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
It’s cooling down enough to feel like we have some breathing space from the “hot”! With maybe a few cold days and nights dotted in between, this is some of the most perfect months in KZN! In this edition, we meet the new Built Environment Compliance Officer, Ziningi Dikwayo. She shares her journey from being a receptionist to becoming your trusted home compliance officer. We also meet expert Sales Agents dedicated to helping you find your dream home with ease and expertise.
Recently, we had a second bird-ringing session with Richard McKibbin and James Rawdon, and Richard officially confirmed the presence of the Spotted Ground Thrush within the Estate. Additionally, he noted that Seaward Estates boasts the largest collection of swamp orchids in South Africa.
In our “Conservation Corner and Gardening Guide Four”, Dr Foley talks about replacing manicured lawns with wild grasses and meadow gardens for biodiversity and water conservation benefits. In Estate news, we have security reminders and committee invitations for owners to participate and shape the Estate's future.
Father's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show Dad how much you care than with a delicious breakfast that is sure to start his special day off right? We share a kid-friendly dish which is easy to make and flavourful.
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.
Stay cosy. Until next edition,
Justin and the FabTeam
Contact numbers
Estate Management
WE HAVE WON 2022, 2023 AND 2024.
THANKS TO YOUR AMAZING SUPPORT, WE’RE IN THE RUNNING, NOW WE JUST NEED YOUR VOTE! HELP US BRING IT HOME!
SALT ROCK, BALLITO AND LA MERCY 032 946 0881 | info@remaxdolphin.co.za www.remaxdolphin.co.za
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
SECURITY RULE 101
Residents are strongly encouraged to register their domestics and gardeners for biometric access at the Estate Office. Household staff are not permitted to enter or exit at the gatehouse in a residents' vehicle, as this means we do not have an accurate record of all people on our Estate, a record essential for ensuring your safety.
Please do not drive your household staff in and out of the Estate without first allowing them to swipe through the turnstile. Security will continue to monitor this going forward. We kindly ask that residents respect the access rules of the Estate for their own good.
ESTATE COMMITTEES
Owners, who have capabilities in the following areas and who can participate in our Committees, are encouraged to contact Rieva at estatemanager@ seawardestates.co.za
The Board of Trustees are looking for owners to participate in these Committees, all of which are intended to assist in the better
running and upliftment of the Estate. Committees also assist the Board of Trustees to ensure the continuation of an ethos of upliftment and betterment long after the Board has changed hands. Should you be interested, please contact Rieva to arrange a meeting with the Board of Trustees for you.
• Finance - if you are an accountant or CA, or run your own successful business, your new ideas for the Finance Committee may be just what is needed to ensure that the Estate’s finances are looked after into posterity. This is why we require continuity in this Committee.
• Infrastructure and Utilities - are you a civil engineer or perhaps a Quantity Surveyor? We have a number of stormwater projects that will be rolled out in the next two years. The Committee needs a helping hand in ensuring these projects are carried out effectively and efficiently.
• Security - Security is key to all gated residential community living. If you have experience in
security or have worked for SAPS, your input into our Committee could prove invaluable.
• Landscaping - are you a horticulturist or avid landscaper, running your own business … Our common areas and maintenance team may benefit from your guidance and new ideas as we progress this new Committee and Team.
• Environment - are you involved in conservation and would you like to be part of preserving the very special environment we have within our fenceline? Lifestyle - lifestyle events within the Estate are the “new kid on the block” for estate living. Enjoying events and life within your Estate is the new way of being. If you enjoy event coordination, finding sponsorship, or “making things happen”, then your input on this new committee would be welcomed.
Contact Rieva at 082 448 6061 or estatemanager@ seawardestates.co.za should you be interested in being part of these Committees.
We had a second bird-ringing session with Richard McKibbin and James Rawdon this past Saturday. James is a resident at Seaward Estates and only one of 100 bird ringers in southern Africa. James has identified 83 species of birds in Seaward Estates to date and has “caught” (in special nets using a specialised technique) some 1300 birds in Seaward to ring. James is also looking to train
A Rare Delight
bird ringers, so if birds are your thing and you can see yourself undertaking this specialised work, please do make contact with Rieva at the office to put you in contact with James who would love to train up some younger guys and girls to do this work.
We received wonderful news in that Richard could officially state that we have our own Spotted Ground Thrush within the Estate. This little bird is an endangered species, found
mostly on a short stretch of coastline, and is indeed a rarity. Should you go walking along our designated pathways and come across this special little bird, do tread carefully and treat him with respect. Similarly, Richard confirmed that Seaward Estates has the biggest collection of swamp orchids in South Africa. Please let us respect these rarities that we have on our Estate - not all Estates can boast such beauty or specialities.
Bird Ringing is going to become one of my special events in the year's calendar. Aside from learning more about each bird species, I am incredulous at the beauty of these little creatures, some of whom are fairly old and fly across half the world on an annual basis.
Welcome Welcome
Meet the new Built Environment Compliance Officer, Ziningi Dikwayo
Introduction & Background
My journey started in the property industry as a receptionist for Encha Property Services in Pretoria in 2012. I grew from being an assistant to the Centre manager, and mainly dealt with managing the facilities as a facilities coordinator. In 2014, I did a property course under the Faculty of Engineering: Built Environment and Information Technology with the University of Pretoria (ce@up) in conjunction with the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA). That is when my career in the built environment really started to grow.
I moved to KwaZulu-Natal in 2022, where more growth and opportunities came; fast-forward to today, I have the chance to hone my skills even further.
I believe this position, SEMHOA, and the leaders I'll be working with and learning from, have come at the right time in my career path and development. I’m very excited to be here!
A Built Environment Compliance Officer’s Role
My focus will be on the entire Estate and the 807 (and counting) houses within it. I will conduct regular inspections of all residential properties to ensure they meet the Estate’s maintenance and aesthetic standards. This includes auditing homes for compliance with architectural guidelines, checking for unapproved structures, and confirming that all building plans are properly approved, submitted to the council, and filed. I will follow up with homeowners to ensure agreed-upon work is completed within the specified timeframes.
I will also inspect unoccupied stands to make sure they are clean and in line with Estate standards. Installations such as JoJo tanks, air conditioners, solar panels,
pools, and fencing are checked against approved plans. As part of my role, I will oversee general health and safety compliance for the office. I will carry out presale/rental inspections to ensure properties meet requirements before a sale or lease is finalised.
Each month, I will compile a report on the status of inspections undertaken and properties under construction. I will also be chasing our maintenance team to ensure that our gatehouses, parks, and street furniture are kept to estate standards.
Changes & Plans for the Future
I have seen some changes that need to be made, but it’s a matter of how to approach the subject and work hand in hand with homeowners to reach a common goal. This will not be an overnight fix, a lot is going into this process from creating checklists to finding innovative solutions to aid us in getting the correct data and action plan.It’s going to be a long but exciting journey where I will be engaging with
different stakeholders and industry experts.
Ballito & Seaward Estates So Far
Ballito is such a selfsufficient town. If you’re here, you don’t need to leave for anything. It’s a nice, quiet town which I enjoy, and quite the change of pace compared to Pretoria, which is where I’m from.
What I love about Seaward Estates so far is the team that I’ve been introduced to; it’s a phenomenal team. I'm excited to come in every morning and work with everyone. Eventually, I would like to move to this side!
Important to Know
Everyone should be excited about the changes and improvements that are yet to come, they are implemented to make homeowners’ experiences living here even better. I want residents to know they can come to this office and talk to us if they have any problems or questions.
I’m here to help, collaborate, and make this Estate the best in this area.
PROPERTY PROS
Looking for expert property agents to help you find your dream home or sell your current one? Here are some top agents to consider for your property needs!
Nikki Dempster
had the privilege of working with numerous clients and properties. I started my career with Pam Golding Properties in Johannesburg in 2006 and relocated to Ballito at the end of 2020. My favourite part of the job is matching someone with their perfect space - whether it's a dream house or a cosy apartment. I find the process of understanding their vision, navigating negotiations, and seeing the excitement when the deal is sealed to be incredibly
Magdal Bezuidenhout
I've been in real estate since 2003, with a few breaks in between, but the industry's dynamic nature keeps drawing me back. Working with RE/ MAX has been a gamechanger, thanks to their supportive team. I thrive on problem-solving and building trust with clients, many of friends. Getting you may list our property” - is always an honour, and I make sure every step after that counts, ensuring a smooth and satisfying
experience for both seller and buyer. My advice for buyers in the competitive Ballito market is to choose an agency that understands their needs and build a trust-based relationship with their agent. A memorable experience was closing a sale for a family from Heidelberg within two hours - we've remained friends ever since. Relationships like that make this career special. I prioritise smooth, satisfying experiences for both sellers and buyers, ensuring every step counts.
For clients looking to buy in a competitive area like Ballito, I would advise them to consult with a mortgage originator or their bank prior to viewing properties. This ensures that when they find the perfect home, they can secure it quickly without risking delays from the bank's side. One of my most memorable experiences was facilitating three sales in Seaward Estates within a very short period - it was a thrilling experience that showcased the demand for properties in the area.
Gardening with Indigenous Grasses
CONSERVATION CORNER AND GARDENING GUIDE FOUR
Gorgeous grasses
Over the last three articles, we have looked at the basics of good landscape practice and learned about the role of each of the major plant categories in the garden: trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and perennials. This month, being one of the most pleasant in the gardening calendar, May going into June,
we look at one of the latest gardening trends in the world: replacing manicured lawns with wild grasses and meadow gardens. Writer Michael Pollan had this to say on the subject, “The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.” So, this month we will discuss local wild grasses, and in the
next issue we will discuss the other plants that make up a natural grassland: the forbs, perennials, and bulbs.
Designing, establishing, and maintaining your indigenous grassland garden
Lawn areas may be replaced entirely with a richer, biodiverse planting that uses less water
Setaria megaphylla Giant Bristle Grass
PHOTO MUHAMMED ADAMJEE
and attracts the natural wildlife of the area. Indigenous grasses can be integrated into existing gardens as design elements, such as forming plants or groundcovers, softening the hard edges of Aloes and providing a rich tapestry of changing seasonal colour. Alternatively, a dedicated grassland can be created in a suitable sunny area. Sunlight and space are the key determining factors. To achieve optimal results, these gardens must receive 6-8 hours of sun per day. If this is not possible, use the shade-loving grass species in combination with other suitable forest plants.
Two scenarios for your grassland garden
There are two scenarios for establishment. The first is dedicating a brand new section of the garden to this project and starting on a blank canvas, and the second is revegetating existing land. In the last scenario, you ‘manage’ the ecosystem by removing all invasive alien plants and allowing the plants from the natural seed banks in the soil to emerge. In developing the new garden, strip the area of all weeds, deep dig for aeration, and incorporate only natural compost, not artificial fertilisers. Shape or model the ground to fit with the surrounding gardens, incorporating weathered rocks or logs as accessories. Select and install suitable plants at a low density (eight plants per square
metre) in spring. Add a layer of mulch and water thoroughly. Thereafter, avoid overwatering and allow the natural rains to do your work. Grasses normally flower in May, so allow them to die back and provide a winter trim to about 5cm in height, removing all dead growth.
Indigenous grasses may be purchased in plugs or bags. Alternatively on a large ecoestate or farm ‘veld sodding’ may take place whereby
sods are cut and lifted from one location to the next thus moving grass, herbaceous plants, local soil and its attendant seed banks in one operation. Ensure you have extracted sods to an adequate depth and that no stems or bulbs have broken off in the process. Only do this on privately owned land and with a permit from the relevant provincial conservation authorities. Another method of establishing wild grass
PHOTO SHOBIE ARNALDI
Melinis nerviglumis Bristle Leafed Red Top
attractive with a pretty cotton wool appearance and can be used to regenerate cover on disturbed sites.
species is sowing of seed or the purchase of seed mixes, which are available from some turfgrass farms and farmers' coops. Winter and summer mixes are available, but avoid those containing exotic Teff and Vetiver cultivars.
Six of the best grasses for the KwaZulu-Natal coastal strip Aristida junciformis (Ngongoni grass) is one of the major components of KwaZulu-Natal grasslands. Its tough, resilient nature and colour variations during the year have made it a perennial favourite with landscapers. Able to grow in dry soils as well as in wet areas and heavy clay soils, it may be used as a ground cover for many applications. The grass flowers between November and May in impoverished soils.
Melinis repens (Natal red top) is a showy annual grass that requires planting every year. Melinis nerviglumis (bristle leafed red top), however, is a perennial bunch grass with similar flowering properties. In a good season, the grass will produce the most magnificent “Bristle Top” which starts a purple/red colour, turning pink and then eventually white when mature. The seed is viable but requires ideal conditions to get it to germinate.
Imperata cylindrica (cotton wool grass) is common in the regions and adapted to wet areas such as vleis and riverbanks. It spreads from dense clumps during periods of high rainfall and can stabilise soil, especially in high rainfall areas. The grass is
Setaria sphacelata (golden bristle grass): This robust tufted perennial grows to over 1m in height, with each flowering/ seeding panicle up to 25cm long. Its golden flower spikes are an attractive orange colour. The plant occurs naturally in grasslands, woodlands, and along waterways, colonising disturbed areas like roadsides in high rainfall regions. The flower spikes comprise tiny clusters of golden yellow spikelets that make up the ‘bristles’. Flowering usually takes place from October to May. In winter, the plants are somewhat messy and scraggly.
Setaria megaphylla (giant bristle grass), tolerant of shade, these large, lush, and tropical broadtextured grasses have become popular garden features on the East coast of KwaZulu-Natal, where they are found naturally in the coastal forest habitats. A fast-growing perennial clumpforming grass attains a height of nearly 2m and is suitable for large gardens where it provides nesting material and seeds for Bronze Mannikins, Finches, and Weavers.
Oplismenus hirtellus (basket grass) is a low-growing, soft, creeping grass suited for
PHOTO HUGH CHITTENDEN
Green Twin Spot
moist areas of semi-shade and deep shade. It has an attractive, lush green colour and texture and grows rapidly in all directions, forming dense mats. It is not a lawn grass and cannot receive human traffic. A natural food source for Green Twin spots, it is also loved by Firefinches and Mannikins. The grass can be grown by pulling out stems, cutting them back lightly, and planting them in shallow furrows. Keep well-watered, and roots will soon develop.
Growing with your personal grassland Grasses, gardening, and
conservation go hand in hand. But be warned: this type of gardening can look messy and unkempt to the layperson, but the joy of watching nature's ecosystems develop right outside your window is a real treat. To further help you grow in your grassland journey, I recommend joining some local chat groups. Two of the best are BotSoc KZN Coastal and the Grassland Society of Southern Africa, both of which are available on WhatsApp.
For all your landscape queries, contact Dr Jonathan Foley at groundlevellandscapes5@ gmail.com or on 083 32 04335
PHOTO MUHAMMED ADAMJEE Aristida junciformis
|
Apply in the comfort of your home/office! Request a callback today.
Mohsina
Landline 031 562 1404
Mobile 081 555 5545
WhatsApp 081 555 5545
E-mail khanm5@telkom.co.za
T’s & C’s Apply. E&OE. In Partnership with Openserve. Coverage is address dependent. Free Installation of ONT. No FUP
To advertise in the Seaward Press business directory contact dhivashni@fabmags.co.za Discounts available for annual bookings. T's & C's apply 032 946 2331 082 451 6823
WORDS elvida sydney
A delicious breakfast recipe kids can make for Father's Day
Before we start, make sure to ask a parent/guardian for help with the stove and any other parts of the recipe that might be tricky.
Ingredients
• 2 eggs
• sliced bread
• 2 slices of bacon
• mashed avocado
• frying pan
• toaster (optional)
Method
1. Gently crack the eggs into the pan and fry or scramble it. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
2. Fry the bacon slices in the pan over medium heat. Cook until crispy and golden brown.
3. While the bacon is cooking, toast your bread slices.
4. Spread the mashed avocado over the toast, then add your eggs on top. Serve with the bacon.
