to preserve and protect wetlands:
• National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), 1998: Regulates sensitive ecosystems and mandates
environmental impact assessments for activities near wetlands
• National Water Act (NWA), 1998: Requires authorisations for activities impacting watercourses, including wetlands
• Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA), 1983: Promotes the conservation of soil, water resources, and vegetation
BIODIVERSITY OFFSETTING: A CONSERVATION MEASURE
For any unavoidable impacts on wetlands, South African authorities mandate biodiversity offsets. These involve conserving larger equivalent
areas to counterbalance damages. For wetlands, the offset ratio can be as high as 1:25, meaning for every hectare impacted, 25 hectares must be protected. Wetlands are indispensable to the sustainability of coastal areas like Seaward Estates. They safeguard biodiversity, mitigate climate impacts, and provide essential resources for human and ecological well-being. However, their future hinges on rigorous conservation efforts, responsible development, and adherence to legislative frameworks.
As residents, understanding and protecting these ecosystems is an environmental duty.
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A Memorable Morning of Bird Ringing
PART ONE
On Saturday the 11th of January, Seaward Estates came alive with the flutter of feathers and the eager buzz of nature enthusiasts gathered for a special Bird Ringing session organised by the SEMHOA Lifestyle Committee. This exciting morning event was the first of many activities planned for the year, aimed at bringing the community closer to the wondrous avian life that shares our environment. Under the soft glow of daybreak—a crucial time for bird ringing, as birds are most active in the early hours—residents and visitors alike arrived armed with curiosity, cameras, and a readiness to learn.
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF BIRD RINGING
Bird Ringing—sometimes called “bird banding”—is a time-honoured scientific practise employed by ornithologists and conservationists worldwide to monitor bird populations, migratory routes, and survival rates. It involves
gently capturing birds in specialised nets and placing a small, uniquely numbered metal ring on each bird’s leg. This unique identifier is recorded and cross-referenced in a central database, capturing details about the bird’s species, sex (if determinable), approximate age, weight, wing length, and other relevant observations.
If that bird is ever recaptured— whether in Seaward Estates or thousands of kilometres away—researchers and ringers can retrieve invaluable data about its travels, behaviour, and overall health. Two veteran Bird Ringers, James Rawdon and
Kevin Hendrikse, James being a long-standing resident of Seaward Estates, were on hand to share their expertise and guide participants through the process. Having been actively involved in bird ringing for over a decade, they bring a wealth of experience on best practises for handling birds safely and ethically.
They also explained the rigorous certification process each Bird Ringer undergoes, ensuring that standards of bird welfare and accurate data collection are always upheld. Every certified Bird Ringer has a unique set of starting numbers for their
rings, making it easy to trace any recaptured bird back to the person who originally tagged it.
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH RICHARD AND CANDICE
Richard McKibbin and his wife Candice, from The Lion Heart Experience, took charge of demonstrating the mechanics behind the nets used for
capturing the birds. In the predawn hours—when birds are actively foraging and calling—they set up fine-meshed “mist nets” around areas rich in food and shelter. Nearly invisible to birds, these nets allow the ringers to capture individuals with minimal stress. Once a bird is caught, it is carefully removed from the mesh, an art requiring both patience and practised techniques to ensure no harm comes to the bird.
After extraction, the birds are placed in soft cloth bags that keep them calm and protected from the elements. They are then taken to the ringing station, where rings are attached and essential measurements are recorded. The rings themselves are lightweight and designed to rest comfortably on the bird’s lower leg or tarsus, allowing it to continue daily activities unhindered.
The Bird Ringing event was a remarkable demonstration of unity, curiosity, and environmental stewardship within Seaward Estates. Guided by the expertise of James Rawdon and Kevin Hendrikse, and the invaluable insights of Richard and Candice McKibbin, residents gained a deeper understanding of
the intricate lives of birds—and, by extension, of the broader ecosystem to which we all belong.
One of the most memorable parts of the session was the opportunity for residents to play a hands-on role in releasing the birds. After the ringers completed their measurements, they gently placed the birds into the awaiting palms of attendees—both children and adults—so they could feel the tiny flutter of wings before the birds soared back into their habitats. The sparkle in each resident’s eyes as they watched a previously netted bird fly free was a poignant reminder of how powerfully nature can touch us when we engage with it respectfully.
For a quick glimpse of the day’s highlights, be sure to scan the QR code to watch the short video of this wonderful morning and stay tuned for Part Two.
