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 that time of year again when everything suddenly becomes busy, whether it’s work, life or prepping for the December holidays, it’s time to get our ducks in a row to ensure you can still find joy, even in the busyness. The Estate team has also looked at that, and Admin Manager Ncamisile shares how we can prepare for the upcoming holiday season, using October to set the tone for the festive holiday.
From Compliance, learn how you can avoid unpredictable water and electricity shortages by simply installing a JoJo tank and solar panels. Back in the kitchen with Dr Jonathan Foley, he tells us about the three trendy herbs: rocket, coriander, and mint. Versatile and easy to grow, these herbs can upgrade any dish! Speaking of leafy greens, we have a zesty chicken salad recipe mixed with all the good things!
Outside of the kitchen (hopefully), the vervet monkeys have been moving about, and The LionHeart Experience has run a survey to track their movements and changes in population. They share their Seaward-relevant observations with us.
From the Estate maintenance side, they share a bit about the upgrades they’ve done around the Estate and their current projects.
And lastly, if you are planning to rent out or sell your home, the Sales and Letting feature shares important tips and advice for you to be aware of. Another full and interesting edition to sink your teeth into!
Till the next edition. Breathe, smile, and give yourself some grace (when things don't go according to plan).
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 Estates or the SEMHOA.
Be Blessed,
and the FabTeam
Contact numbers
Estate Management
EStatE MaNagER
MaiNtENaNCE MaNagER
Rieva McMurtrie estatemanager@semhoa.co.za
Jonathan Cribbins maintenance@semhoa.co.za 063 292 0121
SECuRity MaNagER
PRoPERty aDMiNiStRatoR
EStatE aDMiNStRativE & LifEStyLE MaNagER
BuiLt ENviRoNMENt CoMPLiaNCE offiCER
fiNaNCiaL aDMiNiStRatoR
Shadrack Phallo security@semhoa.co.za
Pravina Chetty propadmin@semhoa.co.za
Ncamisile Mhlangu administration@semhoa.co.za
Ziningi Dikwayo built@semhoa.co.za
Melanie Pillay finance@semhoa.co.za
SuPPoRt aDMiNiStRatoR
support@semhoa.co.za 032 946 0685/6
*all queries to be directed to the help Desk
SECURITY
24hR SECuRity
iPSS CoNtRoL RooM
DhiRaN MahaRaJ
032 946 0685 (option 2)
0861 324 777 or 076 686 0176 for WhatsApps
Ballito Estates RISE UP MOVEMENT
dmaharaj@ballito-estates.co.za 032 946 2055
PRIVATE emergency
Contact details help desk
iPSS MEDiCaL RESCuE
068 024 7568 Open 24 hours help@riseupmovement.org.za 082 391 1911
SNakE RESCuE & REMovaL
072 809 5806 / 082 331 3256
*Callout fees will apply
Let’s set the tone for the holiday season
October is here, and with it comes a sense of renewal and excitement as we prepare for the sunnier days ahead. This month is often seen as the true beginning of the summer season - longer days, warmer evenings, and the vibrant energy that reminds us to get outdoors and enjoy everything our beautiful Estate has to offer.
Preparing for the Season
• Refresh your garden: October is a wonderful time to give your garden a little TLC. With the rains beginning, consider planting summer blooms or refreshing your lawns for a lush, green look during the festive season.
• Home maintenance check: Before the busy holiday period, it’s a good idea to tackle small maintenance tasks around your home - from servicing air conditioners to giving outdoor furniture a fresh clean.
• Outdoor living: With warmer days returning, prepare your entertainment spaces. A few fairy lights, a tidy patio, and comfy seating can
transform evenings into memorable gatherings with family and friends.
Health & Wellness
October also serves as an excellent reminder to refresh your lifestyle routines.
Whether it’s early morning walks, joining a fitness group, or trying out mindful practises such as yoga, now is the perfect time to embrace healthier habits.
Community Spirit
Our Estate thrives because of its sense of community. As the festive season approaches, October is an ideal month to get involved - whether by joining upcoming events, participating in Estate activities, or simply sharing a friendly wave with a neighbour.
• Spring Family Fun Run - 18th Oct 2025 @14:00, at Ballito City Church.
• Crowned Eagle Talk11th Oct 2025, at Rev Hall.
Safety & Community Reminders
• Please ensure visitors are registered beforehand, not sharing access codes.
• Drive carefully and observe speed limits to keep our roads safe for children, animals and pedestrians.
• Be mindful of noise levels, especially in the evenings.
• Use of the waste and recycling facilities responsibly.
• Keep pets secured and not roaming freely around the Estate.
Looking Ahead
• Keep gates, doors, and windows locked when you leave home.
With the year-end fastapproaching, let’s use October to set the tone - filled with positivity, preparation, and a touch of joy. By making small adjustments now, we can all look forward to a smooth transition into the busy months of November and December. Here’s to making the most of October and everything it brings!
We have had a busy year to date. As you can see around the Estate, there have been quite a few exciting changes, and we hope to do more in the next financial year.
As you know, maintenance never stops. We have been busy with fire hydrants, ensuring compliance by replacing gauges, fittings and painting hydrants and boosters. Fencing has been installed for fall protection in common areas unsafe to residents. Everyday has
it's challenges as well as the ongoing maintenance schedule of patching potholes, fixing manholes/fibre covers broken by traffic, streetlight replacements. With the upgrades in some of the parks, we've added water points to support Sbonelo and his team's incredible work in bringing new life to these green spaces. We have freshened up some road signage and painted up the poles; more changes to come!
Water leaks are down, giving us a breather. We are currently
working on upgrades to the water infrastructure. Going forward, we will work on some of the roads to remove roots and fix the curbs that are being lifted from ageing trees.
We did a survey of all the trees on the Estate to compile a pruning programme, starting with the most precarious ones. We need to keep on top of our trees on the verges and other common areas, as they are of that age now where they are encroaching on and affecting our services.
Mohsina
Landline 031 562 1404
Mobile 081 555 5545
WhatsApp 081 555 5545
E-mail khanm5@telkom.co.za
Solar panels and rainwater (JoJo) tanks, which were once good to have as add-ons to any home, have now become a necessity to every home in South Africa due to the ongoing rise in electricity and water shortages, downfalls, and lack of sufficient infrastructure and services to cater to the South African communities.
Something that was once a basic right to every home has now become a privilege. The only way we can combat our total reliance on water and power supplies as well as to be environmentally and financially smart is to install independent systems to supplement the shortfall of electricity and water, and provide it for yourself by going completely or partially off-grid. Some of the details
for the installation and requirements of solar panels and JoJo tanks are as follows:
Solar Panels
Solar panels are not just "stick-ons" that you add to your roof that will supplement power. They take a great deal of calculation in order to optimise and harness the most out of the sun’s energy in order
What was once a basic right to every home has now become a privilege, and the only way to combat it is to be environmentally and financially smart
to be converted and stored into energy that you can utilise. The first step is to determine what you need to supplement with solar. Is it your entire home or just partial (such as a few plug points and/or lights)? You then need to decide how much power you want stored which determines the size of your batteries that you will install. Depending on this, you can choose how many solar panels you can or will need to have installed, and depending on the space you have on your roof and the engineer's guidance in terms of what your roof trusses can manage in terms of load. Solar panels should ideally face North in the KZN coastal areas.
Once installed, you can harness energy and store it in batteries, to distribute in your home for anything. The items that use the most power are geysers, stoves, pool pumps, and lights, which would be the best items to supplement with solar power.
Once you have come to a decision on implementing solar, it is best to appoint a recognised solar company that will then analyse your home's requirements and propose a solar solution/ package to accommodate these. Remember to have an electrical engineer sign off your installation.
When installing solar in Seaward, the following rules apply:
1. Solar panels must be flush with the roof and preferably mounted so not to overlap the roof edge.
2. It is the responsibility of residents to apply to SEMHOA for approval of the system before it is installed.
3. Application is to be submitted showing the exact position on the roof or elevated position within the structure where the panel will be located.
4. The application should also include the number of panels to be installed and the surface area of the total panel installation.
5. If panels are to be located on more than one elevation of any structure, they must be marked on the submitted drawing. A structural engineer is to confirm your roof structure's load, bearing capability, and an electrical engineer is to sign off the installation.
6. Details of the supplier and of the specifications of each type of panel are to be submitted to SEMHOA.
7. Each installation must be accompanied by a SABS certificate and an electrical COC.
8. No installation can proceed without first receiving written authority to do so from SEMHOA.
9. Installations that form part of a new build will be part of the submission process.
10. Solar geysers are not to have the water vessel exposed; this has to be concealed within the roof or building.
Rainwater (JoJo) Tanks
Rainwater tanks, commonly known as JoJo tanks, are a brilliant application for storing freshwater or rainwater for various uses. SEMHOA recognises that capturing rainwater in storage systems is beneficial for the
environment and for residents to manage water consumption.
When storing freshwater, this tank will be able to supplement the home in case of a break in freshwater due to leaks or reservoir problems. Tanks can also be used to store rainwater (grey water) and this can be used for washing of vehicles, watering the garden, washing of courtyards and paving and can also be used if recycled correctly via UV treatment and filtration for drinking and cooking or even baths and toilet cisterns. Recommendations for companies that sell tanks are MICA, Builders, MAKRO, or any other hardware store. The tanks are available in any shape or size. Permitted colours are light winter grass and stone.
When installing water tanks in Seaward, the following rules apply:
1. It shall be the responsibility of the owner wishing to install a Water Storage Tank (known as "JoJo" Tanks) to ensure that they are installed and compliant with the Estate regulations.
2. Each resident must apply to SEMHOA for approval before installing a tank.
3. An aerial view indicating the location of the tank within the property must be submitted, together with an
elevation showing how the tank will be enclosed, the materials and design to be used.
4. SEMHOA will visit the site to verify the location.
5. A tank greater than 5000 L will not be allowed.
6. Each tank must be on a 150 mm-thick concrete base.
7. Application for the erection of ANY proposed wall, fence, gate, or screen in connection with the tank shall require the prior approval of SEMHOA.
8. Tanks must be screened in accordance with the fence standards or preferably in a courtyard area within the ERF.
9. Any overflow from each tank must be directed to the stormwater drain within the ERF.
10. All tanks must comply with the SABS Standard.
SEMHOA humbly requests that all property owners please provide us with a copy of the plans and/or details prior to the installation of solar panels or water tanks.
If you are planning an installation, please contact us for any information to ensure you are compliant with SEMHOA and national building regulations.
SEAWARD PRESS
Hello, Seaward Family, and welcome to spring! If you’re planning to rent out or sell your home, here are some important points to keep in mind:
Should you choose to work with a real estate agent, please ensure they are registered with SEMHOA. If you opt to rent your property privately, please do not hesitate to contact me at 032 946 0685 or via email at propadmin@semhoa.co.za for assistance.
Please note that short-term rentals are strictly prohibited within the Estate.
When your tenant moves out, kindly notify the office and complete a movingout form a month before. This step is essential even if your property is fully furnished, as it allows us to deactivate their visitor and biometric access timeable. For homeowners who rent directly to tenants, it is your responsibility to obtain a
criminal clearance certificate from potential tenants. Estate Agents have been informed of this requirement. If you are thinking of selling your property, be aware that a mandatory Inspection with SEMHOA must be arranged before listing. This inspection ensures that all aesthetic elements comply with SEMHOA’s guidelines and verifies that any modifications or additions have received the necessary approvals.
Remember, every homeowner must keep their original documents, such as Plans,
As-Built drawings, Beacon certificates, and Occupation certificates. As-Built and Beacon certificates can be obtained from certified land surveyors, while Occupation Certificates are available from KwaDukuza Municipality.
To all our new residents, welcome to our stunning Estate! If you need any information or assistance, please feel free to contact us during office hours, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 032 946 0685 or email propadmin@semhoa.co.za to set up a meeting.
RESIDENTIAL EXPERTS
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.
Shelley West
It has been an absolute pleasure to specialise in and sell homes within Seaward Estates for the past 14 years. As one of the most ideally situated estates in Ballito, Seaward Estates offers a wide variety of lifestyle options, from firsttime buyer opportunities to pre-retirement homes. My clients are consistently amazed at the sheer size and tranquillity of the estate, perfectly nestled in the heart of Ballito. With my in-depth knowledge of the area and a
strong network built over the years, I am ready to connect you with the right home or the right buyer to meet your unique needs. As part of South Africa’s most awarded real estate company, the Pam Golding Property Group, I bring you not only personal expertise but also the backing of a brand renowned for its marketing innovation and trusted reputation. This is yet another reason to confidently place your trust in us when selling your most valuable asset - your home.
Janet Sattary
I started Real Estate with Huizemark in May 2025. Coming from a Public Relations background, with some sales experience, it felt like it was meant to be. Being able to help and guide people through their next chapter in their lives is what brings me the most joy, and it can be as simple as finding that dream home for someone. When someone comes to us, it is for a reason - they need help to find a home that will accompany them through their next journey, and that
is what it is all about. Ballito is expanding at a rapid rate, and our village is packed with Real Estate agents - and for good reason - development. Being confronted with many agents and listings can be overwhelming. Take your time to connect with your Property Specialist, go for coffee - we want to get to know you, how you have reached this milestone in your life, and how we can make the transition easy for you while you move into the next phase.
Living with Monkeys
What Our First Survey Reveals
We are so privileged to have some remaining pockets of natural habitat in our area, where we can coexist with wildlife, especially in a world where there is so little natural land left and so many species are facing the threat of extinction. Learning to live in harmony with wildlife is a quintessential part of conservation.
Seaward Estate recently conducted its very first vervet monkey survey, and we are pleased to share the results with you. This project is not only
about counting monkeys. It is about understanding their population, movements, and behaviour so that we can manage both the Estate environment and our coexistence with these animals more effectively. Vervet monkeys are important to ecosystems as seed dispersers, helping to keep forests and grasslands healthy. At the same time, because our Estate is a relatively small, enclosed space, it is useful to keep track of population trends to ensure both the environment and the monkeys remain in balance.
The survey took place on 4 August 2025 and was carried out by The LionHeart Experience team. The Estate was divided into four sections, each covered by trained observers on foot and in vehicles. Teams worked in constant communication to avoid double-counting, while all sightings were logged with GPS locations and detailed notes. Because monkeys move freely between houses, gardens, and greenbelts, it is not always possible to capture an exact number, but the method allows for a reliable minimum count and valuable insights into troop dynamics.
Map of Seaward Estate showing the locations and movements of vervet monkey troops recorded during the survey. This visual helps us understand where monkeys are spending time, how they move through the Estate, and how troops overlap.
The results show that Seaward Estate is home to at least 83 vervet monkeys, grouped into four separate troops, along with a single older female. Estimates suggest that the true number may be closer to 92 individuals. Each troop was carefully observed, and details such as the number of males, females, and young were recorded. No newborns were expected at this time of year, so their absence was consistent with normal breeding cycles.
Most importantly, the survey revealed that the troops are not entirely confined within
Graphic showing the size of each vervet monkey troop on Seaward Estate during the survey. Each coloured dot represents an individual monkey, with different colours showing different troops.
the Estate. Movements across the boundary were recorded, showing that our monkey population is part of a larger, open system. Some individuals were also seen entering homes to access food, which highlights the ongoing challenge of human-wildlife interactions.
Why does this matter? By establishing a baseline now, we can track trends over time. If numbers rise or fall in future surveys, we’ll be able to tell whether this reflects troop movements, natural fluctuations, or real changes in population. Long-term monitoring also helps us
understand how many monkeys the Estate can comfortably support, ensuring that both the troops and our shared environment remain healthy in the years ahead.
This first survey is the beginning of an ongoing process. With repeated counts and continued resident awareness, we can ensure that both biodiversity and community wellbeing are supported responsibly. Thank you for supporting this important initiative, and I hope you enjoy the maps and graphics included in this report, which bring the results to life.
Growing and using the
Trendy Herb Trio
Rocket, c o R iande R & Mint
Last time, we looked at the popular quartet of culinary herbs: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme. This spring, in episode two of the herb series, we discover some of the growing and culinary secrets of the trendy trio: rocket, coriander, and mint
1. Rocket (Arugula)
Growing Tips
• Season: Best grown in autumn to spring (March to September) when the weather is cooler. In hot summer conditions, rocket bolts (seeds) quickly.
• Sunlight: Partial shade is ideal in hotter months to prevent wilting.
Usage: Rocket adds a peppery bite to salads, sandwiches, and pestos. It goes well
with citrus, soft cheeses, and roasted vegetables. Harvest young leaves regularly to encourage new growth and prevent bolting. Rocket is popularly paired with toasted sandwiches and tramezzini.
2. Coriander (Dhaniya) "Dhaniya" and "coriander" refer to the same plant, Coriandrum sativum. "Coriander" generally refers to the dried seeds of the plant, while "dhaniya" is a Hindi/Urdu word used to refer to the dried seeds, particularly in South Asian cooking. Therefore, "dhaniya" is essentially the same as "coriander seeds" in the context of Indian cooking.
Growing Tips:
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun in winter; part shade in warmer months.
Usage: A staple in Indian, Thai, and Mexican cuisine, coriander is used in curries, chutneys, salads, and as a garnish. The seeds can also be dried and used as a spice. Sow seeds every few weeks for a continuous supply.
• Sunlight: Grows well in partial shade - ideal for humid coastal gardens.
• Season: The plants grow easily from seeds, best planted in cooler months (March to August). Like rocket, coriander bolts quickly in hot weather.
• Container Growing: Best grown in pots as it spreads aggressively.
Usage: Mint is incredibly versatile; it is used in teas, sauces, desserts, and savoury dishes. It’s cooling and aromatic, making it a favourite in summer drinks like mojitos or infused water. Plant mint around a tap, with semishade. There are a number of
exciting mint varieties to look out for at local nurseries.
Three must-have mint varieties:
1. Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
• Flavour: Mild and sweet, less menthol than peppermint.
• Uses: Ideal for teas, salads, sauces (like mint sauce for lamb), and cocktails (like mojitos).
2. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
• Flavour: Strong menthol flavour with a cooling aftertaste.
• Uses: Great for teas, desserts, and medicinal applications (digestion, respiratory relief).
3. Chocolate Mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Chocolate’)
• Flavour: Peppermint with subtle chocolatey undertones.
• Uses: Desserts, drinks, baking, or simply as an aromatic plant.
• Growth: Very aromatic; spreads like other mints.
General Tips for North Coast Herb Gardens:
• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Use organic compost or seaweed-based fertiliser for healthy growth.
• Watch for pests like aphids, especially in the wetter monthscompanion planting and natural sprays can help.
• Harvest regularly to promote new growth and prevent plants from going to seed too soon.
Whether you're tossing together a zesty salad, simmering a curry, or brewing a mint tea, you'll find that these herbs are both easy to grow and endlessly useful in the kitchen. For further advice on coastal gardening and landscaping, contact Jonathan Foley at 083 320 4335 or email groundlevellandscapes5@ gmail.com
Spring-Inspired Citrus & Herb Chicken Salad
Spring in South Africa brings mild, sunny days, and this dish balances bright citrus flavours, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs to celebrate the new season. It’s light but satisfying - perfect for a shared lunch or early dinner.
