NATURE ENVIRONMENT
COVER PHOTO HAMMER 360°
PHOTO HAMMER 360°
From the Estate Manager
What’s Happening @Dunkirk
Dear Residents,
The holidays are behind us, and we had some beautiful North Coast winter days to enjoy. Ballito Pro was well-supported and very festive over the concert nights, with the Beach Café offering some excellent fare, and a good time was had by all.
We have started our new Budget year, so we will be continuing with our projects and maintenance upgrades around the Estate. You will notice that we have already purchased a new vehicle for the Estate. The old bakkie had worked hard and was getting a bit tired. We opted for the bigger, slightly heavy-duty Hyundai H100, which is more versatile and can carry a larger load while still being easy to drive. The little estate run-around mule that Lucky, the guards, and I all use is also due for an upgrade
and will be replaced with two smaller, electric versions. Aside from being more fuel-efficient, they will also be a lot quieter when the guards patrol in the wee hours of the night.
In partnership with The Saxony, we have installed a generator as a backup power supply for the main water pumps for Saxony and the top of the Estate. This will prevent any drop in the water pressure and water supply to those areas when there is a power outage, which until now has been an added frustration to those residents during power failures and loadshedding.
From the Estate side, it has saved us money a few times, firstly by detecting early on when some of our bulk meters were silted up and not reading (we would not have been able to recover on the water use, costing the HOA unnecessarily), and more recently detecting two very large leaks on the Estate main lines, where there was no indication above ground of any leak, but we were losing huge amounts of water (between 1,600 and 2,200 litres per hour).
Again, a significant saving to the HOA.
Our Smart meter programme continues to roll out, with many owners taking us up on the coordinated install, with many of those owners who have previously had problems and large leaks seeing the value of an early warning system.
If you haven’t considered installing one on your meter yet, I would advocate that for a once-off R2,000 set-up fee and R33 per month subscription, it is well worth it!
Onto greener matters…
We will be doing another “Citizen Science” count of our bushbuck, in preparation for some removals while we wait for permits, so look out for that in the mail, and please participate.
Those residents who regularly walk in the green spaces and forest areas will come across some fenced-in areas in the bush and may wonder about their purpose. We are running some project areas to re-establish the under-storey and lower growth that has been heavily over-grazed and has almost totally disappeared in places. These spaces have been fenced to prevent the wildlife from grazing in those areas, while we partially replant and partially allow for the natural plants to
recover and re-establish. We have also been following an aggressive programme to eradicate alien species around the Estate, so you may see some quite large trees and shrubs being removed. Most of these are Brazilian Pepper trees and Inkberries, but there are a lot of other species that we are targeting as well, so that they do not spread further into the Estate.
A reminder, please, that no trees or shrubs that are outside of your boundaries, whether that be verge or green space, may be cut by a resident. Please engage with the office or Management, and we will see what can be done.
Clinton will fill you in on what is happening in the Clubhouses, so don’t stop here, read on …
Estate Manager
YOUR LOCAL DUNKIRK TEAM.
Clubhouse Manager’s Newsletter
Where to start …
I am sure everyone has seen by now that there have been some major upgrades and changes to the Main Clubhouse. The steam room has undergone a refreshing transformation. Renovations are now complete, featuring a brandnew steam generator system that promises to be more efficient.
Whether you’re winding down after a workout or seeking a moment of calm, the upgraded steam room is ready to welcome you. The Forest Clubhouse pool tiling has also been completed, with a clear
divide between the steps for a safer swimming experience for younger kids.
Our team strives to maintain and upgrade all areas of Dunkirk Estate for all to enjoy. With the whale and dolphin migration underway, it’s been fantastic to catch an early sunrise with dolphins rushing through the surf, to watch whales breaching across our shores. I managed to video some whales as close as the backline, which was spectacular.
#turningordinaryintoextraordinary
We will be kicking off with the Beach Clubhouse solar project in the next few weeks. This will ensure your flat whites will always be ready, no matter what Eskom throws at us.
Club House Manager Clinton Andrews
BEACH Cafe
PHOTO HAMMER 360°
It’s been a quieter season at the café over the past few weeks as winter has settled in. While things have slowed down, we’re looking forward to a bit of energy returning with the rugby season kicking off again. To celebrate, we’ll be running a few boerie roll and burger specials during selected matches - the perfect excuse to gather with friends, enjoy good food, and cheer on your team. So keep your eye on the WhatsApp group for any updates.
We’re excited to welcome the warmer months soon, but in the meantime, pop in and grab a cup of delicious coffee or a breakfast - there’s always something delicious on the grill!
Warm regards,
The
Cafe Team
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
Dolphin Coast Conservancy & The Salt Rock Road
The Dolphin Coast Conservancy was launched in 1996, with the amalgamation of the Umhlali and Ballito Conservancies. The DC Conservancy’s first Chairman was Keith Duane, and many of the initial volunteers are wellknown individuals in environmental circles. There was close cooperation with the municipality of the day, which continues to our current operations.
Perhaps the hardest work was done before the Gated Estates were established. The DCC, being registered as an Interested and Affected Party on all issues which required public participation, had a presence in the predevelopment meetings, which means there was a chance to argue the case for more protection of wetlands, increased ‘Green areas’, etc. The outcome speaks for itself.
plant the hundreds of indigenous trees, as well as the grasses and undergrowth along Salt Rock Main Road, to ensure sustainability going forward and for the ongoing pleasure of locals and visitors who use this road.
One of the first projects was the formal agreement with the Department of Transport (DOT), that the Conservancy would
Luckily for us, we have had more assistance in the last couple of years, as the Dolphin Coast Waste Management (DCWM) and their Ballito Sweepers manage the cleanliness of the gutters on a regular basis. It was also a delight last month to watch Dunkirk Estate assist with the removal of a particularly troublesome
Alien Invasive Plant ( Pereskia aculeata/ Barbados Gooseberry), which had for months been threatening to topple into the road and thereby pose a danger to both pedestrians and motorists.
It took a couple of days with professional teams doing the hard work, but thanks to both Estate Manager Natasha Strong and our Ward Councillor, Privi Makhan, the job was carried out safely and extremely well.
Amongst our other projects, we dedicated a lot of time in 2024 to ensuring the biodiversity and views on Sheffield Drive were improved for all to enjoy. We are also ‘Guardians’ of the two Coastal Swamp Forests in Ballito (Pigeonwood Forest and Waterberry in Marian Road South). These are Protected Sites of Registered Conservation significance and are, sadly, a vanishing ecosystem.
ENVIRONMENT
We also keep the Mdoni Wetland behind the Salt Rock Library free of alien invasive plants, and were delighted a couple of years ago to discover the return of the Pickersgill Reed Frog, after an absence of many years!
We are lucky to have experts in several fields, such as Entomology, Dune Rehabilitation, Botany, and Wetlands, amongst our members to call on, making sure that we are always on the right track.
We employ a two-man ‘Green Team’ twice a week to assist with the planting and heavy work. DCC has the support of several Sponsors from local businesses, but needs the support of more members.
Our Family Membership is only R150 per annum (R200 to the end of 2026). Please consider supporting the cause by becoming a member.
Di Jones Chairman, Dolphin
Coast Conservancy
Dwell Properties Dunkirk FAMILY FUN RUN
The Dunkirk Estate came alive on Saturday, 2 August, as residents, their families, and friends gathered for the Dwell Properties Dunkirk Family Fun Run.
The day began with a cheerful 7:30 a.m. meet-up at Green Malkoha Park, where participants registered at the car park outside Ray’s Kiddies Park before setting off at 8:00 a.m. for a scenic 5km run/walk.
EVENT
The route showcased the estate’s beautiful surroundings and welcoming community spirit. From energetic runners to little ones in prams and even a few wagging tails, everyone was part of the fun. The event concluded at Ray’s Kitchen, where participants enjoyed complimentary cappuccinos or hot chocolates, generously sponsored by Dwell
Properties. Spot prizes added to the excitement, with awards for:
• First pram home
• First four-legged friend home
• Fastest female and fastest male
• Junior boy and junior girl winners
• …plus, other surprise categories!
Beyond the fitness and fun, the event achieved its goal of celebrating the Dunkirk lifestyle, strengthening community bonds, and supporting local businesses. It was a morning of smiles, connection, and shared appreciation for everything our Estate has to offer. A big thank you to all who joined, cheered, or helped make the day such a success. We can’t wait to see you at the next community event!
The Black throatedWattle-eye
NATURE
This little stunner is a regular sight in our coastal dunes and riverine thickets around Dunkirk. They are sexually dimorphic, with the primary difference in plumage being that the female has a full black throat, while the male has a narrow black bar running across his chest. Wattle-eyes are resident and mostly sedentary, generally foraging quietly in their preferred habitat of dense coastal thickets. They are busy birds and can often be seen hawking and hover-gleaning insects whilst flitting quickly through the understory. Their prey includes moths, caterpillars, flies, grasshoppers, and crickets. The Black-throated Wattle-eye is the only wattle-eye species found in Southern Africa. Its range is extremely fragmented, only residing in the coastal forest belt from Mozambique to as far south as Durban. We are lucky enough to have an ideal habitat in Dunkirk for which this species can thrive, a true denizen of the KZN North Coast, and an indicator of a healthy environment.
PEST CONTROL WITH A HOOT - KEEPING OWLS IN MIND
At SMARTSENZ® IPM, we believe that pest control should control pests, but conserve nature. That’s why we’re passionate about promoting rodent control methods that protect South Africa’s silent night-time hunters: owls. Did you know? A single barn owl can devour up to 12 rats in one night, and a nesting pair with hungry chicks can clear more than 1,500 rodents in a single breeding season.
They are nature’s original pest control technicians - and should be your first line of defence against rodents.
But owls are under threat - not from predators, but from the rodent baits many people use. Most off-the-shelf rodenticides contain anticoagulantstoxins that cause internal bleeding and remain active in a rodent’s body long after death. When an owl consumes a poisoned rodent, it often ingests the poison too.
In South Africa, studies have shown that over 70% of tested owl carcasses contained traces of secondary rodenticide poisoning.
That’s where we - and you - can do things differently.
1. Install owl boxes. These give owls a safe place to roost and breed, encouraging them to stick around and help control your rodent problem naturally. Owls don’t cost a cent - and they never leave bait behind.
2. Use vitamin D3-based rodenticide. At Smartsenz, we use Selontra®, a professional-grade bait with vitamin D3 as its active ingredient. It works quickly (within 3-7 days), breaks down faster, and poses a far lower risk of secondary poisoning than anticoagulants.
We go back to the basics of how business used to be done - the artisanal way. Our aim is to create a service that is meaningful and beneficial to our clients, with all the efficiency and care one would expect when selling or buying a home. Visit www.homegroundrealestate.co.za or contact us to connect. 072 477 2418 | benjamin@homegroundestates.co.za
3. Use smart bait stations. We install specially designed metal-caged covers over plastic bait stations. These ensure that only rodents - which can compress their bodies in three places - can access
NATURE
the bait. Pets, birds, and other wildlife are kept safely out. If you’re DIYing your pest control, make sure you’re using a sturdy, rodent-specific station - not just any plastic box.
By making these owl-friendly choices, you’re solving your rodent issue without harming the environment.
At SMARTSENZ® IPM, we’re here to help you tackle any pest problem - from rats to insects and everything in betweenin a way that’s smarter, safer, and more sustainable. Give us a call if you need advice. We’re always happy to helpespecially when owls are involved.
Ray’s KITCHEN
Crowned Eagle Drive
To raise funds for the essential equipment required to track the movements of our beloved Crowned Eagles, Ray’s Kitchen at Dunkirk will donate R15 from every sale of one of our most popular "Mom's Night Off" dishes. This dish features a deboned roast chicken stuffed with spinach and sundried tomatoes, served on a bed of mushroom risotto, accompanied by a lemon beurre blanc sauce. This special will be available from Wednesday, August 20, to Friday, October 31, as a plated special in the restaurant. Please note that while we will make every effort to have adequate portions available, the dish is subject to availability and may occasionally sell out.
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FIRE EMERGENCY REMINDERS
1. CALL THE FIRE BRIGADE
Use the number above and remember to be calm.
2. CALL SECURITY GATEHOUSE
Advise them of your situation and address. They will lead the fire brigade to your home.
3. WHAT NEXT?
Security will contact Security Manager and Estate Manager.
4. STAY SAFE
Ensure everyone in the household is out of the danger zone.
