Simbithi Eco-Estate Newsletter - August 2024 by FabMags

FroM ThE General manaGer

It is well and truly AGM season! As I write this, the team is preparing for the SEEHOA AGM in two weeks. If you are not able to join us inperson, then I urge you to submit your proxies. Our administrative deadline is 48 hours before the AGM commences, and proxies may be submitted by emailing pa@simbithi.com, or dropping them off at the HOA Welcome Centre or SCC Members’ Service Centre. Although proxies may be received until the start of the meeting, the administrative deadline allows us time to process and capture the proxies, and to contact you and assist you if anything needs to be rectified or clarified on your proxy.

have lodged formal requests for permission to install five more traffic calming speed bumps along the road from the western side of West Gate to the Country Club Gate. This was filed in May, and we will update you once we have approval.

Speaking of travelling the road to AGM, traffic on the Shakas Rock Main Road has increased dramatically during the last few years. With this, the safety risk associated with joining the flow has increased exponentially. To mitigate this for our residents and the public, we

Another project on the horizon is the first phase of the Guineafowl Sports Field upgrade. The intention to upgrade this facility has not been without its challenges, with the first upgrade proposal narrowly missing the required special resolution threshold. Since then, we have held several engagement sessions with homeowners in the area and a new design shared. In the course of this process, we have been alerted to a flag on the Estate’s original environmental authorisations, which were undertaken between 2004 and 2006. During the development period, while the various amendments to the Simbithi Town Planning scheme were filed and passed by the Surveyor General and KDM. Aside from an amendment to the wetland buffer zone, the main Environmental Impact Assessment was not amended. To this end, we appointed

FroM ThE GENErAL MANAGEr

a professional team of Triplo4, Johan Bodenstein and Rob Kirby Town Planners to undertake the EIA amendments. Until this is complete, we are not able to file any further amendments to our EIA, which would include installing hard structures at the Guineafowl precinct. As a first phase, then, we will improve turf quality, level and improve overall turf, improve current goal posts and cricket nets and purchase new soccer posts. The EIA amendment also has possible, unfortunate timeline consequences for the cell tower. KDM has advised that a part two amendment to our EIA is required as part of the approval process, which may only be considered once the above amendment is finalised. We will continue to keep you updated, as we engage with our stakeholders in this regard. As always, we are open to constructive and respectful dialogue on any of our projects and initiatives. We welcome input and conversation from our community.

I hope to see you at the AGM on 29 August 2024!

Marc Mc Clure

FROM THE Club General Manager

Dear Members and Residents,

I hope my column finds you well.

A quick rundown of where we are with the Masterplan Phase 1, construction of our multi-use sports precinct:

• The squash centre’s external structure is 95% complete, and the sports specialists have begun the internal works. We have a challenge around the extractor fans and are collaborating with the residents of Jacana to fix this challenge.

• The subcontractors will move on site after the long weekend (13tAugust) to begin the layer works for the tennis and Padel courts and the bowls. We look forward to the next chapter.

• The sub layering for bowls has completed its percolation tests

and the drainage rate complies with that of World Bowls. The carpet will be manufactured locally and will be one of the last components fitted in the precinct.

• The ablution facilities beneath the bowls pavilion have also received the required electrical and plumbing work. A standalone unisex wheelchair friendly facility will also be added.

• Back-fill for the Padel deck has been completed and the shopfitter will soon realign the inside of the Pavilion bar before work begins on the Padel deck.

• The lap pool is almost complete with motor and filter housing. The filter mechanisms will be fitted in the next 10 days.

• Our tree line on the Jacana fence has received a lot of attention and we are currently dealing with the challenge of selecting suitable vegetation to screen this area.

• We are still on track for opening in November!

FroM ThE CLuB GENErAL MANAGEr

On to current Club matters. The Club’s revenue stream remains under pressure, however a slight upward swing in July has hopefully begun an upward trend. The Club’s operational team continue to innovate offerings, and our refreshed Fig Tree menu has been warmly welcomed. Please pop down and try some of Chef Godfrey and Chef Louis’ latest dishes; they are simply out of this world. Don’t worry, all your firm favourites remain! As the climate begins to warm, make use of our lower dining tables facing the 18th hole on the lower deck, watch the sun set with an ice-cold beverage before going inside to dine. Our award-winning events team will ensure a tailor-made offering is suited to your needs and budget. Come down, let us give you a site visit and show you what we can do.

Let us not forget golf. This department has recovered the fastest and its upward trend is certainly looking much better. We are not out of the woods yet and do still require your patronage so pop down and enjoy the mild winter days.

The golf improvement plan draws to a close at the end of November, thus concluding an epic multiyear project that saw amazing improvements from our partners at Matkovich. The last big push is on the 13th hole and, although there is inconvenience experienced now, it certainly will be an amazing hole once completed. Thanks for your patience.

Please watch our communications as we bring you exciting new offerings, and do not forget to book your yearend event, now. It may sound crazy to think of that now, but, seeing that we are Ballito’s best, we fill up very quickly!

FroM ThE CLuB GENErAL MANAGEr

Our fresh-look playpark will re-open for the children in September and its consolidation represents the first phase of an extension that will carry us into the new budget year.

The park is situated between both the upper and lower decks, so moms and dads can enjoy the restaurant or the casual dining deck near the Padel courts while the kids play.

See what is available and enjoy the time with friends and family…go Bokke!

In closing, I would like to thank my team for managing your experience at the Country Club. They are amazing and go beyond to ensure your experience is memorable. We hope to see you at our live music evenings on Fridays or just to enjoy your special place.

Rugby is on our doorstep again and our biggest foes are eager to show us who is best. We are reliving the World Cup final with the All Blacks, so pop down! Det here early and secure your spot to watch the greatest game of rugby in the world at your Club. With SAB, we are providing bucket and beer specials.

Take care, be kind and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Craig Nell

Brackwater Mangrove or Powder-puff Tree (Barringtonia racemosa)

WORDS Margi LiLienfeLd

We have chosen to write about the only “Mangrove tree” on our Plant List in honour of World Mangrove Day, which was on 26 July 2024.

The Powder-puff tree, scientifically known as Barringtonia racemosa , is one of the most frequently asked about trees by visitors to Simbithi.

This attractive species thrives in both Swamp and Mangrove forests, and is tolerant to brackish and salty water. It is well-suited to wet or dry conditions. However, it does not tolerate frost and flourishes in the hot, humid, subtropical coastal belt of our Dolphin Coast. Despite the Barringtonia genus comprising 56 species, Barringtonia racemosa is the only one indigenous to South Africa.

This tree features stunning large green leaves clustered at the ends of its branches and typically has a single stem. Its flowers are

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particularly striking, produced on a hanging central stalk (raceme) that can reach up to one meter in length.

The flowers, with their mass of long, delicate, white-tinged-with-pink stamens, resemble a lady’s powder puff. Although the flowers produce a rather unpleasant scent at night, this attracts hawk moths, the primary pollinators. Nectar-loving bats also visit the flowers, which open in the evening, bloom for one night, and wither the following day. Additionally, the tree serves as a host for the Red-tab policeman butterfly.

After the flowering period, the tree produces equally spectacular fruit. These fruits are large, shiny, and green, eventually ripening to a coppery-red hue. Interestingly, only some of the fruits contain a single seed, shaped and sized like a small hen’s egg. The sponge-like, fibrous capsule surrounding the seed is light, making the fruit buoyant and allowing it to be dispersed by water.

As the fruit decays, the seeds are released and quickly germinate.

Barringtonia racemosa can be propagated rapidly from seed or by cuttings that are simply pushed into

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the ground. To grow from seeds, place them in an equal mix of compost and sand, and keep them in a warm, light area. Depending on the temperature, seeds typically germinate within 10 and 14 days and grow quickly. They can be planted out after about a year, but should be watered regularly until they are well-established. Though abundant, this tree is protected under the National Forests Act of 1998.

References: Boon, R.2010. Pooley’s trees of eastern South Africa. Flora and Fauna Publications Trust, Durban.

https://pza.sanbi.org/barringtonia-racemosa

properties

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New Dishes on T he Pass

Our kitchen brigade has certainly been busy, cooking up the new additions to the Fig Tree Restaurant’s recently refreshed menu. If you have not yet sampled these gastronomic delights, hurry! Of course, we are biased, but we simply cannot pick a favourite. Here are our new dishes:

StarterS

Smoked Salmon Stack

Layered smoked salmon, avocado and mango salsa, topped with two succulent prawns and finished off with citrus compote.

MaINS Buttermilk Crunchy Chicken Burger Topped with spicy sriracha slaw. Served with rustic chips.

MaINS

Mozzarella and SpinachStuffed Chicken Fillet

Served with roasted sweet potato rounds, stir-fried vegetables and creamy Dijon sauce.

MaINS

Rosemary & LemonGrilled Sole

Served with stir-fried vegetables, garlicky baby potatoes and tartar sauce.

SEcuRiTy

estate speed limit

We have noted an increase in speeding on the Estate, recently. This is dangerous, reckless and against our Estate rules. Simbithi’s speed limit is 40km/h, which is in place to protect fellow motorists, pedestrians and wildlife on Simbithi, and must be adhered to at all times.

Security - Gates and Booms

A reminder, that our gates and booms are a vital instrument in our security department. Per our rules, you are required to stop at the gate or boom and use either your access card or biometric access to enter or exit. The only instances when a security officer will open the boom or gate manually are:

3. If the automated system is temporarily out of order, which will be communicated.

1. If you are without your access card, with just cause.

2. If you are not registered for biometric access, but your identity may be verified.

Remaining on the subject of access to the Estate, pedestrians may only proceed through our pedestrian turnstiles. you may not enter through one of our security gates or internal booms on foot.

Pets

As winter slowly sneaks away, and the weather becomes more pleasant, we are certain many of you will enjoy a walk with your dog on the Estate. if you do, please note that, per our rules, the dog must be on a physical leash and under the control of a responsible person when out of your property. And, please use one of the strategically located bins to dispose safely of your dog’s fouling.

Make Way for ThE WaRRioRS

…and, they mean business! It is tradition to enter a team into the annual Virgin Active Warrior Race and this year, #TeamSimbithi grew by a few members. It was fantastic to watch our squad, clad in their dragonfly apparel, take on the obstacle race in Salt Rock. Well done, warriors!

We’re the BeST

July was a special month for Simbithi, with us earning three first places, and one second place in the Best of Ballito Awards 2024.

We retained our title as Best Lifestyle Estate, and the Country Club is officially the Best Event, and Best Conference Venue in Ballito. Our Golf course scooped second place for best golf course.

Well done, Simbithi!

Meet aM anda and n qo B ile

Two new faces have recently joined the HOA team, and it is our pleasure to welcome Amanda Goba and Nqobile Makhaye.

Amanda joins the team as our Plans Examiner, and if you have ventured into building control recently, you may have spotted her with a cheerful smile.

Her quirky personality has certainly been a great addition to #TeamSimbithi.

Nqobile joins the environmental team as an Environmental Assistant, with a specific focus on flora. Her soft demeanour and expansive knowledge on our plant life, and passion for nature have made her an asset to our department.