













Welcome to mid-winter. I am sure many of our visiting guests would need to be reminded that it is, in fact, winter. Aren't we truly blessed on the North Coast? Winter, as mild as it is, signifies a few things, particularly at Simbithi. The aloes are all in full bloom, as is the Coral Tree outside our office. With these blooms, the sunbirds come out to play, enjoying the tree’s nectar with their characteristically curved beaks. Winter also sees the return of the Spotted Ground Thrush to Simbithi. These secretive birds are always a pleasure to record, even more so, if like Brian Roberts you manage a great photo of one. The Spotted Ground Thrush are currently the subject of a Birdlife South Africa supported targeted research. Temperatures drop in July, of course, and jackets start appearing in the office, only to be removed
halfway through the day once our North Coast winter days warm up. In terms of seasons, though, the most important sign July brings to the HOA is the rumbling of an impending AGM season.
Our team steadily keeps AGM on the ‘agenda’ throughout the year, keeping risk and rule registers, to enable efficient preparation closer to the time. With July’s arrival, preparation begins in earnest, and we begin considering the several moving parts that constitute an AGM, from the bigger items like resolutions, proxy capturing and quorum, to the administrative functions like registers, communication and engagements.
Each year, we remind you how integral the AGM is to the holistic health and wellbeing of our Estate. As a homeowner, it is your opportunity to give meaningful input on decisions that impact several facets of the HOA. We will share a save-the-date,
soon, and I urge you to make the time to attend. We are going to #StriveForFivein2025, and we challenge you to invite five homeowners to attend with you or fill out a proxy to count towards our quorum. Last year, we broke a four-year streak of adjournments, and it would be great to meet quorum again, this year.
were completed in mid-June, and we are sure you would agree the refreshed aesthetic is well executed.
This AGM, we have a significant rotation of our Board of Directors, with six directors reaching the end of their terms. This will create six vacancies on the Board. More information will be shared on the nomination and election process in due course. This is the time to carefully consider whom you would like to nominate to be a director or consider standing for election yourself. Looking ahead to the rest of the month, as I write this, I do so with the sound of construction just outside my window. The Main Gate renovation is coming along well, as is the project at West Gate.
Once these two gates are complete by end of August, all five of our access gates would have been modernised. Our recycling stations
Earlier this year, we shared that the Department of Fisheries, Forestries and the Environment had granted Simbithi a Section
30(A) authorisation to repair the drainage line below the Guineafowl Dam, which was damaged during the April 2022 heavy rainfall. The emergency approval permits SEEHOA to begin rehabilitation in affected areas, including scour in forested areas close to the Cormorant Dam and erosion on the Mfuleni Trail close to the Fish Eagle Dam. Our team had initially planned to be complete by end August 2025, however there was a delay with the finalisation of the engineer’s design, which took longer than expected. Work will begin this month, and we will keep you updated.
Most of our younger residents are enjoying school holidays this month. We wish you a fantastic holiday, and urge you to enjoy yourselves safely, in accordance with our rules.
Parents, please remember that Simbithi has a zero-tolerance approach to vandalism and any form of disturbance or harassment, specifically with the seemingly innocent ‘tok-tokkie’ game. There is plenty to enjoy responsibly on the Estate: our sports complex, fishing in the dams, a game of soccer or cricket on the Guineafowl sports field or a delicious pizza from the Heron Pizzeria.
July also brings with it one of our favourite days on the community events calendar: Mandela Day! This year, we are planning three activations for Friday morning, 18 July. We’ll share information on sign-up in next week’s weekly communication on Monday, and I urge you to join #TeamSimbithi as we reach out to our surrounding communities.
Have a great month, Simbithi; Enjoy Winter on the North Coast.
Marc Mc Clure
1. Walkabout Francois Barnard shared this sweet photograph of a feathered family from Swallows Pond down Barringtonia Lane. We love all the types of families who call Simbithi home.
2. Spotted!
It is always a treat to see the Spotted Ground Thrush in Simbithi, this time photographed by Brian Roberts in the Mngeni Forest loop.
3. This is My Good Side
This White-fronted Bee-eater made sure Paul Johnson got his best side amidst a flowering Coral Tree.
4. I’m on Lunch …
… so, please leave me be! Keaton Naidoo captured this White-eared Barbet mid-chomp.
5. Let it Rain!
Although fearsome looking, the Rain Spider is harmless. Loukia Nicholson snapped this beauty.
6. Bow Your Heads, Please And, let us pray. Gwenda Gilder spied this delightful Spiny Flower Mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergi) on her Fuschia tree.
7. Mom, I Don’t Like the Crusts!
Thanks to Hayley Browne for the jaunty caption of this image.
8. It’s Been a Hard Day’s Night
“I should be sleepin’ like a log …” This monkey’s morning meditation (and huge yawn) was captured by Giselle Ferreira.
9. Pure and White
This beautiful white Leonotis leonurus in flower on the Nsimbi trail was photographed by Margi Lilienfeld.
Resident, Brian Roberts, was awarded top honours in the Ballito Photo Club’s May Nature category. How beautiful to see our logo come to life!
Based on-site in Simbithi, Ballito.net Proper ties has been practicing in holiday and permanent rentals on the Estate for over 17 years, offering full management of your holiday or permanent let with our professional team. Let us give you an exper t rental valuation on your home today.
The HOA team recently hosted our quarterly staff meeting, where we chatted through the last three months, reflected on our successes and learnings, and shared thoughts for the next quarter.
Quarterly staff awards were also handed out!
Well done to:
Innovator of the Quarter - Natasha Binneman
Tash was awarded for her successful adoption of Artificial Intelligence in compiling minutes, ensuring that we are harnessing technology and cultivating excellence, which maximised stakeholder engagements.
People’s Choice AwardAlvin Govender
As voted for by the HOA team.
Well done, Alvin!
GM’s Award - Gary McKenzie Gary was awarded by Marc Mc Clure for his excellent efforts in managing facilities and maintenance at the Club while ensuring our Estate’s facilities are also kept to standard.
We recently bade farewell to Nicky Misra, who served as our Technical Manager for seven years. Directors and staff gathered for a braai to reflect on Nicky’s time with Simbithi, and his memories with our team.
We’re officially into the second half of the year, and our technical team has been busy refreshing our facilities! Here’s our latest project round-up:
We are excited to announce the completion of our newly upgraded recycling stations at our access gates. The fresh, new-look stations were designed with the input of the technical department and have been constructed to make recycling easier and more efficient for you.
These new stations are catered to accept a range of materials, including plastics, glass, paper, and cans and are conveniently located on the exit lanes of each gate. The refreshed aesthetic now flows with that of our renovated gatehouses and the shuttle stops.
In the spirit of recycling, the reclaimed intengu material from the old structures will be reused
by our environmental team on one of their upcoming projects. We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone involved in making this project a reality, from the design architect, technical team, management and you, our community, for your patience and understanding during construction.
The first phase of our upgrade to our sports field is also complete. The upgrade, which began in March, included refurbishment to turf and irrigation facilities and the existing field and minor refreshments to our sporting facilities and equipment. The team also grassed and levelled the field.
Please Click Here to read the Monthly FreeMe Wildlife Custodian Newsletter.
This edition features updates from FreeMe's recent admissions to their outreach programmes and ongoing research projects. Enjoy the read!
It is disappointing, and dangerous, to note the increased instances of speeding on our Estate, despite several reminders and warnings.
Our security team has placed speed display boards at strategic points on our Estate, which are intended to create awareness of our speed limit of 40 km/h. If you exceed the speed limit, the board will record your speed, an image of your vehicle and your registration number.
In accordance with our protocol, the following will then apply:
1. For the first offence, our security team will engage with you and caution you not to exceed the speed limit.
2. After the second and third offences, you will be charged a R500 penalty on each occasion.
3. After the fourth and fifth offences, you will be charged a R2500 penalty.
Residents, please drive in accordance with our Estate rules to ensure a safe community for you, our children and wildlife.
Similarly, please remember that our roads are for use by all: walkers, runners, joggers, cyclists, golf carts, cars, trucks and buses. Reckless driving will not be tolerated; neither will driving with children on your laps or hanging out of windows and sunroofs.
Items that are misplaced around the Estate, particularly in our common areas, are collected and temporarily stored by our security department. Our team then follows a process to attempt to return lost and found items. If items are not claimed within a month, they are then donated to one of our CSI initiatives.
If you have lost an item, please contact dysan@simbithi.com with a full description of the item.
In recognition of youth Month, our HR Manager Justine Mia and Marketing and Communications Co-Ordinator Jodi Chetty chatted to Dave Guselli on Radio Life & Style about the varying generations that make up #TeamSimbithi. Listen, here
Bridging Generations: How Simbithi Eco-Estate is Shaping a Sustainable, Inclusive Future.
Single Residential
Single Residential
Sectional Title Units
Sectional Title Units TOTAL DEVELOPMENT: 1491 of 1610 = 93% developed
Dear Members and Residents, I hope my column finds you well.
We are embarking on three exciting projects in the next two months.
The first will be our Kids’ Play Park. The park, adjacent to the Fig Tree Restaurant was not due for an upgrade last year but the opportunity to level the playing area could not be missed. Unfortunately, it left the Club with precious little capital to develop the Park further. So, you might ask “what are you going to do?”
First, we must sort out the drainage. The Berea red sand and clay in the area, unfortunately, leaves the bottom half of the park in a mud pool after it rains … perhaps fun for the kids but not so much for Mom! Secondly, we will place more play pieces in the park, which we are selecting with the installers of the play equipment at Kingfisher Community Centre. The improved pieces will be connected for a delightful experience and we will include a sensory walkway. The shade cloth and gum pole fencing will be removed and replaced with ClearVu fencing. Finally, we will do some landscaping to complete the look and feel of the area. We will announce commencement dates and timelines soon and thank you for your patience and understanding during this period. The result will be worth it, Simbithi.
The second project is the refurbishment of the pool deck surrounding the family pool at the Pavilion Room. The decking has reached its sell-by date and the substructure can no longer keep the planking above secure.
As we are now in the winter months, it’s the best time to redo the structure. Once again, this area will be secured with shade cloth and gum poles as the contractors work to complete the project. We will share timelines in our weekly communication.
We are excited about these two “mini” projects as they will complement our Sports Complex and Fig Tree Restaurant well. Our last project, nearing completion, is the ablution facility on the 14th hole on the golf course. By the time you read this article, it will be near completion … much to the relief of many of our golfers!
Our refreshed menus have certainly been well received. Old favourites remain, but Executive Chefs Godfrey and Louis have brought some of their new dishes and ideas to the table. Don’t forget to reserve yours.
Chris McDaniel has joined our Food and Beverage team, and we welcome him to our Club. Innovative ideas and improved service levels are just some of the many changes we have seen in the very short time he has been with us. you may read a short note from him later in the e-Newsletter.
The recruitment process for the new Sports Manager continues, at the time of writing. A vital cog in the management of the Club, the Sports Manager’s job is to oversee golf and all the sporting codes at the Sports Complex. We look forward to making the appointment soon.
While on the topic of the Sports Complex, our residents have been making full use of the Padel courts and squash facilities. As a reminder, please ensure your Playtomic e-wallet has a positive balance, which will make the play economical.
our resident bowls representatives, we have agreed - for now - to seek the approval of Port Natal but, once the sport becomes more competitive and depending on the appetite for further international recognition, we may reconsider this later down the lane.
Last month, we invited the committee from Port Natal Bowls to try our six-lane bowls rink. They were extremely complimentary of the facility and were impressed at the build quality and speed. Three points of reference are currently being used to demonstrate our World Class Bowls rink: the first is the specifications, the construction and manufacturing have all been in line with the specifications set by World Bowls.
Squash is firmly on track with Tuesday and Thursday league competitions. Squash players, we ask that you please wear the correct shoes. Marks left on the surface by incorrect footwear are unsightly and difficult to remove. The gees on the upper deck have been fantastic, and the food station has a variety of offerings for the whole family, which are refreshed weekly.
The second is the maintenance standard; we are entering into a service level agreement with our supplier whose requirement will be to set the ring according to international bowling standards for competitions. And finally, the endorsement, which is costly. With
With the resignation of Thoko Philips, we welcome Khanya Makiwane, Events Co-Ordinator and Members’ Service Centre
Front Desk Administrator, to the space temporarily. We have reworked our Daily Conference Packages, year-end offerings and wedding Packages.
Chef Louis contributed to the amazing food offerings and the compliments that have come from the events space have been fantastic. It might sound crazy, but have you considered what you are doing for your company for the year-end? We are just around the corner, give us a shout and come on a site visit.
Finally, I would like to close off on Master Plan Phase Two. There has been much chatter around this, and I look forward to sharing more in due course. Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing you at your Club.
Craig Nell
Welcome, again, to this month’s edition of the e-Newsletter … and what a time of year to be enjoying the Simbithi golf experience!
While I am unable to detail here all the projects that we are and will be pursuing this financial year, I will reference a few of these now.
As I have frequently mentioned, continuous improvement of the Simbithi golf experience remains a central theme of how your committee strategises and operates. Identifying improvement or major maintenance initiatives that we believe should be pursued is a deliberate and considered process, involving inputs from the committee, the Matkovich maintenance team and members generally, while simultaneously assessing the applicable financing parameters.
• Robin (Rigney, Men’s Captain) will address more fully the finalisation of our move from a four-tee box to a three-tee box configuration in his report. Suffice it to say that it has been a complex project involving a host of elements - and I am very confident it will materially enhance the playing experience for all of us.
• We are conscious that the 6th hole dam needs de-silting again to restore its excellent aesthetics; this will be done shortly.
• We are also mindful of how, on the 12th hole, the area between the two slots has become increasingly damp, particularly in the rainy season. This is something we intend to address in the coming months. Also being tackled are concerns around sand quality in a number of the bunkers; this process is already underway.
made to the Halfway House, both aesthetically and to the food offering. This is a project that has taken quite some attention as we, with the helpful support of some of our membership bodies, attempt to shift the dial on this part of the Simbithi golf experience.
• Certain areas of our cart pathing have also suffered due primarily to the heavy rains we experienced over the summer months. These will be attended to during the coming period as well.
Finally, on a different note, you will be aware that our committee year ends in the latter part of September. If you would like to consider putting your name forward for committee membership, please make contact either with Robin, Sue, or I, and we will be happy to chat.
• Off the course, I hope you will have noticed the material improvements that have been
Meanwhile, happy golfing as always!
Haydn Hillestad
Greetings! Since our last communication, there has been a huge amount of activity relating to the re-rating of our golf course.
After receiving the recommendations from GolfRSA, we assembled a cross-sectional team of members and staff to review the results of the report. This engagement proved to be very productive.
enhance the golfing experience at Simbithi.
Key elements of these changes are:
Change from 4 Tees to 3. Differential of overall course distance between tees now complies with WHS recommendations. i.e. min of 400m between tees.
The expert opinion of our course designer, Peter Matkovich, was also considered, as well as the historical eclectic data collected over several years and the latest ScoreCapture results. The final re-stroking of the course is therefore a result of all these inputs and considerations, which we believe will further
Stroke changes:
Hole 4 from 12 to 16
Hole 6 from 14 to 12
Hole 7 from 16 to 14
Hole 10 from 9 to 13
Hole 11 from 17 to 11
Hole 13 from 11 to 9
Hole 16 from 13 to 15
Hole 17 from 15 to 17
Basically, Men will now lose two strokes between white and blue and four strokes between white and red.
Ladies will only gain one stroke from Red to Blue.
The new stroke indexing and course rating was effective as of Monday, 30 June 2025. This will include changes to:
• HNA App,
• Score Capture App,
• Scorecards,
• New tee-box signage, and
• Fairway distance markers.
Note: All distances will be measured to the centre of the green. Daily distances to the pin will be marked on the new tee box signs. These changes will be accompanied by new fairway distance markers, new stakes and ropes used for demarcation around the course. We trust that these elements will all add to the overall enhancement of our course.
• We have had a few complaints of members hitting their balls into 4-balls ahead of them. Please always display courtesy and avoid unnecessary nasty incidents from ruining your round of golf.
• Well done to both the Men’s and Ladies’ League Teams who are doing very well thus far in their respective leagues. Keep up the good work, and good luck!
On the other hand,
• Please note that all members playing on Club Competition Days, i.e. Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, are obliged to participate in the Club Competition for the day and therefore pay the competition fee.
Enjoy the beautiful weather we’re currently experiencing here in paradise, and happy golfing!
Robin Rigney
June on the North Coast must be one of the best places to be in winter. Every time I step out onto the course, I find myself pausing in gratitude - we are so blessed to be playing golf on the most beautiful eco golf course, in arguably the finest weather in the world. #blessed
This month, I’d like to shine the spotlight on our incredible Ladies’ League Team, affectionately known as the #SimbithiStingers! What a phenomenal group of dedicated golfers.
To say we’ve had a lot of golf would be an understatement - it’s been match after match, with hardly time to catch our breath! We’ve played five league matches in just three weeks, and there are still more lined up! Here’s a quick recap:
• We played Kloof CC twice at Simbithi and beat them convincingly - well done, team!
• We travelled to Royal Durban and were thrilled to secure a win on their home turf.
• We hosted Mount Edgecombe at Simbithi and celebrated another victorytoot toot!
• But the return match at Mount Edgecombe saw us defeated.
Despite that one loss, the #SimbithiStingers are currently leading both the weekend and weekday Leagues. A huge shout-out to our league captain, Michelle Dold - you truly are a happy cappy and we’re so proud of the whole squad!
Looking ahead, there’s still plenty of exciting golf on the horizon. In addition to our regular Tuesday and Saturday competitions, there are several Open Days around KZN to look forward to.
For those of you over 50, remember the KZN Senior Women’s Golf Society hosts monthly events, and the KZN Ladies Golf Association offers competitions for players of all levels.
Please make sure you’re part of the SCC Ladies Golf Group to stay in the loop with all the latest updates and opportunities.
Lastly, we wish Lydia Lategan and Tania Schoeman the very best of luck as they represent the Durban Region in the upcoming Intertown Competition against the Midlands team on 23 June. We’ll be cheering you on!
Much love, and remember … Tee Time is Me Time.
Here is a round-up of our course in mid-June, by our team at Matkovich Golf Course Maintenance.
Winter seems to have arrived. With snow reported through large areas of the country, we assume lower temperatures will be the order of the day for the next couple of weeks. Temperatures have allowed the overseeding of the greens to go ahead. We had 20mm of rain during May.
The overseed treatment with Poa Trivialus was completed during this month. We are starting to 37
see the benefit of this treatment as the greens are rolling smoother and more consistently. We continue with our normal chemical and fertiliser practises. We are concerned about the back of the 17th green which is unfortunately subject to a (largely unavoidable) volume of traffic.
to struggle with excessive shade as the winter sun traverses lower through the sky.
Cut Height: 3.8mm
Stimp: 8 ft
The tees and collars have received a foliar fertiliser application and the necessary treatment for dollar spot. These areas are cut twice per week. There are a couple of tees in particular at No. 9 which are starting
Cut Height: Tees - 9mm
Collars - 9mm
The frequency of cuts on the fairways has been reduced to twice per week while divots are repaired on a daily basis with a specific focus on longer holes. The treatment of broadleaf grasses and weeds continues, as do fertiliser applications. The rough is being cut as needed.
Fairway Cut Height: 14mm
Rough Cut Height: 32mm
Work to rotate and loosen certain bunkers took place in June. Others will be topped up in an effort to reinstate the correct depth of sand and consistency.
Several exciting projects lined up for this year through winter, with a focus on maintaining the momentum of improvement through the upgrade plan from the past three years.
• 6th dam clearing.
• Continued development of the wild grass areas.
• Possible interseeding of trees.
• Tee levelling.
1. 6th dam cleaning.
5. Tee levelling. CoUrSE rEPorT
2. We will attempt to resolve the drainage issue around the second river crossing on the 12th.
3. Continued development of the wild grass areas.
• Attempting to resolve the drainage issue around the second river crossing on the 12 th .
4. Possible interseeding of tees.
In his second month at the Club, our newly appointed Food and Beverage Manager Chris McDaniel would like to say hello!
committed to excellence in service and experience.
“I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Food and Beverage Manager at Simbithi Country Club.
It is truly an honour to join such a vibrant and welcoming community, and I am excited to be part of a team
With a passion for hospitality and a background in food and beverage operations, my goal is to enhance the culinary and social experiences you enjoy at the Club.
From fine dining to casual gettogethers, my focus will be on quality,
consistency, and innovation - ensuring that each visit is memorable for all the right reasons.
We’re working with our sports department to introduce themed Padel, bowls and tennis tournaments later this month. Please make a turn past the truly international-class sports complex and café to see what we have planned. you will also find details at the end of the e-Newsletter in the events diary. We also host our first Winter Wine Festival in July with the events department. An out-ofthis-world wine extravaganza is planned, which will include some of South Africa’s top wine producers, live entertainment, and a variety
of delicious food prepared by our culinary team! This will certainly be one of the events of the year, so please keep a lookout for the announcement and booking details.
During the coming weeks, I look forward to meeting many of you in person, hearing your feedback, and working together to create a warm, enjoyable environment where great food and great company come together.
Please don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello. you will find me on the deck or in the Fig Tree. I’m always open to a chat, a suggestion, or simply getting to know the wonderful community that makes Simbithi so special.”
Rahul Bansee was awarded Employee of the Month for May 2025 for his outstanding contribution to the Country Club team.
Well done, Rahul, and keep churning out those sweet treats!
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
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
Culture at the Edge: Monkeys in the Anthropogenic Wild by Dr Camilla Cenni
Venue: Pavilion room
Time: 18:00 for 18:30
Cost: r30 at the door
For more information: environmental@simbithi.com
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
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
Limited a la carte menu served
bookings: foodbev1@simbithi.com or 032 946 5403
– MEAT CoMP/LAND RoVER
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
– MANDELA DAY
Sign up to join one of our three activations on Mandela Day! 09:00 - 10:07 at Simbithi Country Club, or 11:00 - 12:07 at rA Padayachee School. For more information: enquiries@simbithi.com or WhatsApp us on 073 156 1378.
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
– SLAMMERS V SWAGGERS
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
Time: 10:00
format: Mixed Americano
Max Players: 24 (12 teams of 2)
Dress Code: Your best 80s Wimbledon gear!
Prizes for first, second and third best dressed. Please book on Playtomic. For more information, pop into the Sports Complex or call 032 946 5401.
Venue: Pavilion room
Time: 17:00 - 21:00
Enjoy cheese and wine with canapés and a pop-up market on the deck. Live music with Noelin the Pianist from 17:00 - 20:30, and Spare Parts rock Band from 20:30 - 22:00.
For more information: events@simbithi.com