FrOM ThE General manaGer
Dear Residents,
This month marks two years since my official appointment as General Manager. As I reflect on the last 24 months, I cannot believe they have gone by so quickly…in the blink of an eye, as some might say. As a team, we have made significant, strategic strides, as I shared during our 2024 Annual General Meeting. As we tick over to the 2024/25 season, it remains a pleasure to lead the HOA team as we grow and evolve.
flown by, but we recently took some time to pause and behold the Simbithi story in the form of our 20th Annual. This special edition publication was unveiled at our AGM, and those who attended got to take home a copy. I would like to encourage you to pop into our HOA Welcome Centre and get one for your family. It truly is a great, nostalgic read that allows you to find your place in our story, from our origins to the remarkable community we have become. It will also look fantastic on your coffee table.
Speaking of growing and evolving, we are nearing the end of the third quarter of our 20th anniversary year, and we will certainly be celebrating all year! It may seem like two decades have also
As September wound down, we celebrated Arbour Month by hosting renowned Garden Guru, Tanya Visser at the Pavilion. We have some photos later in the newsletter. Thank you to all who attended this event. There are some exciting events coming up on the Estate this month. Check out our diary for more information, and we’d love to see you there.
Also in this edition, you’ll find a piece explaining our penalty schedule. As the article explains, education and awareness of our Estate rules is paramount to keeping our community orderly and harmonious. When there are instances of non-compliance, the schedule sets out corrective measures, which may involve a penalty.
Simbithi, it is our strong preference not to penalise you.
I urge you to familiarise yourselves with the rules, which you will find on our App under documents. We will also continue releasing our Did You Know videos, which help explain some of the reasons behind our rules. As we learn, we increase our compliance and reduce the number of penalties issued.
Recently, we shared a survey on alternate water and electricity supply. Collecting this data will assist us with
FrOM ThE GENErAL MANAGEr
determining our current sustainability. In line with our vision to guarantee the sustainability of our Estate, this survey is part of our work to uphold the ‘eco’ in our name. If you have not yet, please spend a few minutes completing the survey. CliCk here to begin. Then, let me close with some good news. We have approval for the speedhumps on Shakas Rock Main Road (P339). Construction should begin early this month. Please be cautious during construction. Have a great October!
Marc Mc Clure
FROM THE Club General Manager
Dear Members and Residents,
I hope my column finds you well.
September has been true to its traditional weather predictions in that it’s the start of the windy and wet months. Inclement weather has slowed progress at our sports precinct, and our Bedouin tent over the deck was victim of some wind damage. The ceiling in the men’s ablutions at the Fig Tree Restaurant was also damaged during recent downpours. We are in the process of receiving quotes to repair, and will attend to this as soon as the weather gives us a break.
pleasure to see the ‘Boks unbeaten in all the games shown at the Club. Please watch out for the outbound tour in November as we take on England, Scotland and Wales in the final international games of the year.
A quick rundown of where we currently stand with Masterplan Phase 1:
The challenges faced during the MPP1 project have kept the teams very busy, and the governance measures in place ensure contingency spend is motivated and scrutinized by the Steering Committee before it is spent. Unforeseen costs have, unfortunately, risen and EXCO will be making an announcement on this development soon.
Thank you for the amazing support during this year’s Rugby Championship. The patronage was fantastic and it was an absolute
In the interim, I can report on the following: -
• The internal shopfitting of the Squash Centre continues, with tiling and carpeting.
• Internal works in the ablution facilities have begun with tiling and lockers.
FrOM ThE CLUB GENErAL MANAGEr
• The Padel contractors have laid the base flooring, and the fixture and fittings have arrived from Spain.
• The Tennis contractors have also moved onto site, and are preparing their base works.
• The Padel deck contractor has begun to install the framework and has measured out the foundation for the sub-structure.
• The planting of the embankments has begun. This will continue, as we develop.
• The drainage layer work is currently under way at the bowls rink and tiling and roof structure of the bowls pavilion is complete. The bowling carpet has been ordered.
• Shopfitting inside the Pavilion bar is 95% complete and the outdoor tables and chairs have arrived.
• The pool’s fibre-glassing is complete.
• We are still on track to open at the end of November.
The Club’s revenue stream remains under pressure and we seek
your continued patronage as we enter the last few months before summer. Just a reminder to our residents and members that, as a benefit of your membership you receive a 50% discount on venue hire for your event. We will tailor your event so if you haven’t booked your special occasion yet, contact us soon as dates are flying.
We are still working through the revamp of our Kids’ Play Park and our jungle gym specialists have been hard at work preparing the site and constructing the new offerings. Rain has delayed us slightly, so we plan to re-open this space toward the middle of the month. Moms, we look forward to welcoming you back to the Fig Tree while your little ones enjoy the play pieces. Please watch for our communication on opening dates.
As the weather warms, we urge you to make use of our dining options for the al fresco experience. Please remember, when you are choosing where to enjoy a meal and entertain, the Fig Tree offers incredible value for money.
FrOM ThE CLUB GENErAL MANAGEr
With only two months of the golf improvement project left, Matkovich has been hard at work finishing off the last few major alterations. Our 13th remains under construction, opening of this hole looks set for the end of November. Small close out details will be added to the 1st and 9th which will bring us to the conclusion of the project. Our Porters’ Kiosk will also be completed by the middle of October, and we look forward to this dignified structure adding to the golf experience of all. Our architect has scrutinised the bill of quantities for the ablution facilities on the course and, with the assistance of Simbithi’s
technical department, we are working toward the correct marriage between design and affordability. Competition for capital remains high on the agenda and considering the cash flow challenges the Club currently has we may be hard pressed to build both offerings. We will continue to keep you posted on this facility as we finalise costs.
Take care, be kind and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Kindest
Regard
Craig Nell
Simbithi’s Top Selling Agent
ANDERSON
Birds
A few exquisite images from our Simbithi Bird Group, for your viewing pleasure.
1. Brown-hooded Kingfisher not too happy about the gloomy weather.
2. Village Weavers and Natal Francolins feeding.
3. Guineafowl out for a morning stroll.
Marlene Venter
4. Male Pied Kingfisher wearing his rather dapper coat.
5. Malachite Kingfisher on a bright yellow ‘soapbox’.
6. A lovely sighting: Trumpeter Hornbill with its characteristic bill.
7. Always adorable, a Yellow-Rumped Tinkerbird.
8. Standing tall, a young Blacksmith Lapwing.
Roy Mann
Paul Johnson
Brian Roberts
Dael Stojakovic
Roy Mann
aT SiMBiThi! Arbour Month
As an eco-estate, Arbour Month is understandably special for Simbithi. Our environmental team arranged three initiatives to commemorate the time, which focuses on highlighting the value and importance of trees and forests in the environment.
The main event, of course, was hosting South Africa’s Garden Guru, Tanya Visser at the Pavilion. Tanya shared her expert knowledge and delighted our residents with all things green. Thank you to all who attended.
Secondly, we partnered with our landscaping service provider, McWade’s Landscapes, to plant endemic trees at the underpass near the North Gate. The team ringbarked the Mangifera indica (Mango trees), which are not locally endemic, and planted a Bridelia micrantha (Mitzeeri), Grewia occidentalis (Crossberry), Podocarpus latifolius (South African
ENVIRONMENT
Yellowwood), two Warburgia salutaris (Pepper-bark), a Nuxia floribunda (Forest Elder), three Ekebergia capensis x3 (Cape Ash), three Cassine peragua (Cape Saffron), three Acacia atomiphylla (Grey Camel Thorn), five Asparagus falcatus (Sicklethorn) and three Trema orientalis (Pigeonwood). This was to restore the flora in this area.
And, finally, as part of our community social investment, we will be planting trees at Seatides Combined School, which was recently affected by the Tongaat tornado.
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A good (green) job all-around!
Sharing Joy fOR MaNdELa day
MANDELA DAY HANDOVER
Simbithi, thank you for your kindness in coming together for our 2024 Mandela Day campaign. We spent the day packing stationery for learners affected by the devastating tornado in Tongaat, earlier this year.
Recently, a team from Simbithi visited Seatides Combined, and Sandfields Primary Schools to hand the packs over.
gaRdEN TEChNiCiaNS
CErTiFiED
Following the completion of our first Garden Technician course, we were proud to award the certified technicians, recently. Look out for details on our next course!
up, up ahEad
With our padel and tennis courts officially under construction, the time for opening our multi-use sports precinct is getting closer. We cannot wait to welcome you!
CominG alonG Smoothly
Soon, our golfing experience will be taken up a notch with the addition of our Porters’ Kiosk. Construction is well underway and we look forward to unveiling the final structure, soon.
On the AirwAves
Marketing and Communications CoOrdinator Jodi Chetty and Events Manager Thoko Phillips recently popped into Radio Life & Style to share all things events, at Simbithi Country Club.
Listen to their chat with Mike Charles, Here
Well Done, SupERCaRE!
Our cleaning service provider, Supercare, recently treated our HOA and Community Centre cleaning staff to a celebration at the Guineafowl Community Centre. This, after the team earned a 95% A score for the Health and Safety audit, and in recognition of their commitment to excellence in this regard.
Well done, team.
pROMOTiNg SuSTaiNaBiLiTy
The project to install solar panels at our HOA administration offices is progressing well. The panels will be installed on the roof of the admin building and at the staff parking lot. When installed, the building and Main Gate will run off solar power. Here, the team is seen completing the trenching.
FRESHNESS GUARANTEED
Our lamb comes directly from the Farm in the Southern Free State and our other meat products are sourced from local farms and producers to ensure maximum freshness and quality!
OUR PRODUCT RANGE
- Beef (Lean Mince, Rump, Fillet, Homemade Beef Patties)
- Pork (Loin chops, Belly, Marinated Baby Back Ribs, Rashers plain & honey glazed)
- Chicken (whole, fillets, thighs & flatties)
- Affi-Plaas Lamb (Half or Full. Cut, vacuum packed and labelled to your specifications)
- Affi-Plaas Boxes (Braai Box, Snack Box, Chop Box, Rib Box, Shank Box, etc.)
- Ouma’s Specialities (Biltong & Dry Wors, Skaapstertjies, Skilpadtjies)
SECuRiTy
SEEHOA Penalty Schedule
A significant part of co-existing in a community as large as Simbithi is compliance: ensuring awareness of our rules, each of which is there to protect all who call Simbithi home.
We encourage compliance through regular educational drives, such as our Did You Know video series, and engagement with our resident community.
issued to the transgressor, advising them to rectify the transgressor within a specified time frame.
When a rule is transgressed, our team follows a penalty schedule, which dictates our appropriate course of action. The schedule, which is available for viewing on our Simbithi App under Documents –SEEHOA, sets out potential instances of non-compliance and a five-category penalty guideline.
Category 2 transgressions attract a fine, and instructions to rectify.
Category 3 transgressions attract a heftier fine, and instructions to rectify.
Category 4 transgressions attract a significant fine, and it is deemed, and it is deemed that “making good” is impossible.
During the last quarter, our team has noted a steady increase in the number of transgressions relating to our pet rule.
Category 1 transgressions are regarded as instances where “making good” is still possible. A letter of non-compliance is
Category 5, the most serious transgression, are regarded as instances where protocols or rules have been substantially breached, and “making good” is impossible. A hefty financial penalty may be applicable here, too. The transgressor is asked to leave the Estate and has their access rights revoked. If he or she is a contractor, he or she is removed from any homeowner-approved lists and are banned from working on the Estate. They are then equally banned entering Simbithi, again.
During June, nine incidents were recorded, 11 during July and 14 during August.
Residents, we are concerned to repeatedly note dogs out of property, dogs not on a
SECURITY
leash and under the control of a responsible person, which our rule mandates.
The time our team spends responding, trying to locate the dog, then safely containing the dog at our offices, ascertaining who the dog belongs to and all related administration work, is far better spent on their core function of keeping Simbithi safe. Similarly, we have noted an increase in transgressions relating to noise disturbance: nine during June, nine during July and 17 during August. The time spent responding to, and investigating, these instances of noise disturbance could also be diminished if we remain considerate of each other. Our doors are open for engagement, Simbithi.
2 OCTOBER
ENVirONMENTAL TALK
All About Owls, by Tammy Caine – FreeMe
Wildlife CFO and raptor Specialist
venue: Pavilion
Time: 18:00 – 19:00.
For more information 032 946 8382 or environmental@simbithi.com
6 OCTOBER
FirSTiES WiTh MUrrAy & MASON
Live music on the deck, first Sunday of every month.
venue: Club deck
Time: 13:00 – 16:00.
Booking essential: 032 946 5403
9 OCTOBER
ALTO WiNE TASTiNG AND CANAPÉS
venue Dragonfly restaurant Time 18:00 for 18:30.
Booking essential: sccmsc@simbithi.com
4, 11, 18, 25 OCTOBER
LA ViE EN rOSE FEATUriNG rENÉ TShiAKANyi
it’s a wonderful life. Live music every Friday night in French, Portguese, English and italian.
venue: Club Deck
Time: 17:30 – 20:00.
Bookings: 032 946 5403
12 OCTOBER
rUN FOr yOUr LiFE
Commemorating World Mental health Day. Join us and rUNSimbithi for a 3km/5km family walk, then breakfast at the heron Pizzeria and a short talk on mental health.
Starting point: heron Community Centre
Time: 07:30
RSvp: enquiries@simbithi.com or WhatsApp 073 156 1378.
12 OCTOBER
SiMBiThi STABLES SUMMEr SOirEE
Grand Prix dressage rider Gen McNiell, music by rene Tshiakanyi, guest performance by the KZN vaulting team and special demonstration by Zecks Samu and Viceroy.
venue: The Stables Community Centre
Time: 14:00
price: Adults r100, Children over 5 r50. Tickets sold at the entrance; cash only. Food for sale via Zapper. Bring your own beverages.
22-23 OCTOBER
WiNE TASTiNG & PAiriNG WiTh GLENELLy
For more information 032-946 5409 or sccmsc@simbithi.com
26 OCTOBER
TriCK Or TrEAT
Bigger and better this year, let’s go! Mark the date, and we’ll share information soon.
Board of Directors
Jeff Leaver: Chairman
Clive Mc Creadie: Vice-Chairman HOA
Andrew Mackenzie
Louis Boshoff
Gavin Dunlop
Pamela White
Margi Lilienfeld
Frank Bradford: Vice-Chairman SCC EXCO
Director Human Resources board8@simbithi.com
Director Security board4@simbithi.com
Director Finance & IT board3@simbithi.com
Director Design Review Committee board5@simbithi.com
Director Technical & Maintenance board7@simbithi.com
Director Marketing & Communications board9@simbithi.com
Director Environmental board6@simbithi.com
Director Simbithi Country Club board2@simbithi.com
John Gowans
Director Legal & Appeals board1@simbithi.com
The Board of Directors are your elected representatives who volunteer their time and expertise without remuneration.
Approaching a Director should be your last resort.
Access Control
946 8380 facilities@simbithi.com
946 8364 gm@simbithi.com Heron Pizzeria
946 8384 tm@simbithi.com
Single Residential
Single Residential
Sectional Title Units
Sectional Title Units
TOTAL DEVELOPMENT: 1485 of 1610 = 93% developed