FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Well, August certainly started off jubilantly here at the HOA. By now, I am sure you have seen the clips on social media of our team celebrating our third consecutive win as Best Estate, in the 2025 Best of Ballito Awards. As a team, we are incredibly proud of this achievement, as it speaks directly to our mission to become the pre-eminent residential eco-estate in Southern Africa. It is also a testament to the strength and advocacy of our community. Thank you to everyone who voted for us. Congratulations, also, to the Country Club for their three awards! These are well-deserved and a win for Brand Simbithi as a whole.
The beginning of August brings certain words to the HOA building: proxies, registers, ballots, resolutions … all of which mean our Annual General Meetings are officially weeks away. As I write this, we are in the final stages of preparing our AGM notices and packs for dissemination to homeowners. The importance of the AGMs cannot be emphasised enough. These are meetings where important decisions which affect our Estate and Club are discussed, deliberated and voted on. This year, we will #StriveFor5In2025, meaning we encourage every homeowner to attend the AGM and bring five homeowners along. The more homeowners we have participating in these meetings, the better for our strength as a community. If you are unable to attend the AGMs in person, I encourage you to fill out a proxy, which allows your opinion to count in your absence.
This year, we have six directors whose terms on the Board of Directors come to an end, opening six vacancies. The team and I wish our nominees all the best ahead of the election process. Good luck to Louis Boshoff, Frank Bradford, John Gowans, Jeff Leaver and Andrew Mackenzie, who are up for re-election, and to Dr Jimmy Mthethwa, Trevor Luyt, Greg Martin, Anura Tewary and Fred Watts, who are
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
standing for election. Special thanks to Margi Lilienfeld, who retires at this year’s AGM. Your contributions will be missed. Speaking of participation, we are excited to be taking part in research on the endangered Spotted Ground Thrush. The elusive bird was spotted in Simbithi earlier this year, and a team will be on the Estate shortly to attempt to ring one of the birds. We look forward to hearing and sharing more of the results. Several projects continue on the Estate, most notably the renovation of the Main and West Gates, both of which are progressing well. I am sure you would agree that the gates are taking shape, and we are excited to have all of our entrances speak a uniform design language. We are also undertaking remedial work between the Guineafowl and Cormorant Dams, and I ask you to please drive carefully in this vicinity on Ladlau Drive, as we work to re-establish this area. Have a wonderful August, and I look forward to seeing you at the AGMs later this month.
Marc Mc Clure
Not Quite! Lookalikebut,
BY NQOBILE MAKHAYE
As young as I am, I still remember this event as if it were yesterday! I was speechless; they looked so alike—same height, same eyes, and the same hairstyle.
For a moment, I genuinely thought I was seeing double!
But as the conversation flowed, I started noticing small differences: the way they spoke, their sense of humour, even the way they stood. That moment reminded me of something I often see in the plant world.
Just like people, some plants look nearly identical, especially when they’re from the same plant family, or even when they’re not related at all. Think of it like how someone from your neighbourhood might be a lookalike of a celebrity they’ve never met. The resemblance is striking, but if you look a little closer, you'll notice features that set them apart.
ENVIRONMENT
In this article, the goal is to help you understand the difference between look-alike plants: those we allow in Simbithi and those we don’t, even if they look beautiful or like the permitted species.
The plants we disallow are alien invasive species. That means they don’t belong in our local ecosystems and can cause serious damage to biodiversity. Under South African law (NEMBA), these species are prohibited not only from being planted in your garden but also from being kept in a pot. They must be removed and destroyed where they are found.
ENVIRONMENT
This article highlights both the “twins” we celebrate and the “impostors” we need to manage responsibly.
While every plant has a beauty of its own, whether it’s in the shape of its leaves, the colour of its flowers, or its year-round character, not all plants belong in our protected eco-estate. "Not everything that blooms belongs." A gentle reminder that beauty alone doesn't make a plant the right fit for our environment, and ecological beauty lies not only in appearance. Click Here to read the rest of this article.
We're (still) the BEST
We are thrilled to share that Simbithi Eco-Estate retained its position as Best Estate in the 2025 Best of Ballito Competition, for the third consecutive year.
Eco-Estate, and our mission, to become the pre-eminent residential eco-estate in Southern Africa.
This is testament to our efforts to align with our vision, to guarantee the sustainability of Simbithi
Coupled with our Country Club winning Best Event Venue and Best Conferencing Venue for the second consecutive year and our golf team earning Best Golf Course in Ballito, we are so proud of this achievement.
Thank you to all who voted for keeping us at the top!
Celebrating Excellence in PROPERTY
We hosted our annual Property Practitioners’ induction recently, celebrating excellence in property within Simbithi Eco-Estate, and honouring the integral role property practitioners play in enhancing Brand Simbithi.
Our team shared updates with more than 150 property practitioners, and awarded our top performers for 2024.
Congratulations to Local Real Estate on being awarded Top Business Property Practitioner, and to Rory Anderson for a record-breaking sixth consecutive win as Top Property Practitioner.
These Trails Were Made for Walkin’
And, that’s just what we’ll do!
Recently, a group of residents formed a trail walking group, which meets weekly to explore the five magical trails of Simbithi. The group has already enjoyed several walks, together, discovering the beauty of our Estate. If you would like to join the walks, please join the Simbithi Trails, Biking and Hiking Group via our WhatsApp Community.
Walks take place every Saturday at 08:00, beginning at the Heron Community Centre.
Here is a round-up of some of our favourites from this month: Simbithi, through the eyes of our community!
Gary Norton captured this photograph of a rather dapper reedbuck.
1. Regal Reedbuck
2. Alrighty, Then!
This little frog, as Kyle Keersemaker so comically put it, looks like he’s dipped himself into a jar of white chocolate!
3. This. Is. WEAVER!
A Great Egret looks like he’s about to recreate the iconic war cry from 300, does he not? Thanks to Marlene Venter for the photograph.
4. Going Through Some Changes
Brian Roberts photographed these Mannikins in his garden recently. Here is what he had to say: “I love the transitioning Mannikins, Bronze and Red-backed. The first pic is an adult and juvenile Red-backed, second is three Bronze, and third is two Red-backed (adult and juvenile), with a confused-looking Bronze in the middle.”
FreeMe Update: Wildlife care & Research
Click here to read the latest news from FreeMe Wildlife, one of our partners in caring for Simbithi’s wildlife.
SECURITY
Pets out of Property
Our Estate rules are in place to keep you safe, and to ensure the ability for everyone who calls Simbithi home to enjoy this privilege freely and harmoniously. With these rules come responsibilities, one of which is to keep your pet within the confines of your own property. Recently, our security team has been called out to attend to several incidents of pets being out of property.
when outside the Owner or Lessee’s private property, must always be on a physical leash and under the control of a responsible person.”
Pet owners, please take note of Rule 7.2.9: “All pets must be kept within the confines of the Owner or Lessee’s private property, and
Please also take note of Rule 7.6:
Any dog found out of its Owner’s property not on a leash, without a collar, a name tag and/or a microchip, or any cat found out of its Owner’s property without a collar, a name tag and/or a microchip, will be taken to Security, and may be taken to the SPCA if the pet Owner is not identified. A penalty will be levied, which is payable by the responsible Owner.
Welcome, Newbies!
Last month, we welcomed three new staff members to the HOA building. Glenda Pillay (right) joins as our Sales and Rental Clerk, Faith Smith as our Environmental Intern (left), and Xolani Mazibuko (middle) as our Building Inspector.
Welcome to #TeamSimbithi, and may you each enjoy a long, fruitful career with SEEHOA.
The SIMBITHI WAVE
Waving, as defined by the esteemed Oxford Dictionary, is to “move one’s hand to and fro in a greeting or as a signal”. Throughout history, and even today, one may encounter several versions of a wave.
The most recognisable, naturally, might be the royal wave, a regal, flowy gesture of the hand used regularly by royalty when they appear in public. In South Africa, the ‘Shaka’, demonstrated by wiggling your wrist with
COMMUNITY
your pinkie finger and thumb extended, the remaining fingers folded toward your palm, is an unspoken “howzit”.
In Simbithi, Simbithi-ans have found a unique way to greet each other, and we are certain we are not the only ones who enjoy it.
However you embody The Simbithi Wave, we encourage you to keep at it. How refreshingly glorious to know that good, perhaps some would say old-fashioned, neighbourly acknowledgement still has a place in our contemporary society?
What’s your favourite thing about The Simbithi Wave? Let us know by popping a
The Simbithi Wave is always accompanied by a smile and eye contact, whether you are driving and passing a cyclist, or you are cruising in your golf cart and spot a fellow Simbithi-an out for a walk with the dogs (on leashes, of course).
Simbithi!
Single Residential
Single Residential
Sectional Title Units
Sectional Title Units TOTAL DEVELOPMENT: 1491 of 1610 = 93% developed
FROM THE Club General Manager
Dear Members and Residents,
I hope my column finds you well.
Progress at the Kids’ Play Park is exciting. Our drainage requirements have been installed, and this area may now be populated with new play pieces. Our envisioned flow pattern will link them with colourful walkways that provide sensory stimulation. The synergy created will blend well with the eco feel of the jungle gyms. We are on track to complete the project and look forward to unveiling it in September. We thank you for your patience while the park is closed for the duration of the upgrade, and are excited to welcome our families back to this space.
Work on the family pool deck in between the Gym and Pavilion Room began in mid-July. This important upgrade will provide stability and ensure aesthetic continuity in this area, and is essentially the last piece of our offering at the Sports Complex. We are also on track in this space, with re-opening envisaged for mid-September, weather permitting.
Our refreshed seasonal menu is performing fantastically, with compliments from our community and greater Ballito streaming in. Our Executive Chefs, Louis and Godfrey, have certainly made a fantastic impression on quality and price. If you have not already made a booking, ensure you get your table to enjoy this offering.
This month sees the return of the Rugby Championships played between the Southern Hemisphere nations. We are sure you’re excited to hear that our BIG SCREEN returns to the deck from mid-August to 24
FROM THE CLUB GENERAL MANAGER
mid-September, and the gees are going to be phenomenal! We will release information on dates and times soon, so watch out for these announcements on our channels, and make sure you get front row seats for the Aussie and Kiwi clashes.
The events space is also growing well, and we relaunch our Daily Conference Packages (DCPs) early this month. A multi-faceted set of products, with a sports element including mini golf on the putting green and bowls for beginners, is sure to entice the market. These are great for team building and year-ends: we’ve also created new packages for this space. Dates in November and December are being booked to celebrate the end of the year, and I encourage you to contact our team for a quote to book your slot. The recruitment process for the new Sports Manager continues. This is a vital position in the management of the Club, which includes overseeing golf and all the sporting codes at the Sports
Complex, and we hope to make an appointment soon. Padel remains the biggest revenue driver at the Sports Complex. Tennis and Bowls will open membership to external patrons as the current usage is not sustainable. Please watch our comms as we unfold several initiatives in this space, as a benefit of your membership to the Club. Squash, bowls, tennis and Padel have no subscriptions, just a nominal playing fee to help maintain the precinct and build reserves. Playing fees are available online and in person at the Sports Complex with our friendly staff. A reminder, also, that racquet sports must be booked on Playtomic, which our team is also able to assist you with.
Our bowls rink is now endorsed by Port Natal Bowls, which allows us to introduce players to leagues or inter-club competitions, if we wish.
Through our resident representatives, some amazing work has been done on social leagues and a business league, which we will share more of soon. A big thanks goes to Adriaan Van Schoor and Kyle Dodds for their assistance in this space. We are also making progress with appointing coaches for several of the sporting codes, where each code will have a representative to assist you in your chosen sport.
FROM THE CLUB GENERAL MANAGER
At the time of writing this, we were engaging with a swimming coach, which will add aqua aerobics, swimming lessons and a host of other disciplines to our offering from September. We already enjoy relationships with Tyla Matheus, our resident personal trainer at the Gym, and Sean Roscoe from Roscoe’s Tennis. If you would like to engage their services, please chat to Ash or Daniel, our Sports Supervisors.
Just a quick note on squash: players, please ensure you wear the correct shoes when playing on our courts. Wearing incorrect footwear leaves unsightly marks on the courts’ surfaces which are difficult to remove.
Thank you for your time. We look forward to seeing you at your Club.
Craig Nell
FROM THE Golf Chairperson
Welcome, again, to this month’s edition of the e-Newsletter.
As our beautiful winter weather continues (at least as at the time of writing!), I am sure you will have also noticed that our course continues to display itself at its best. Due to the sterling efforts of our maintenance team and many others, we are fortunate that (unlike many other courses) winter brings no drop-off in our standards; if anything, the overseeding of Poa trivialis on our greens during the winter months sees our greens rolling better than ever.
As you would all have noticed, we are now well into the new configuration of our course as a three tee box set-up. This, and its related impacts, have been a major step forward for the course at many levels. It has also finally allowed us to erect the new tee signage which you now see–a major enhancement from the old versions.
As always, we continue to identify and advance a host of other continuous improvement initiatives, including the ones I referred to in last month’s report. It is of course critical that we continue moving forward to ensure that
FROM THE GOLF CHAIRPERSON
Simbithi golf remains a premier experience in the area and KZN as a whole.
As I also alluded to in the last report, we are nearing the end of the current committee year, with the Golf AGM likely to be held in early October.
at its best if members are committed and deeply involved. So, again, if you would possibly like to consider putting your name forward for Committee membership, please make contact either with myself, Robin or Sue and we will be happy to chat.
Formal notice of this will be sent out in due course.
We need no reminding that Simbithi golf operates
Happy golfing!
Haydn Hillestad
FROM THE MEN’S CAPTAIN
Greetings, members!
By the time you get to read this we will be entering the month of August and hopefully the days would be getting longer with some sunlight to guide you to the golf course for those early morning teetimes!
These days are always filled with fun, laughter and the typical Simbithi comaraderie, so clear your diaries for the day.
August is also Women’s Month, and this year Women’s Day will be celebrated on, Saturday 9 August. Join us in celebrating this auspicious day when we play a fun “3 Jacks and a Jill” format.
16 and 17 August will be reserved for Senior Club Champs – 50yrs +. A quick scan of our membership list shows that we have more than 540 members eligible to play in this prestigious event!
Enjoy your golfing,
Robin Rigney
FROM THE
LADIES’ CAPTAIN
It’s such a gift to have someone in your corner, and we are incredibly lucky to have the support of Engel & Völkers Ballito looking after our Ladies Section. They joined us last year as proud sponsors of our End-of-Year Christmas Function and Awards, and we’re delighted that their involvement has grown. They now sponsor our Tuesday Competitions and have introduced the exciting Engel & Völkers Eclectic Competition, which will culminate in fantastic awards at this year’s prize giving.
FROM THE LADIES' CAPTAIN
This month, I’d like to shine a light on the incredible young talent within our club. Olivia Woods is heading to the USA to pursue her golfing career. We wish her every success and know that wherever she goes, she’s destined to shine!
on a winning streak, triumphing over our “frenemies” at Umhlali—brilliantly put by Janet Pearse!
Taylor Hope continues to impress as a rising star. She recently took home the Silver Division Winner title in the KZNLGA Junior Section. Her confidence, commitment, and results speak for themselves—Taylor is one to watch! Our league team has also had a month of grit and glory. After three tough away losses, we’re thrilled to be back
A special thanks goes to Brendan Erasmus and Martin Witcher for hosting our league ladies at a coaching session at Cane Range. We all left with a few golden nuggets to sharpen our games and look forward to the next practice session.
July is bursting with action:
• Numerous Open Days at courses around Durban
• More League Fixtures
• Tuesday Ladies’ Golf
FROM THE LADIES' CAPTAIN
• And the ever-spirited Saturday Swaggers fun rounds! And now… all eyes are on the Simbithi Ladies Open Day coming up on 2 September. Our theme this year is Spring Carnival—so get ready to clown around and make it the most colourful event of the year!
Sue Clarke
FITNESS UPGRADE
We are excited to share that we have refreshed the equipment at the Simbithi Gymnasium. Here’s what you can find:
• Spinning bikes
• New treadmills
• Upright bicycles
• Elliptical machines
• Master climbers
Enjoy your workout!
There once was a dragonfly Danni.
Danni’s favourite place to fly around was a special place on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, where hundreds of hectares of sugarcane grew, with forests of beautiful, giant trees. Danni spent her days with two of her best friends, Bob the Bushbuck, and Wendy the Weaver. Together, they used their imagination to enjoy hours of fun in the special place.
It was their home.
For two decades, Danni, Bob, Wendy, and a host of their animal friends have shared this special place with thousands of kind people who live, work, play and call this special place their home, too.
Here, in this Play Park, Danni, Bob and Wendy find the magic they need to dream and to create. As they skip and fly along the pathways, they pick up joy, laughter and happiness. They remember where the GIANT fig tree once stood, and their tummies rumble happily when they smell the delicious treats from our Fig Tree.
COMMUNITY
Now, as you, our little friends, slide, tumble and run, Danni, Bob and Wendy hope you find as much magic as they always do. As you enjoy your yummy breakfast, lunch and dinner from the Fig Tree, we hope your tummies smile, and your souls fill with sunshine. Welcome, little friends. You’re HOME.
Danni, Bob, Wendy and their friends at Simbithi Country Club.
NOTE : Psst! Moms and Dads, please share this special story with your children, and let them know that Danni, Bob and Wendy cannot wait to welcome them to our refreshed Kids’ Play Park. Here is a rendering to show you what we’re planning for this space.
simbithi country club - playground concept plan
HELLO, FUTURE!
Recently, Simbithi Country Club was represented at the Unilever Food Solutions Future Menus 2025.
Unilever Food Solutions is a chefrun and inspired organisation that assists in developing and securing products, recipe creation and training and support to chefs.
Hosted annually, Future Menus is a
report that pinpoints international foodservice trends, providing chefs with insightful information and tips to create trendy, profitable, nutritious menus through innovative techniques.
Here are Executive Chef Godfrey Kinyanjui and Procurement Officer Kiosha Ramdut at this year’s launch!
We're the BEST!
We are elated to announce that Simbithi Country Club is (officially) the best! We have scooped THREE awards in the 2025 Best of Ballito Competition. Our events team has retained the title of Best Event Venue and Best Conferencing Venue for the second consecutive
year, and our golf team took top honours as the Best Golf Course in Ballito !
Coupled with our Estate winning Best Estate for the third consecutive year, this is an exceptional achievement for Simbithi.
Thank you to all who voted for keeping us at the top!
FIG TREE IN BLOOM
Our fresh, seasonal menu collection was introduced earlier this quarter, and we have been heartened by the incredibly positive feedback received by our community and guests. Here are a few of our favourite reviews, thus far:
Lindokuhle Mabika
It is one of the best family restaurants in Ballito.
The food is great; the ambience is wonderful, and they have a very diverse menu.
Craig Bobbert
Delicious dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Particularly a fan of the chef's chicken curry. They also have live music on weekends and a kids’ play area.
Chris Swart
Curries … What a superb culinary treat, especially at the onset of winter as we Free Staters know it! Tantalising and differentfrom the succulent lamb, tender chicken, creamy fish, and juicy beef to the spicy vegetable curry - we found it difficult to decide which was the best.
and creamy custard, the pavlova with berries and cream, and ginger sponge cakes … There are too many to mention. Our waiter, Princess, was unobtrusive, friendly, and efficient.
All the accoutrements; poppadums, salsas, spicy lemons, rotis, salads, the spring rolls and samoosas were such perfect appetisers!
Then, one can scarcely do justice to the softest, ever so lightly sweet malva pudding
Angie Gibson
I just had a quick breakfast there and it was so good. The slow-cooked beef mince in a rich tomato base on toast, topped with an egg, was very nice. The coffee was good and the service was impeccable.
Derek Birchfield
Good meals, reasonably priced casual dining or group celebrations. I’ve been there for brunch and lunch, no disappointment!
Edzard Bosch
Menzi Nxumalo
Great atmosphere. Delicious food at reasonable prices.
Kevin Morgan
I recently celebrated my 70th birthday at Fig Tree Restaurant, along with 14 friends. Everything was perfect, and we were waited on by Gugu, who was awesome. The whole party remarked what an awesome restaurant to eat at. Many thanks to all staff involved for a lovely birthday.
Fig Tree is a Ballito legend known for its speciality dishes at affordable prices. The dishes here have a hint of fine dining as the chef here goes above and beyond to serve you with some of the finest Ballito has to offer. The cashew nut chicken is a signature dish here that is a must-try.
Hour
Buy 2 x Castle Lager
CLUB NEWS
We had the crispy chicken burger, and this had me smiling through every bite. My wife had the cheese omelette and that was also out of this world. Our service was extra friendly and the atmosphere here is something special, with green views all around.
Jeff Leaver: Chairman
Clive Mc Creadie: Vice-Chairman HOA
Frank Bradford: Vice-Chairman SCC EXCO
Louis Boshoff
Gavin Dunlop
John Gowans
Margi Lilienfeld
Andrew Mackenzie
Director Human Resources board8@simbithi.com
Director Security board4@simbithi.com
Director Simbithi Country Club board2@simbithi.com
Director Design Review Committee board5@simbithi.com
Director Technical & Maintenance board7@simbithi.com
Director Legal & Appeals board1@simbithi.com
Director Environmental board6@simbithi.com
Director Finance & IT board3@simbithi.com
Pamela White
Director Marketing & Communications board9@simbithi.com
The Board of Directors are your elected representatives who volunteer their time and expertise without remuneration. Approaching a Director should be your last resort.
Access Control
946 8381/66 bca@simbithi.com
Control Room
946 8373/4/5 controlroom@simbithi.com Environmental & Landscaping
946 8382 environmental@simbithi.com
Finance Manager
946 8368 fm@simbithi.com General Enquiries
946 8360/1 enquiries@simbithi.com General Manager’s Office
946 8364 gm@simbithi.com Heron Pizzeria
946
946 8384 tm@simbithi.com
Big Dreams, Birds & Big 5: The Journey behind KZN’s Newest Big 5 Reserve by Chris Galliers
Venue: Pavilion Room, Simbithi Country Club
Time: 18:00 for 18:30
Cost: R30, at the door
For more information: environmental@simbithi.com / ea@simbithi.com
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
The Country Club brings you Quiz Night, sponsored by Harcourts Dolphin Coast and hosted by “The Quiz Guys”.
Venue: The Fig Tree Restaurant
Time: 18:00
Bookings: foodbev1@simbithi.com or 032-946 5403
For more information: events@simbithi.com
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
Venue: The Dragonfly Restaurant
Time: 18:00 for 18:30 Cost: R300
Bookings: sccmsc@simbithi.com