Seaward magazine - March 2025 by FabMags

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Lorinda Scott

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Sharlene Odayar sharlene@fabmags.co.za in-hoUse JoUrnalist

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The LionHeart Experience

pUblisher FROM THE

As the last bit of the scorching summer heat disappears, we welcome the arrival of autumn's cooler breeze but still with a hint of humidity! Autumn brings with it a sense of renewal, a time to watch nature's subtle canvas transition slowly! For March though, enjoy the last of the longer days, later sunsets - that still allows for the last of the cocktails/sundowners by the pool or in the garden. It is also the most perfect time of the year for a picnic!

Seaward Estates has been abuzz with exciting activities! Following the success of Bird Ringing 101, Part Two, residents had a hands-on experience, developing a new appreciation for the delicate balance that sustains local ecosystems.

The “Conservation Corner and Gardening Guide” with Dr Jonathan Foley revealed secrets to transforming gardens with compost, indigenous plants, and carefully selected trees, boosting biodiversity and property value. And then a magical night forest walk, guided by Richard McKibbin, brought residents together under the stars, discovering nocturnal wildlife and forging community bonds.

In Estate news, we have a little guideline on how to use WhatsApp responsibly. Let's maintain a harmonious online community!

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.

Justin and the FabTeam

Contact numbers

Estate Management

Rieva McMurtrie estatemanager@seawardestates.co.za

CoMPLIanCe ManaGeR

FInanCIaL adMInIStRatoR

PRoPeRty adMInIStRatoR eState ManaGeR

MaIntenanCe ManaGeR

SeCURIty ManaGeR

Geno Moodley complianceofficer@seawardestates.co.za

Melanie Pillay financeadministrator@seawardestates.co.za

Pravina Chetty propertyadministrator@seawardestates.co.za biometrics@seawardestates.co.za

Jonathan Cribbins maintenancemanager@seawardestates.co.za 063 292 0121

Shadrack Phallo securitymanager@seawardestates.co.za

SUPPoRt adMInIStRatoR

*all queries to be directed to the Help desk

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IPSS ContRoL RooM dHIRan MaHaRaJ

SECURITY

032 946 0685 (option 2)

Ballito Estates

0861 324 777 dmaharaj@ballito-estates.co.za 032 946 2055

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Social Media Conduct

A Guide for Se Aw A rd r e S ident S

“Digital content is dangerous content! Legal consequences are severe.” Emma Sadleir

WhatsApp has become an essential communication tool for residents of our Estate. It is an efficient way to share information, updates, and keep in touch. However, as with all forms of communication, it is crucial to follow the guidelines to ensure that our interactions are respectful, responsible, and legally sound.

Understanding YoUr responsibilities

As a member of any WhatsApp group, you have the responsibility of contributing positively to the conversation. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Respect Others: Always communicate with courtesy and respect. Avoid personal attacks, offensive language, or controversial topics (politics or religion), unless relevant to the group.

• Rule from Emma Sadleir: If you would not post it on a billboard, do not post it on social media. As soon as one other person has seen the content of your message, it is the same

as having published it on the front page of the newspaper, and all the laws pertain to it.

• Stay On-Topic: Keep messages relevant to the purpose of the group. Refrain from sending unrelated advertisements or personal messages.

the role of groUp administrators

Group admins have a special responsibility to maintain the integrity of the group. Admins should:

• Set Clear Rules: Clearly communicate the group’s

purpose and guidelines for behaviour through pinned messages or regular reminders.

• Monitor Conversations: WhatsApp administrators are legally responsible for every word published by others. While admins are not expected to constantly oversee chats, they should step in when necessary to enforce group rules and remove inappropriate content.

• Take Action When Needed: Admins have

the authority to remove members who consistently violate group rules or cause distress to others.

If you have the ability to stop something from being shared, and don’t, you can be held legally responsible. The test in law is “can you stop it?”

Legal Liabilities: What You Need to Know

While WhatsApp groups feel like casual spaces, the law around defamation, privacy and influence takes online behaviour seriously. Here’s what you should be aware of:

• Defamation: Always fact-check before sharing information, and avoid making defamatory statements. Interrogate content before you share to ensure it is not fake news, especially now with AI where this is easily created. Rule of thumb before sharing - if it invokes strong emotion in yourself, don’t share. WhatsApp defamation cases used to only cost the transgressor R30-40 000 but the latest case charge was R1.2 million.

• Invasion of Privacy: Sharing private or confidential information without consent is a violation of privacy laws, including the Protection of Personal

Information Act (POPIA) in South Africa. Remember, WhatsApp groups are not private, and sensitive information can easily be shared outside the group.

• Harassment and Bullying: Online harassment, whether in the form of aggressive messages, threats, or unwelcome behaviour, is illegal and can lead to serious consequences. Always approach sensitive issues with empathy and understanding.

Consequences of Misconduct

What happens if rules are broken? Here’s a breakdown:

• Warning and Removal: If a group member violates the guidelines, they may receive a warning. Repeated or serious violations could lead to their removal from the group.

• Escalation: If harassment, defamation, or other unlawful activities occur, residents may be subject to civil or criminal liability, depending on the severity of the behaviour. If charged under criminal law, a child of 12 years and older can be arrested. Over 14 years of age have full criminal capacity. If charged under civil law, anyone from seven years and older can be sued.

• You cannot name and shame minors (18 years and under).

• Community Impact: Poor conduct in group chats can lead to a breakdown in trust among residents, affecting the sense of community and cooperation that we all rely on.

Best Practises for WhatsApp Group Success

• Be Mindful of Tone: Keep your messages clear and friendly, and avoid using sarcasm or all-caps, which can come across as aggressive.

• Respect Group Boundaries: Be mindful of how often you post. If your message isn’t time-sensitive or relevant to everyone, consider sending it privately.

• Use Emojis and Reactions Wisely: Emojis can help express tone, but overuse or inappropriate emojis (such as laughing at someone’s expense) can be seen as disrespectful.

Let’s consciously contribute thoughtfully and kindly to our online spaces.

If you’re unsure about anything discussed here, feel free to reach out to the estate management for further guidance. Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious and safe space for all residents.

Specialising in custom made cabinetry and personalised designs

Words DR JONATHAN FOLEY

Dr Jonathan Foley: Renowned landscape designer, author and lecturer with 40+ years' experience. Former university lecturer and Head of Horticulture, now SALI National Judge, sharing expertise to enhance South Africa's landscapes.

The purpose of this monthly column is to encourage and stimulate a love of nature among Seaward Estates residents. This love of nature can be expressed in many ways, but one of the most practical is gardening. One of the world’s most popular hobbies,

gardening, not only beautifies and adds to the value of your home but it also contributes to the conservation of local biodiversity within the estate.

adding valUe

SALI, or the South African Landscapers Institute has found that a well-landscaped garden can increase the value of your property by 10-20%. So, a little time spent learning about gardening and landscaping can help improve the value of your biggest asset. Nurturing and building up your garden also contributes individually and collectively to the overall health of the estate’s biodiversity.

soil solUtions

Here in Ballito, our sandy red soil is derived from dune deposits. Being reddish in colour means it is rich in iron which we know is good for human well-being as well as plants. Being sandy means the water just pours through it after a rain and very little moisture is retained. Furthermore, if the soil is left bare it soon bakes hard in the summer sun and becomes cloddy and hard to break up. Both conditions are not helpful for plant growth since plant roots need both moisture and oxygen to survive. So, the solution is Organic Matter (OM), humus or compost by any other name. We need lots of it too since every time it rains more OM and plant nutrients get washed through the soil never to be seen again. This makes the soils deficient in nitrogen (for leafy growth) and potassium (for fruit and flowers). The high rainfall makes the soil acid, so adding lime is a good idea since it

sweetens and neutralises the soil, making more nutrients available to the plants. Compost really is still the best because it adds organic matter which bulks up the sandy soil. It is fibrous and contains the microbes, bacteria, and fungi that release nitrogen.

When adding compost do not bury it deep in the soil. Provide it at the root zone of the plants which for groundcovers and shrubs is in the top 350 mm of the soil. That’s about the height of a school ruler. Mix in your compost at least 50% by volume that is for every spade of soil add another spade of compost. Never plant only in compost it will rot your plants - plant only in compost that is mixed with soil. If you have a big yard, you can make your own compost using grass clippings which decompose the fastest. You will however need a lot of it by volume since it shrinks and subsides very quickly. Leaves and woody matter can take several years to break down and are really a long-term investment. Leaves can be used as mulch in your beds to reduce water loss, lower soil temperatures and reduce weeds.

the right plants for the Job: rUles for tree planting

Select only plants that will do well in this area. We recommend at least 70% of all

new planting be indigenous due to their waterwise characteristics and the fact they are adaptable to our soils and climate. Staying local then every garden needs at least ONE tree. This creates a pleasing balance of light and shade. Site your trees well away from the building, fence line, power lines and all known underground services, especially water sewerage and stormwater pipes. An incorrectly sited tree becomes a liability instead of an asset. So, the rules of tree planting are to look up, look around, and look down FIRST when siting your tree. Check out its maximum size with your local nurseryman or go online to visit South Africa’s most popular

plant site called Plantz Afrika http://pza.sanbi.org/. In smaller gardens, it's best to select trees that will not cast dense heavy shade and select for foliage and flower interest. Here are three winners for our area.

three specimen tree Winners

Natal Lavender (Heteropyxis natalensis) is a grassland tree naturally found in the area. It is fast-growing and has an attractive multiple stem and lightly coloured flaking bark. True to its name, it has narrow leaves clustered at the end of branches which when crushed produces a pleasing fragrance.

Another of my favourite small trees for the suburban garden

Heteropyxis natalensis (Natal Lavender)

Diospyros natalensis (Jackalberry)

Buddleja saligna (False Olive)

is the Acorn Jackalberry (Diospyros natalensis). Suitable for containers or smaller spaces this dainty-leafed plant is an elegant addition to any garden and is a component of our local coastal forest. Small fat, rounded orange fruit that look like acorns are produced, giving rise to its common name.

My final tree for the month is the False Olive (Buddleja saligna).

A fast-growing screening tree with an average height of 4-5m, its narrow leaves are two-toned with the top being dark green and the underside an attractive cream silver colour. The tree truly shines and shimmers on a

Under the Stars

A Night of Adventure, Storytelling, and Friendship

Over 30 adventurous residents of Seaward Estates gathered for the Enchanting Night Forest Walk, guided by the knowledgeable Richard McKibbin. Under a starry sky, everyone sets off to explore the Estate’s hidden nocturnal world, gaining a whole new appreciation for the wildlife that thrives in our own backyard. The gentle glow of fireflies and the delicate flutter of emperor moths gave the walk a magical atmosphere, and a chorus of bush crickets serenaded participants along the way as we watched chameleons do the slow

windy day. The flowers are honeyscented, creamy white, and borne in dense sprays, usually at the ends of branches.

For all your further landscape gardening and plant queries contact Dr Jonathan Foley at 083 320 4335 or email groundlevellandscapes5@gmail.com

walk over children’s hands. The night’s adventures culminated around a crackling campfire, where neighbours shared stories and new friendships formed as marshmallows sizzled on sticks. A delicious spread of freshly prepared vetkoek satisfied built-up appetites, and in true South African spirit, phones were quickly assembled to stream the Springboks match. It was an evening that perfectly captured the essence of community, local pride, and a deep respect for the natural world - one that many will fondly remember and look forward to enjoying again.

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Bird ringing 101:

A Hands-on Experience

Part two

a morning of excitement and learning

Enthusiasm soared when word spread of the wide variety of bird species encountered on Saturday, 11 January. Remarkably, the ringers encountered roughly 70% of the known bird species of the KZN North Coast area - an extraordinary testament to the region’s rich biodiversity. Among the highlights was the African Pygmy Kingfisher, whose vibrant plumageelectric blue, orange, and lilac - captures the imagination of anyone lucky enough to see it. Numerous sunbirds, gleaming with iridescent feathers in

the morning light, were also caught, as were Yellow-bellied Greenbuls (famous for their distinctive calls) and a host of Robin-chats, well-known for their melodic dawn choruses.

recaptUres, research, and environmental concerns

Just as thrilling as encountering new birds is finding recaptures - individuals that were previously ringed in Seaward Estates and have returned. Each recapture weaves a new thread into the Estate’s ecological tapestry, revealing clues about how local species adapt to shifting conditions or re-establish

territories year after year. According to Richard, “That’s the information we’re trying to get - how these birds are surviving, what birds we do have here, and how the Estate’s ecosystem supports them.”

However, Richard also brought to light a growing concern affecting bird populations: the notable decrease in insect numbers. Many birds rely heavily on insects as a primary food source, especially during breeding seasons when proteinrich meals are crucial. The drop in insect populations - often linked to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change

- poses a significant threat to birds’ survival. By gathering comprehensive data through bird ringing, conservationists hope to better understand these challenges and guide more effective conservation strategies.

bUilding commUnitY throUgh conservation

All around the ringing station, parents lifted children onto their shoulders, neighbours chatted excitedly, and camera shutters clicked - capturing, for many, a first-ever glimpse of a wild bird so close. Observers learned about the intricate roles birds play in pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control, developing a new appreciation for the delicate balance that sustains local ecosystems. Many were surprised by how composed and calm the birds remained once in expert hands, a testament to the care taken by the ringers.

Each local Bird Ringer was also quick to emphasise how knowledge from these sessions ties into broader research. Bird Ringing has been practised globally for well over a century, helping experts map migratory routes, identify population trends, and highlight environmental changes. Even a single recapture - years later - can open a new window into a bird’s life story, confirming or challenging existing assumptions about a species’ range and habits.

looking ahead: fUtUre social events

While this Bird Ringing morning was a triumph in bringing residents and wildlife closer together, it marks only the first in a series of events the SEMHOA Lifestyle Committee has planned for

the year. Their overarching goal is to fortify community bonds while fostering a deeper respect for the Estate’s natural surroundings. To achieve this, the committee looks forward to organising more social gatherings and educational opportunities. Among these upcoming events are a fun run designed to get everyone moving, various informative talks on local ecology and conservation, and interactive activities for children to further spark their curiosity about the world around them.

By diversifying the range of engagements and ensuring something for every interest and age group, the Lifestyle Committee hopes to inspire residents to explore nature more fully and remain active participants in preserving our local environment.

As the nets came down and equipment was packed away, the buzz of conversation underscored a shared sense of wonder and renewed purpose. Families who had never held a wild bird in their hands left with a fresh perspective on just how delicate - and simultaneously

resilient - these creatures are. Even seasoned birders marvelled at the rare opportunity to witness avian life in such a close, tangible way.

Some participants chatted about how they might help make Seaward Estates more birdand insect-friendly - whether by planting indigenous flora,

limiting pesticide use, or creating small water features that support insect and bird populations alike. Each seemingly modest action contributes to a collective effort aimed at maintaining the delicate balance critical for birds’ survival, especially amid concerns over declining insect numbers.

If you’ve missed the previous edition, here is a glimpse of the day’s highlights, scan the QR code to watch the short video of this wonderful morning.