SIMBITHI
C o n n e c t i n g . S i m b i t h i .
" S i m b i t h i i s a p a r t i c u l a r l y s p e c i a l p l a c e f o r m e h a v i n g
g r o w n u p o n B e v e r l e y F a r m a s p a r t o f t h e L a d l a u f a m i l y .
W a t c h i n g t h e e s t a t e e v o l v e o v e r t h e y e a r s a n d s e e i n g
t h e o r i g i n a l v i s i o n c o m e t o l i f e h a s b e e n a r e a l p r i v i l e g e
L o c a l R e a l E s t a t e i s a n e s t a b l i s h e d b r a n d o n t h e N o r t h
C o a s t O u r r o o t s a n d c o l l e c t i v e e x p e r i e n c e r u n d e e p O u r
t e a m m e m b e r s h a v e b e e n a n i n t e g r a l p a r t o f t h e
S i m b i t h i j o u r n e y f o r m a n y y e a r s a n d o u r e x p e r i e n c e d
S a l e s a n d R e n t a l s t e a m a r e e x c i t e d t o c o n t i n u e s e r v i n g
t h e c o m m u n i t y a n d c o n n e c t i n g w i t h y o u "
– Tim Johnson
Graham White, Managing Director
Tim Johnson, Founder & Principal
Ian Brewer Wealth Adviser
Sean Fouche CFP® CA(SA) MBA Wealth Manager
Shaun Latter CFP® Adv.PGDipFinPlanning Wealth Adviser
Jacqui Mayne Insure Adviser
Marnus Steenkamp CFP® CA(SA) Wealth Adviser
Grant Clinton CA(SA) Fiduciary Adviser
From the
Editor
This edition was one of my toughest, yet. Not because of the publishing process – that, I will always be rapturously enamoured with. But, because we ran slightly late with it, and that tends to happen every year around the spring edition. This time, we had a few extra gremlins, but it’s usually the edition I feel most frazzled with because its preparation time falls smack-bang in the middle of what we like to call AGM-season.
The delay, however, meant that for the first time I could write my ed’s note post-AGM, instead of ahead of time. As I write this, with my eyes peripherally on the Main Gate’s digital screen, my mind ticks back to yesterday morning when the screen was counting down the hours, minutes and seconds to our 20th AGM. And, then my mind skips back to last night, when we achieved a quorum of 550 for the 2024 AGM: more than thirty percent of our homeowner base!
One of my favourite parts of what I do is interacting with the Simbithi community. After nearly eight years at Simbithi, I recognise almost every second resident when they walk in to sign the AGM register. The chats, the warm hugs, the jokes and the fist bumps; and especially, the heartfelt winks and whispers of ‘thank you’ when meetings are done. Simbithi, as I always say, is magical. It’s during evenings like our AGM, watching respectful engagement and chatter, that I’m reminded of how special this community is.
We’ll begin our new ‘year’ soon, with the 2024/25 Board of Directors. As we look forward to our 21st birthday (who’s ready for another party?!), I find myself whimsically excited for Simbithi’s future.
You are the dream, Simbithi.
marketing@simbithi.com
Publisher Lorinda Scott | 082 562 7202 | lorinda@fabmags.co.za
Graphic Designer evashini naidoo | evashini@fabmags.co.za
Sales Director Lucille Wendler | 083 747 3694 | lucille@fabmags.co.za
Operations Director Sharlene Odayar | sharlene@fabmags.co.za
Copy Editor elvida Sydney | content@fabmags.co.za
Accounts accounts@fabmags.co.za
Contact Fabmags 032 946 0357
Head Office 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
Cover Photo chris Allan Photography
SF20 frameless patio enclosure system
A Round-Up of estate and club news
Spring i S Here!
the surest sign that the flowery season is on her way. the Scadoxus puniceas, or Paintbrush Lily, budding at the staff door of our hOA building.
Home. Always Home
We could not resist capturing this nest woven by our resident Village Weavers at the hOA, recently. if you asked us, we would say two birds decided to convert their single nests into a sectional title…and, how could we say no?
Behind-The-Scenes
We recently filmed an awesome update with our club General manager, craig nell on site of the masterplan Phase 1, our multifaceted sports precinct. here’s Jarryd and Savannah du toit, of our digital agency creativSprout, on a hill for the perfect shot.
Did you know that every Wednesday our heron Pizzeria has the most delightful coffee shoppe-vibe? complete with an idyllic table setting, this is something truly wonderful to enjoy. here is our very own executive chef Godfrey Kinyanjui, in for a morning cuppa.
Sweetne SS F or Madiba
Walk It Out
every month, the SeehOA team may be found on the roads, trails or forests of Simbithi enjoying a wellness walk. here, nqobile makhaye and Sli cele of our environmental department go through one of our gorgeous natural walkways.
mating season certainly brings out the rivalry among Simbithi’s feathered residents, it would seem. this male Olive Sunbird was spotted in the window of our offices checking out his reflection before approaching the lady of his choice.
THE EAGLE LANDS
We recently hosted a fantastic wine pairing and tasting with Arendsig wines. Find out more later on in the edition about how it unfolded.
it is well-documented that former South African president and global human rights icon nelson mandela had a sweet tooth. Well, resident Anette Paynter honoured madiba deliciously, by baking four scrumptious traditional South African milk tarts for the team during our mandela Day initiative at the club. Dankie, Anette! Looking S H arp!
Simbithi Diary
There is just so much to see and do on Simbithi Eco-Estate. Below is the Estate’s diary of upcoming events. Isn’t life great on Simbithi? You can also view the events on our Simbithi App or on our website: www.simbithi.com/events
Weekly Events
MONDAy NIghT OFF
take a break from the kitchen and let us cook dinner. enjoy a delicious starter, main and dessert at the Fig tree Restaurant. Watch our weekly comms and gate screens for the menus.
TUESDAy ChEF'S SPECIAL
Our chefs straighten up their jackets and pull out the best for you every tuesday, with a range of exquisite specials. Watch our weekly comms and gate screens for the menus. booking essential: 032 946 5403
WEDNESDAy CURRy NIghT indulge in the north coast's finest buffet: an array of fragrant curries with traditional sides. R220pp. booking essential: 032 946 5403
SUNDAy CARVERy
A sumptuous afternoon for the whole family. enjoy a selection of roasts with all the trimmings. R255pp. booking essential: 032 946 5403
SEPTEMbER
FIRSTIES
Live music on the deck, first Sunday of every month. Venue club deck Time 13:00 - 16:00. booking essential: 032 946 5403
ENVIRONMENTAL TALK
Urban Vervet monkey Project Year 2: What have We Learned? by Dr Sofia Forss and Dr Stéphanie mercier, University of Zurich, Switzerland
Venue Pavilion Time 18:00 – 19:00. For more information: 032 946 8382 or environmental@simbithi.com
TANyA VISSER AT SIMbIThI
For more information 032 946 5409 or sccmsc@simbithi.com. celebrate Arbour month at Simbithi with South Africa's Garden Guru. Time 11:00 at the Pavilion Room, R50 at the door. For more information: environmental@simbithi.com
hERON FAMILy FUN DAy
Live music, face painting, candy store, rocket jumping castle, putt-putt competition, build your own kiddies’ pizza. For more information: 032 946 5409 or sccmsc@simbithi.com
DE WETShOF WINE TASTINg AND PAIRINg
For more information: 032 946 5409 or sccmsc@simbithi.com
OCTObER 2
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
FIRSTIES
Live music on the deck, first Sunday of every month. Venue club deck Time 13:00 – 16:00. booking essential 032 946 5403
TRICK OR TREAT
For more information: 032 946 5409 or sccmsc@simbithi.com 26 2
bigger and better this year, let’s go! mark the date, and we’ll share information soon.
gLENELLy WINE TASTINg & PAIRINg
Live music on the deck, first Sunday of every month. Venue club deck Time 13:00 - 16:00. booking essential: 032 946 5403
ENVIRONMENTAL TALK
Venue Pavilion Time 18:00 - 19:00. For more information: 032 946 8382 or environmental@simbithi.com
WINE TASTINg & PAIRINg
For more information: 032 946 5409 or sccmsc@simbithi.com
For this edition’s From the Kitchen, we are doing something a little different. Instead of taking you into the kitchen, allow us to detour through the Dragonfly Conference Centre for an intimate look into our popular wine tastings and pairings!
One of the laments we often hear around the Country Club is how quickly space for the monthly wine tastings and pairings fills up. For those lucky ones who do manage to secure a seat at the expertly decorated table, the lament is quickly turned to a lark’s song, tittering at how spectacular it all was.
For our latest outing, we partnered with Arendsig Handcrafted Single Vineyard Wines. The wine farm is family-owned and has been run by Lourens van der Westhuizen since 2024.
They pride themselves on a handcrafted approach and minimal intervention methods to produce their terroir expressive wines. Lourens was, of course, on hand to guide the tasting and pairing.
Monthly, our tastings are held on the last Tuesday and followed by our pairings on the last Wednesday. The tastings feature a variety of wines, where winemakers provide intimate tasting notes for guests. The pairings are the showstopping finale, with a sixcourse meal curated by our Executive Chef Louis Lesch.
For Arendsig, we welcomed guests with their classic Sauivgnon Blanc, and flowed into a Chardonnay for the Amuse Bouche: Deep-Fried Prawn and Red Pepper Tortellini, topped with
Char-Roasted Red Pepper Foam. A chenin for the starter, then, a traditional South African Beef and Vegetable Soup served with Sourdough Bread Rolls. For mains, guests feasted on Slow-Cooked, Braised Lamb Neck served with SaltRoasted Potato, cultured Sour Cream and Rosemary Sea Salt, while sipping on an exquisite merlot. The cheese course, Crispy ThreeCheese Phyllo Pastries topped with Lavender Honey, was accompanied by a shiraz. And, a fitting end to the gastronomic adventure was a Classic Bannoffee Pie for dessert, served with StirFried Banana and a decadent Banana Butterscotch Sauce…yes, indeed!
Be sure to have your names down for the next wine tastings and pairings: e-mail sccmsc@simbithi.com.
The Fig Tree Restaurant Par-fectly Flavoured
WORDS eLViDA SYDneY
The Fig Tree Restaurant, overlooking the luscious golf course at the Simbithi Country Club, has brand new dishes being added to their menu, and we have had the privilege to try them out! For drinks, our waitress, Jabu, recommended a visually beautiful and sweet Margarita Sunrise cocktail for something on the cooler side; and for something warmer, we enjoyed chai lattes to keep us cosy on this chilly day.
For starters, we were served one of the most raved about dishes off the current menu, the Coconut Curried Soup with Garlic Ciabatta—a rich and creamy dish with calamari, prawns, and mussels mixed in a lemongrass, red curry paste and coconut broth; this is well spiced and it is the most perfect bowl of seafood. I would mention that it is a well-sized portion, but we all agreed it's just too good to share! The newbie, a Smoked Salmon Stack, is quite the delight! The delicate salmon at the bottom, a tangy avocado and mango salsa in the middle, topped with two succulent prawns, and finished off with a citrus compote. Holy fish! An absolute burst of flavours in one's mouth, I'd say we started off pretty well!
For the main course, we were served the new dishes: a Rosemary and Lemon-Grilled Sole; a melt-in-your-mouth fish, complemented by garlic baby potatoes, stir-fried veggies,
and tartar sauce. We then indulged in a Mozzarella and Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Fillet dish. Served with roasted sweet potato rounds, on a bed of stir-fried vegetables, and Dijon sauce. It was love at first sight with the Buttermilk Crunchy Chicken Burger; golden burger patties made from chicken thighs, layered with a spicy yet refreshing sriracha slaw, and then crispy onion rings on top, served with rustic chips. Perfection! Then a special surprise! Chef Godfrey prepared his famous Kenyan dish for us; Kuku Bizari Ya Pwani—slow cooked chicken curry in coconut cream and traditional spices—accompanied by fragrant basmati rice and a few side treats; papad, roti, relishes, and samoosas.
Thank you, Executive Chefs Godfrey and Louis, and The Fig Tree team. We have to commend you and the Simbithi team for your hospitality and we truly enjoyed everything that was prepared for us.
To end things off on a sweet note, as the (Margarita) Sunrise turned into an amethyst hue as it started to ‘set’, two beautiful desserts were prepared for us: a Mocha Cake, topped with a coffee speckled chocolate shard, and decorated with strawberries which was the special of the day and the Chocolate Pot De Crème, a velvety chocolate custard topped with crumbled meringues, mint, and strawberries. Creamy, decadent, and berrylicious!
A MUST TRy!
AN ICONIC bREAKFAST: the Simbithi eggs benedict; an english muffin topped with baby spinach, fresh tomato, ham, cheese, an egg done the way you'd like it, crispy bacon, the creamy homemade hollandaise sauce, crumbed onions so crunchy you can hear it from a mile away, and oh my, the crispy hash browns!
LOCAL REAL ESTATE
and textural Home stunning tranquil
WORDS CHRISSIE JOHNSON
Texture is an integral and captivating part of a home’s design because it accentuates and defines architectural elements presenting an intriguing visual foil, which attracts immediate attention. This is perfectly demonstrated in this beautifully renovated, stylish home.
The arrival into this home has been carefully orchestrated with standout features. A wooden deck walkway, offset by a striking timber ceilinged roof inset with downlighters, commands instant attention. A tiled water feature with metal waterspouts provides additional soothing sounds on arrival. (It is also believed that a water feature in an entryway can bring good luck.) Prominent wooden roof rafters in the spacious open plan living area
enhance the sightlines ensuring the view is not just out and down, but also up. The use of different textures and materials cleverly breaks down this large open living space by providing points of interest as well as visual luxury without the need for superfluous ornateness, trims and excessive décor pieces. The exposed raw brick feature in the kitchen is a beautiful contrast against the sleek grey contemporary cabinetry as is the sophisticated wooden backsplash set behind the floating display shelf.
There is a strong link between the interior open plan living area and the covered outdoor verandah through carefully chosen textured materials. The wooden ceiling of the patio echoes the indoor wooden ceiling beams, while dark
cabinetry mirrors the kitchen cupboards. Additionally, the dark grey brickwork surrounding the built-in braai serves as a striking focal point. This thoughtfully designed outdoor space operates as a versatile kitchen, dining, and living area, effectively extending the home's central hub. Its positioning alongside the inviting pool adds to the overall charisma of this outdoor oasis.
In the main bedroom, the use of an eye-catching wooden screen visually (and physically) differentiates the en-suite bathroom from the bedroom area. The same wooden patterning is repeated as a wall feature above the vanities accentuates this space as a standout feature and the repetitive use of wood as a standout feature, thus creating a
Top LefT The success of this covered outdoor veranda lies in its direct linkage into the home. The materials used in the indoor and outdoor sections are complementary, providing the element of continuity. Its positioning alongside the pool also provides space for children and pets to play. Top RighT This stunning kitchen is exceptionally appealing visually due to the sophisticated combination of the beautiful tactile elements of raw brick, exposed wooden roof beams, painted cabinetry and a smooth countertop on the large central island. cenTRe RighT The large sliding doors enable activities to easily flow from the indoor lounge to the outdoor seating area, which functions as a beautiful outdoor room. The visual links are reinforced through subtle material usage, most notably steel and wood. BoTToM A striking wooden screen visually differentiates the bedroom area from the sumptuous bathroom where a wooden wall feature also accentuates the vanity section of the bathroom.
harmonius aesthetic throughout the rooms. This residence exudes sophistication while maintaining a relaxed ambience and the enchantment of this house is in the detail. The cohesive interior and exterior palette have been a successful synthesis of many textural elements resulting in a uniquely composed aesthetic, with compelling visual allure.
This home is available to purchase through Local Real Estate. For more information contact: Rory
Some of the most common mistakes and misconceptions in Golf
Now, for this article, the word ‘mistake’ will be thrown around very loosely as it might not be something that gets under the skin of a person, or merely something a player does that has the potential to affect their game in a less than favourable manner. Most people won’t even be aware of this! The items listed in this article have been placed in random order. Time for a refresher! We are revisiting the most common mistakes made on the course.
not keeping up with the players ahead of you.
So, this one is simple: if you are not keeping up with the players ahead of you, you are falling behind and so does every player in the field.
not getting your clubs fitted. The days of paying more for custom fitted golf clubs are long gone. So, instead of going through all that pain just because you got a deal, just get your clubs to work for you.
Slowing down, play, because... Ready golf is now official! Just to set the record straight, this is not to turn golf into a race; it allows golfers who are ready to play to do so in a safe and responsible manner. This helps us speed up play. (While we’re getting used to this concept, speak to your fellow golfers before you just rip one).
not understandng the rules. It is safe to say that not all golfers understand the rules completely. Here is your chance to make it up take this opportunity to understand your penalty areas and what rule gets you back into play.
not fixing your pitch marks. This is one of the most expensive damages that a golfer can cause to a golf course: “more than your golf cart”. If you look at our third green, for example, it takes a massive beating daily, with most golfers playing it with a mid to short iron. Just because the green is firm on the front and your ball didn’t drop and stop, doesn’t mean there is no pitch mark…
not cleaning up litter.
Litter on golf courses is becoming a bigger problem every year. Please
just do the right thing and pick up litter. Or, more importantly, do not drop your litter, everywhere.
Going into ‘no play’ zones. These no play zones have been put into place by the committee to protect the environment.
Playing on when you are out of the hole.
If you have exceeded your allowance on a particular hole, pick the ball up. If you have searched for two balls on one hole, chances are your fourball is under enough pressure to make up lost time. The best thing to do here is to keep it in your pocket until the next tee.
Aiming at nothing.
For example, you’re standing on the 14th tee and the wind is blowing towards you. It is easy to say “just hit
it somewhere down there”…and, next thing you know, you have missed a sixty metrewide fairway and the additional forty metres of rough. For each shot you hit, just pick a target.
not raking a bunkers and filling divots. Just do it for respect of other players.
‘Simbithi’ warm up.
The fact that, because the first hole only plays 100m, the best warm up is two practice swings before you send it. Take 20 minutes before you tee off and just stretch a little.
Getting to the tee box late.
Arrive at the Club a minimum of 20 minutes before your tee off time. This gives you 10 minutes to get to the tee and 10 minutes before your tee off time; also known as your ‘standby’ time.
Playing outside of competition times. Let faster players through.
Disrespecting your fellow competitors. You might have noticed that only one or two of these points can, or will, result in a penalty. But more importantly, an article like this is merely there to make people aware of mistakes they might be making during a round of golf. What these point to, though, is that adhering to these tips will make you a better golfer…without changing your handicap.
Pig’s ears or Cotyledon orbiculata
This is a popular, fast growing succulent with thick green to grey leaves with red margins. It is a lovely groundcover that adds visual weight by virtue of its strong shape and texture when compared to many of our softer, small-leaved, ‘soft’ groundcovers. Its clusters of bright, orange-red, hanging, tubular flowers that are borne on tall stalks brighten the winter garden and attract bees
and birds by their sweet nectar. I have three different forms of this plant, one has apple green, waxy, very rounded leaves, the second has erect, stunning grey leaves with maroon margins and a powdery, silver bloom and the third looks like a different plant as the leaves resemble thickened fingers. But all three have identical flowers. I have repeated plantings of Pig’s ears to provide unity and yet the different
coloured leaves also add variety to my landscape design. These plants look stunning planted among rocks or on a bank and will also do well in a container on the patio. Although one can harvest the seed and propagate the plant in this way I have found it far easier to just take cuttings and plant these. Best to do this in winter when it is drier as if kept too wet the cuttings may rot. A huge added bonus to growing Pig’s ears is that
it is the host plant for number of butterfly species including the Pale Hairtail, the Burnished Opal, the Natal Opal, as well as the Common, Henning’s and Tailed Black-eye butterflies. Well worth the few leaves that one loses to the caterpillars! As can be expected from their name the Black–eye butterflies have rounded black spots on both fore and hindwings. The Natal Opal, Chrysoritis natalensis, is a stunning, shiny, copper-coloured butterfly that turns to burnished gold depending on the angle of the wings. As Steve Woodhall explains, “The colours are not formed by pigments, but by microscopic, shiny, thin layers of chitin, the protein-polysaccharide composite that all insects are made
of. These are stacked up on the wing scales so that they refract and reflect coloured light.”
The Dune Blue Barleria also known as the Bush Violet (Barleria obtusa)
These bushes are a spectacular mass of petite violet or pink flowers in autumn. Multi-stemmed this bushy plant grows to about one meter in sun, but is more sprawling in shaded positions. Interestingly the pollen on the flowers is violet. Buck browse the leaves, many different adult butterflies draw nectar from the flowers and this plant is one of the hosts of the beautiful Yellow Pansy butterfly, which can be seen year round in Simbithi. This butterfly loves damp earth and
also feeds on rotting fruit. Another larval food plant for this butterfly is the low spreading Fairy stars (Dyschoriste setigera the new name for Chaetacanthus setiger). I was introduced to this groundcover when I moved to Simbithi and it has become one of my favourites. It is evergreen, water-wise and particularly low-growing. It is well suited to banks, rockeries, for growing between pavers and around swimming pools and I am surprised that it is not more popular on Simbithi. Dainty, white flowers appear anytime between August and January and it can be grown fairly easily from tip cuttings, provided they are kept moist till the roots are established. This plant is also one
of the hosts for the caterpillars of the Gaika Blue and the Marbled Elf butterflies.
On our Simbithi plant list we have seven species of Plectranthus groundcovers and two Plectranthus shrubs and these plants host several butterfly species including the Garden Commodore butterfly. This butterfly is one of several that have wet and dry season forms that are totally different. In our drier winter we see this fairly large butterfly in its brown, maroon and blue coat whereas adult Garden Commodores in summer are brown with yellow bands. The temperature when the butterfly is a pupa is thought to determine which form the adult will assume. Another beautiful butterfly hosted by Plectranthus species is the Eyed Pansy, a spectacular blue and black butterfly with eight ‘eyes’ that have blue centres ringed by orange and an outer black ring. This is a less common visitor to our Simbithi gardens but quite spectacular. “Eyes” on butterfly wings serve two purposes; eye spots at the base of hind wings are often associated with tails that resemble antennae and trick lizards and birds into attacking the hindwings of the butterfly – less
fatal than if the head was bitten off! Some ‘eyes’ are only visible when the butterfly suddenly opens their wings and can startle the predator that was about to devour the butterfly. In his book 112 plants for you and your bushbuck, Geoff Nichols describes, the plant he calls Butterfly Heaven, Dyschoriste depressa, as a good ground cover and alternative lawn. As it is listed in our Simbithi list of approved plant species I added it to my “wish list of plants” but got some funny looks from nurserymen when I tried to buy it locally. While it is the favourite food plant of the stunning Blue Pansy Butterfly and the Gaika Blue, it is generally found in disturbed areas and can become a weed if unchecked. It is a rather inconspicuous plant with tiny mauve flowers but it like so many other plants, regarded as “weeds”, it is a vital host plants to many butterfly species.
Although the majority of butterfly caterpillars feed on plant matter, primarily leaves but also seeds or the immature ovules of flowers there are some that only feed on cyanobacteria and others that feed on animal matter. But what is important is that butterfly distribution is very strongly linked to the food requirements of the larvae,
the caterpillars. The choice of larval food is highly specialised and as Steve Woodhall explains, “can be restricted to a single species of plant”. The larval food source of many South African butterflies has not yet been determined and many South African butterflies are on the endangered list and are fast disappearing with the eradication of indigenous plants and habitats. Usually the host plants are the incubators of the eggs as well as the food source for the caterpillars so when you see caterpillars, nibbling on the leaves of plants in your garden, resist the urge to grab a can of Doom. The plants won’t be destroyed and will soon sprout new leaves and you will also be rewarded with “flowers on wings”. Enjoy the butterflies and their larvae and promote conservation!
reFerenceS:
Migdoll, Ivor. 1987. Field Guide to the Butterflies of Southern Africa. Nicols, Geoff. 2009. 112 Plants for you and your Bushbuck.
Pooley, Elsa. 1998. A Field Guide to Wild Flowers of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Region.
Woodhall, Steve. 2005. Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa.
(PROPERTY) POPS
We recently awarded our 2023 top selling property practitioner, and business selling property practitioner. Rory Anderson of Local Real Estate clinched the title for a fifth consecutive year, while Hunt Properties celebrates their first year at the top of the list. We sat down with Rory and Ryan Hunt and Brett Howell of HUNT Properties after their respective wins.
how does it feel to have topped the list of property practitioners in simbithi for a record fifth time?
I feel honoured and proud of this achievement, and very grateful. It was a goal of mine but the competition in Simbithi is strong. The best part for me is that I have assisted many buyers and sellers along the way, several of whom are now good friends.
many may ask what your ‘secret’ is. What, do you believe, sets you apart?
I am passionate about my occupation and have a strong work ethic. I genuinely have my buyers' and sellers' interests at heart. Clients tell me that I have great patience and communication skills. I always try to put myself in their shoes and this enables me to offer sound and astute advice as they are making big and important decisions. Being a property practitioner can be challenging but I am fortunate to
have a very supportive family, an excellent assistant, Tara and a fantastic team at Local Real Estate. I also have a good rapport with all the other property practitioners in Simbithi and have done deals with most of them.
You’re also a resident. how do you feel this factors in to your success as a property practitioner in Simbithi?
I have lived here with my family for nine years. I love Simbithi, its community and all that it has to offer as a world class lifestyle estate. I believe this does shine through when I engage with clients. I am also better able to answer all their questions, providing insight and information from my own experience. Many of our buyers are also relocating from Gauteng or Durban and this does assist them. I am active on the Estate, being a member of the Golf Club, gym and the RUNSimbithi group. As a family, we enjoy the walks, events, community centres and Fig Tree
restaurant. This allows me to be visible and top of mind with current and potential clients.
What, do you believe, makes Simbithi a special estate?
Simbithi is a very special estate as it appeals to all age groups. It is a large, eco-friendly estate covering 430 hectares with generous forest areas. It is centrally positioned between Ballito and Salt Rock with easy access to the N2 highway, beaches, schools and shops.
From a property perspective, the Estate offers a range of accommodation options from onebed apartments to large freehold family homes. These products are at various price points that can attract buyers. The Estate is also very well managed, pro-active and continually improving to keep ahead of all its competitors. I have had the privilege of raising three daughters on this beautiful Estate and look forward to many more happy years here.
Rory Anderson
Top SEllIng pRopERTY pRAcTITIonER
this is hUnt’S first time topping the list of business property practitioners on Simbithi. how does it feel?
It is an unbelievable feeling. It's been one of our goals since we started the business in 2017 and since we first started working within Simbithi in 2018. We felt that we have been close for the last few years, so to finally win this coveted award is special, especially considering that so many Simbithi residents trusted us with their homes’ sales or purchases.
What, do you believe, sets you apart in 2023?
Well, HUNT Properties operates completely differently to a standard agency. Our practitioners work as a team and share their commission, which means our clients have the power of the team behind them. We also have a dedicated listing team that deals exclusively with our sellers, which is headed up by long-time
“Building a good customer experience does not happen by accident. It happens by design. ” - Clare Muscutt
Hunt Properties
Simbithi is one of, if not the, premier estates in the country in terms of facilities, the natural beauty of the forests, bodies of water and green areas, security, community and position being in a central part of the greater Ballito area
Simbithi specialist, George Baxter. We have definitely benefited by having our sales manager, Brett Howell leading the team and being a passionate Simbithi homeowner.
brett, you’re also a resident. how do you feel this factors in to your success as a property practitioner in Simbithi?
My family and I have been residents in Simbithi since 2014, and I have been fortunate enough to work as a property practitioner for HUNT Properties in Simbithi since 2021. Knowing the Estate intimately, I would say
the biggest advantage of living and working here is that you are able to articulate first-hand the multitude of benefits associated with the Estate from the amenities to the lifestyle and community within which we live. Simbithi is undoubtedly one of the premier estates in the country and the feeling of safety, community and lifestyle it affords my family, coupled with the knowledge that we have a future proof investment with our property; more than likely shines through when I am taking clients on the journey to secure their ideal property in this world class setting.
What, do you believe, makes Simbithi a special estate?
I am currently answering these questions from Cape Town as I have headed down here temporarily to grow our brand. Having experienced Cape Town and all that it has to offer has reinforced how special the North Coast is, and in particular Simbithi. Simbithi is one of, if not the, premier estates in the country in terms of facilities, the natural beauty of the forests, bodies of water and green areas, security, community and position being in a central part of the greater Ballito area. In a national context, it offers incredible value for money.
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BARRy,
t H e Boss
In honour of a truly legendary Simbithi resident, we would like to share a piece from The Ballito Magazine ahead of Barry Holland’s significant Comrades Marathon earlier this year. And, we are delighted to share these photographs from the Dolphin Coast Striders’ event to celebrate Barry’s achievements.
It’s 1 May 1967. Tommy Malone enters the Greyville Race Course, running towards a piece of tape that serves as the finishing line for the 42nd Comrades Marathon. Just a few metres before the end, Tommy fell, his body giving into a calf cramp. Manie Kuhn, who had been catching up to him, soars past Tommy and wins the race by one second, the closest finish in Comrades history.
Watching this iconic moment is a young Barry Holland. Inspired by the passion of these runners, he knew he had to be a part of this epic race. Nearly six decades later, at 72 years old, he geared up and ran his 50th Comrades
Marathon. Barry is a born and bred Durban North local. He moved to Johannesburg at the age of 24 where he joined the Jeppe Athletics Club. Although many know him as a Striders member, he actually ran with Jeppe for most of his Comrades career. “My years at Jeppe were fantastic. I had a big hand in building the club. I love club life and the camaraderie of
running with your mates,” he says. Better schools and a wish to return to his roots led Barry and his family to the North Coast around 12 years ago. He found his new running home at Dolphin Coast Striders, which only had 80 members at the time (a far cry from the 500 today) and no firm ‘meeting’ spot. Like Jeppe, he became Chairman of the club and created a strong bond between all the runners, a lot of whom have run alongside him during Comrades Marathons. Barry was also part of restarting the Indian Ocean Marathon, which galvanised the Striders and gave them a goal.
But let’s go back 50 years to Barry’s first Comrades. At 18-years-old, he
took to the roads of Durban North early in the morning to start training. This lasted two weeks before he decided running was not for him. When the next year rolled around, Barry thought he’d try again - perhaps he was wrong the first time… Unfortunately, this was not the case, and his ‘training’ only lasted three weeks!
“When I was 20, I told myself that year that I was going to train and I was going to run the Comrades - no excuses. After three weeks, I was close to giving up, but one morning I ran around a corner and saw a group of guys running together. They were the Regent Harriers. For the last three years, I just missed them during my runs.
I started Comrades training with them, and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Running may seem like an individual sport - it’s just you, the road and your tekkies - but it can also be very social, and this is what kept Barry going. On the other hand, it is also an extremely ‘mental’ sport and takes commitment. “You have to be very mentally strong. The Comrades is too long, too far, too hard - it’s easy to give up. Every day you have to make a choice - are you going to get up early every day to run or stay in your warm bed?”
Reflecting on 49 years of preparing for this world-famous marathon, Barry’s training has changed tremendously with age. “I divide my Comrades career into my racing years and surviving years,” he laughs. “I’ve gone from my best time of six and a half hours to
finishing in 11 and a half hours. I used to train six days a week, about 140 kilometres, but can only do four days a week nowadays. It’s been difficult to accept that I can’t run like I used to. When you run this marathon, I believe you need to put everything out there and leave nothing on the road.”
Barry adds that the Comrades Marathon itself has also changed over the years in its enormity, from the number of runners, spectators and tables with water and refreshments to the grand setups at the registration and finishing line. However, what has always stayed the same is the camaraderie and spirit felt at every race, which is what he loves most.
As Barry geared up for his 50th (and last) Comrades Marathon, he recognised the incredible journey it has been. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have a family that has supported me along the way.”
To say that the Comrades ‘runs’ through Barry’s family’s genes is an understatement. Debbie, his wife, has run 20 Comrades Marathons and most of their seven children have run the marathon.
“The Comrades is a central theme in my life, but I have been blessed with so much more - successful businesses, lifelong friends, my kids and grandkids, and running in general. The journey of 50 Comrades has flowed like a river through my life,” Barry concludes.
035
Mandela Day is always a highlight for Simbithi Eco-Estate. With our unique approach to Community Social Investment (CSI), and our strong community ethos, the day itself is a prime opportunity to bring us together in the spirit of the man who inspired it.
This year, our focus was one close to Nelson Mandela’s heart: education. Following the tornado that devastated large parts of Tongaat and surrounds in early June, a delegation from our Simbithi CSI company visited two schools that were severely affected: Seatides Combined, and Sandfields Primary School.
“As a result of the tornado, the schools and their learners were significantly disadvantaged, particularly close to their examinations,” Human Resources Manager, Justine Mia says. “So, we rallied our community to help.”
On 18 July 2024, we turned the Club deck into a hive of helpful activity, with packing stations where our staff and residents assembled more than 1000 packs of stationery for learners from grades one to 12. While there, participants could enjoy a scrumptious Mandela Day breakfast from the Club, donate books to the schools through Exclusive Books, and donate blood via the South African National Blood Service.
Thank you to all who joined us for your contributions.
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…perhaps not living on the prayer Jon Bon Jovi rocked out to, but living on the edge of opening an exceptional facility at our Country Club. Just slightly over the halfway mark of our multi-use sports precinct, we are excited to share an update live from the site.
In January, the ‘big yellow’ machines moved onto what was previously a flat piece of land; ostensibly ERF 1144. Before the arrival of said machines, it was an unassuming space which we used for overflow parking every so often. Now, the exciting hum of construction has been part of the Simbithi story for the last few months. At the time of writing this, we were just over seven months into the build and the precinct, which is set to enhance the Simbithi offering
significantly, was taking shape. Our Club General Manager, Craig Nell, updates us on the progress to date.
tennis and Padel: construction on courts is underway from the middle of August. We cannot wait to have some fun in this space!
squash Centre: external works are almost complete. Specialists have started engaging on internal fittings.
Bowls:
sub-layering complete and percolation in order. The bowling ‘carpet’ is being manufactured and will be fitted as one of the final pieces of the project puzzle.
Lap pool:
motor and filter housing installed. We are excited to share this new chapter with you at our official opening in November.
In closing, I would like to talk about the Masterplan Phase 1 project.
We are still within timelines, but September does seem to have severe weather predicted. From a budget perspective, we remain on track, although the contingencies continue to test the team at every corner. Our scope of work also remains unchanged and in line with our original timelines. Our court contractors are currently working on the Padel and Tennis courts and our decking contractor will be on site on the 16th. Bowls has received its approved sub-structure layering and flood tests will be conducted in the next week or two, to ensure we remain compliant with World Bowls. The Bowls pavilion is also nearing completion with the water proofing and tiling currently underway. The 15mm carpet has been ordered and is being manufactured.
Fibre glassing of the lap pool is almost complete, and the attenuation tank is complete. The planting plan has been approved by the Environmental Committee and the contractors have begun to stabilise the embankments. We realise this will be a work in progress and will continue to add to the tree line as time progresses.
Our security team has ensured that every aspect of the facility is covered via CCTV cameras and access onto the
paddle deck is managed. We are also happy to announce that the area will have Internet coverage.
We have begun to recruit Sport Supervisors who will assist Dane Vosloo with the running of the precinct, and the Clubmaster app is beginning to reach its roll out stage. Our internal fittings to the bar have been adapted and the serving and waitron door have been added. Plans around the opening weekend have been discussed and our resident representatives have played an instrumental part in ensuring we have a seamless roll out.
We still have a fair way to go before we close out, but now the momentum has really begun to swing. Thank you, once again, to all our residents and members who have been inconvenienced over this period, for
your patience. I am sure the project will indeed be a product of beauty, functionality and, most of all, fun.
In the meantime, take a walk around the site with our Club GM, Craig Nell
OUR PRODUCT RANGE
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