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
As the summer holiday season unfolds and Christmas magic fills the air, we're excited to share the latest news and updates from the Seaward community, (on that note: we are super grateful for the Seaward team around the table now, that keeps us and residents informed of “all the things happening” - it is a pleasure working with you!)
Seaward Estates Chairman, Andrew Bigley, reflects on all the progress, achievements and highlights some of the key milestones to date. It is a fabulous update! In this edition, we get to know the Verster Family, a family of four, along with their two furry babies, who have found their haven in Seaward Estates. The Compliance department highlights the importance of retaining walls in Seaward Estates, including the use of Löffelstein walls to hold up banks and houses. On a related note, the estate's infrastructure has recently experienced some challenges. Due to blockages in the pipelines, there have been instances of spillage, which can harm the environment. Fortunately, the lines have been repaired to prevent further issues. Recently, Nick Evans gave a talk on snake awareness and safety in KZN. We hope this article helps you to dispel myths and promote snake safety! Pack a picnic and head to San Tarena Park! Enjoy the new gazebo, revamped braai facilities, and beautiful shades under the trees. Kids will love the ship-like jungle gym, swings, and electronic rides. A toddler's play area has also been created at Alex Park, another great spot for picnics.
From Sales and Letting, they share tips on how to have a smooth and successful property sale or rental experience this holiday season. And to kick off the holiday on a sweet note, we have Louisa Holst's decadent steamed chocolate coffee cake recipe from her One Pot cookbook!
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.
Justin and the FabTeam
Enjoy the season ahead, take the time to be present and focus on making memories, enjoying quality time with your kids, your loved ones and friends. “New year - a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story? Ultimately we write it. The choice is ours.” - Alex Morritt, author.
068 024 7568 Open 24 hours help@riseupmovement.org.za
IPSS MEDICAL RESCUE
SNAKE RESCUE &REMOVAL
082 391 1911
072 809 5806
*Callout fees will apply
Dear Residents,
As 2024 draws to a close, I am delighted to reflect on the progress and a few achievements we have made as a community. This year has been a testament to the hard work, collaboration, and shared vision of everyone involved, and I am proud to highlight some of the key milestones.
Welcoming Our New Estate Manager
Our new Estate Manager has been a transformative addition to Seaward Estates. Her extensive experience and dynamic leadership have enriched every aspect of estate management. From legal matters and smooth office operations to assisting residents and hosting engaging social events, like the Spring Fun Run, Night Walk, Snake Talks, Monkey Talk, and Practical Wills Talk, have brought residents together and fostered a stronger sense of community. Seaward's kids have also had a lot of fun at the three new installed jungle gyms in San Tarena and Alex Park. We thank Rieva for all
the unseen matters she attended to and we look forward to even more great things in the new year. Thank you, Rieva.
Infrastructure and
Environmental Achievements
This year, the Infrastructure Committee has made notable strides in developing a comprehensive water infrastructure plan. Special thanks go to Trini and his committee for their outstanding contributions to this initiative, which promises to enhance the reliability and sustainability of our water systems. Additionally, the Estate has made progress in stormwater management, environmental conservation, and addressing invasive weeds through the appointment of skilled engineers and environmental professionals. These efforts will ensure the long-term resilience and beauty of our estate.
Office and Operations
Under the guidance of Rieva and Eleanor, the office team has gained clarity on individual roles and responsibilities, with full appraisals completed.
Training on the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), the implementation of proper Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and agreedupon measurable goals have streamlined operations and improved overall efficiency.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our staff - Jonathan, Ben, Sibhonela, Mel, Pravina, Geno, and Zama - for their dedication and resilience throughout the year. Your commitment to the estate, even during the ups and downs, has been invaluable.
We also wish to extend our deepest gratitude to Caroline, who retires this year after an incredible 14 years of service. Caroline has been an integral part of the Estate's journey, and her contributions will not be forgotten. We wish her all the best as she embarks on this new chapter of her life.
Finance
A special thank you to the Finance Committee - Steve, Dhiran, Trini, and Haley - for their diligent efforts this year. Preparing the budget in
record time while maintaining financial stability is a significant achievement. The implementation of revised procurement processes and, more importantly, the adjustments to the fund collection process, have been vital steps toward addressing the Estate’s large debtor book. To our residents, thank you for your understanding and support with the special levy - it has been crucial in maintaining the Estate’s financial health.
Record Property Sales and Market Growth
Through enhanced engagement with local estate agents, we achieved a remarkable milestone this year: the first individual property sale exceeding R6 million. This achievement highlights the growing value and appeal of our Estate and is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in maintaining and enhancing its reputation.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for 2025, several exciting initiatives are on the horizon:
1. In January, Dr Jonathan Foley will lead efforts to enhance our garden staff's skills and improve the overall aesthetics of our common areas. He will retrain the garden team, provide clear deliverables, and establish planting palettes for residents'
gardens. Additionally, he will design and revitalise the traffic circles, evaluate the common areas, and develop a proper maintenance plan.
2. The revised constitution has been circulated for comments, with a session held to address residents' concerns. Updated changes and suggestions have been incorporated, and the board aims to hold an EGM to finalise and vote on the document. If this is not feasible, the revised constitution will be presented for approval at the upcoming AGM.
3. The AGM date has been finalised and is fast approaching. Further details will be shared accordingly, and we encourage all residents to attend and actively participate. I’d also like to make an appeal to members to consider standing as trustees. We will be sharing a "Wish List" of the skills needed and the responsibilities involved. There is still time to reflect on how you can contribute and be part of the future development and growth of our beautiful Estate. Your involvement and contribution can make a meaningful difference!
4. In the new year, compliance will be a key focus. We will send out a reminder of the rules, which will then be actively enforced. Our goal is to make this a smooth process by offering guidance
and support, and we kindly ask for your cooperation. We understand that no one is perfect - and we are also working on our compliance. For example, improvements have already been made to the office and guard houses as part of our efforts to align with the standards. Together, we can ensure a successful transition.
Thank You to the Board
To Anton, Eleanor, Kurt, and Vish: thank you for staying the course throughout this challenging yet rewarding year. We may not have been perfect, but as the saying goes, “The best we can do is the best we can do” - and we certainly gave it our all. Your dedication and perseverance have been instrumental in navigating this year, and I deeply appreciate your unwavering commitment to the Estate.
With these plans in place, along with the progress we’ve made this year, the future of our Estate looks bright.
Thank you to every resident, committee member, and partner for your support and contributions throughout the year. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
Why join us in Grade R and Grade 1?
Innovative approach to learning
Limited class sizes for personal attention
Variety of extramural activities
Enrolments open during the festive season.
Planning And Aesthetics LöffeLstein waLLs
Seaward Estates is situated at the highest point in Ballito with terracing land that runs from its highest point to its lowest point differentiating in about 400m. As such the natural topography of the Estate is such that it requires retaining walls such as Löffelstein walls to hold up embankments, houses, access points and circulation space.
Löffelstein is a retaining wall system that is made up of a collection of Löffelstein blocks, the type, colour and size of which can vary depending on the requirements of how it is set out and the context in which it is set. Löffelstein walls are also the cheaper and faster build type of retaining wall systems which is why it is commonly used throughout the Estate.
The most important factor to remember when building these walls is that it must be designed, inspected and signed off by a registered structural engineer. Furthermore, these walls must contain (per engineer details) an agri-drain, weep holes and a cut-off drain or “V” drain at the top of the wall, all of which will assist in collecting and directing stormwater away from running over or under the wall which could compromise structural
stability. Due to the topography of Seaward Estates, at times walls will be required to be more than 2m in height. The Design Code requires that if you have the space that these walls should be tiered or stepped back by 1m for every 2m in height in order to break the scale of the wall and create more green spaces and areas in which maintenance can easily take place.
Another way to stabilise the front of the wall and prevent the soil in the Löffelstein blocks from eroding is to plant indigenous plants on the face of the wall to assist in holding the soil and beautifying the wall - indigenous succulents and indigenous plants that work well in sun or semi-shade with short roots are the most correct types of plants to plant in a Löffelstein wall. This can break the mass of the wall and give it a good green and
colourful look allowing the Löffelstein wall to blend into its natural environment. See the example. It is also important to remember the safety aspect of walls if the wall is higher than 1m and if the top of the wall is accessible to people who could then fall over it. Both KDM and the Estate’s Design Code require that you install fall protection such as ClearVu fencing or a post and rail with a mesh infill that is not less than 1m in height at the top of the wall. These should be planted up with a creeper.
Whenever you are planning, please do not forget to contact our Compliance Manager directly on complianceofficer@ seawardestates.co.za for guidance, to ensure compliance with the Design Code.
Geno MoodleySEMHOA Compliance Manager
A loving family of four (plus two furry babies!) who have found their haven in Seaward Estates, where they enjoy quality time, sports, and making memories together!
Our family consists of my husband, Deon; myself
Elaine; our kids, Henry, age 14 and Jake, age 11; and our two dogs, Ted and George. They are our little fur babies who love to sleep in our bed and are just as spoilt as the human kids. Ted is allergic
to sleeping on the floor and George loves to cuddle!
I've been baking novelty cakes under the name Love Baking for 10 years. This July, my dream of owning a coffee shop came true! Seedlings Coffee Shop in Eden Village, Salt Rock, where I continue to bake. My
hubby is in consumer health care, and since COVID-19, his office has been at home. He loves being around more, especially for our kids. When we're not busy with work or school, we love to watch movies with popcorn and smarties. Our kids are super sporty, which keeps us busy
all year around and love it! We moved into Seaward Estates in January 2017 and live in our ideal home now, and we will never look back! This is our second home since we moved here. We love that we are surrounded by nature's beauty and the calls of the fish eagle. The friendly neighbours
and safe community make us feel relaxed when our kids visit their friends or ride their bikes - something we would never have done in Jo’burg. We were very fortunate to find a home with a pool (yay!) and an entertainment area. Two things we love doing: swimming and socialising.
We feel very safe here, knowing the guards are constantly on watch, which was important for us when our kids were little. We are more at ease here, it’s quite peaceful, and we feel truly blessed to have found our forever home.
We have created some fun new spaces for residents to enjoy this festive season!
Wander down to San Tarena Park with your picnic basket in hand, your kiddies in tow, and dogs on a leash. The braai area has a new gazebo to shade you from the sun while you utilise the two revamped braai facilities.
The trees in the park cast a beautiful shade if you would like to picnic under them. For the kiddies, we have installed a ship-like jungle gym with tons of activities to keep them busy. We have a variety of swings to cater for all ages, including a surfboard swing, and electronic kiddies rides which includes a zebra, giraffe, and a jeep. The toddler's play area at Alex Park has been revamped, and there is a newly created play area on the lower portion of Alex Park under a stunning tree, another ideal picnic spot. Explore these areas and have fun with your children. Remember our
best-kept secret and walk the trails through our swamp forest, wetland and grasslands. Keep to the trail for peace of mind, wear good quality hiking boots and breathe in the beauty of nature.
Download the iNaturalist app (www.inaturalist.org), join the Seaward Estates group and start tracking the fauna and flora you encounter. Scan the QR codes below to learn more about our conservation projects.
A few additions at the Seaward Post Office that you may find helpful:
• PUDO POST BOX - If you need to post or collect a parcel, plus - you don’t need to leave the Estate to do this! Supported by The Courier Guy.
• GLASS BANK - Do you have glass bottles to recycle? Drop them off at our glass bank situated within your Estate.
• HUMANA RECYCLING BOX - Please donate your clothing, shoes and accessories here. Humana has created this amazing recycling box where all proceeds go to assisting the less fortunate.
• VIDA WATER can now be bought directly from our on-site filtration tank.
Now, how is that for service?
SEMHOA residents (young and old) thoroughly enjoyed the snake talk by Nick Evans. Here is what we have learned!
WORDS NICK EVANS
Despite being home to many snake species, KZN residents often lack education on these fascinating creatures. This lack of knowledge leads to fear, fuelled by exaggerated stories and photoshopped images. For instance, while we have pythons in KZN, there are no anacondas, but the anaconda story still circulates.
Why are People Scared of Snakes?
People's fears are often misplaced. Injured snakes may bite due to pain, but they are not typically aggressive. It's essential to understand snake behaviour and biology to dispel myths and misconceptions.
Snake Biology and Behaviour
• A snake's heart is located just below its head.
• Eyes are used for seeing, but are most effective when shedding; during this time, their eyes appear blue.
• Underground snakes are blind.
• Snakes are generally solitary, only coming together to mate.
What to Do If You Encounter a Snake
• Remain calm and move
• Snakes use their tongues to sense their environment and find food.
slowly away from the snake.
• Do not run or make sudden movements.
• Keep pets away from snakes.
• If bitten, seek medical attention immediately.
Common Snakes Found in KZN
• Night adders: venomous, grey with diamond markings, and often found basking in the sun.
• Herald snakes: dark head, bright speckles, and eat frogs and geckos.
• Brown house snakes: stripes on head and neck, move at night, and eat small creatures, not dangerous.
• Bush/garden snakes: harmless, eat geckos, and move away when threatened.
Snake Safety Tips
• Keep your property neat
and tidy to discourage snakes from visiting.
• Do not try to kill or catch snakes, as this can lead to bites.
• Keep cats and dogs away from snakes, as they may try to protect you.
• If your dog is bitten, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Local Snake Experts and Resources
• Nick Evans: 072 808 5806 (researcher and snake expert)
• Richard McKibbin (wildlife expert)
Remember, snakes play a vital role in our ecosystem, and most species are harmless. By educating ourselves and taking precautions, we can coexist with these fascinating creatures.
Night Adder
Bush/Garden Snake
Herald Snake
Brown House Snake
A reminder about sewer system care this holiday season
As we plan for the holidays, with family and loved ones visiting, please be mindful of the sewer system that runs through our Estate. These sewer lines end at the lowest portion of our Estate, in the Siza Water pumphouse. From there, the water is pumped back through the Estate up to the treatment plant on the M41.
Over the last few months, we have done extensive jetting in some of our lines, due to blockages. The most common
causes are sanitary pads and cloth wipes.
As you can see from the provided images, there is a lot of foreign matter going through our system, and the leaking sewer is not good for our environment.
Cloth wipes do not break down fast enough and get hooked on sharp edges within the lines, thereby starting to clog the system, ultimately resulting in a blockage and often broken pipes from the pressure buildup in the pipes.
So let us be mindful of what is put into our sewer system. The spillage from these blockages impacts the environment around us, resulting in cost implications to the Estate that affect all of us.
SALES AND LETTING
Unlock a smooth and successful property sale or rental experience this holiday season.
Congratulations to all the Estate Agents who have successfully passed the Seaward Estates 2024/2025 Accreditation Exams. For an updated list of accredited sales and letting agents please email Pravina Chetty on propertyadministrator@seawardestates.co.za or check our website!
If you are considering renting out or selling your property privately, please do not hesitate to contact Pravina for guidance. A warm welcome to all our new residents. Feel free to
contact us during office hours Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00 at 032 946 0685 or email Pravina for any information you might need.
It is most important to complete a furniture form when a tenant moves out, either by the homeowner or an accredited agent. Please submit it timeously to the office to ensure a smooth exit and no delays at the gate.
May you all have the most amazing festive season, and most importantly, stay safe.
Garage Door Supplies
Adams Dental
Bohmer Tech
Eldercare Home Services
Dry And Clean Ballito
My Paneel Klopper
Dolphin Coast Pre Primary
GC Solar KZN
Trellidor
HARCOURTS Dolphin Coast
Pam Golding - Shelley West
032 947 0258
032 456 7811
031 825 6685
082 355 2805
065 719 0061
060 528 3944
032 946 2979
068 360 6453
060 954 3330
032 946 2331
082 451 6823
With over 11 years caring for the elderly, frail and disabled, Eldercare Home Services branced to Ballito.
Our well trained staff provide professional in-home care services tailored to suit your needs giving our clients the dignity and respect they deserve.
You won’t believe how amazingly scrumptious this cake isand there’s no oven needed! An absolute winner!
Serves 6
Prep time: 30 minutes, plus cooling time
Cooking time: 1 hour
INGREDIENTS
• 125 g (135 ml) soft butter
• 125 g (150 ml) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 100 g (180 ml) self-raising flour
• 30 ml cocoa powder
• 15 ml instant coffee powder
• 1/2 x 360 g tin caramel treat
• 25 ml cream
METHOD
1. Use a whisk and beat the soft butter and sugar together until light. Whisk in the eggs. Add the flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix the coffee powder with 15 ml boiling water. Add half to the batter and fold in gently.
2. Grease and line the bottom of a 15 cm cake tin with baking paper. Spoon the batter into the tin and spread out evenly.
3. Make a pleat in the middle of a double layer of greaseproof paper. Place the paper over the top of the cake tin so that the pleat is in the middle and then secure closed with string.
4. Put the cake tin into a saucepan and fill up to halfway on the side of the tin with boiling water. Cover the saucepan with a lid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and
simmer for 50 minutes. Don’t lift the lid during the cooking time, otherwise the steam will escape.
5. Remove from the saucepan and leave the cake wrapped. Set aside to cool for 15 minutes, before unwrapping the cake and allowing it to cool in the tin. Loosen around the edges with a blunt knife and invert the cake onto a plate.
6. Stir the remaining coffee mixture into the caramel treat and add the cream. Stir until smooth and then spread over the cake. Serve sliced.
Awardwinning author Louisa Holst is back with another brilliant concept: A collection of delicious, family-friendly recipes using only one pot or pan. In ONE POT, Louisa serves up nutritious weeknight winners that are big on flavour and on your table in under an hour. The book is ideal for busy people and has everything from cooking tips, soups, stir-fries, pasta and rice dishes, to batch cooking and sweet treats.
