FroM THE General manaGer
It feels like I say this every year, around this time, but it is still jarring to realise we are officially halfway through the year! The first six months of 2025 are behind us, and there are a few things that tell us winter is coming.
At Simbithi, nature is often the first cue, as the aloes begin to flower in rich shades of red and orange, much like the beautiful early evening sun. As a birder, of course, I am quite fond of watching the wintery birdlife. The sunbirds have been particularly delightful to watch from our office windows at SEEHOA.
June also means it’s time for the Comrades Marathon! My best wishes to all our residents and staff tackling the down-run this year. I am sure you have prepared to the best of your ability, and we look forward to hearing all of your incredible results.
Three months into the current financial year, projects are in full swing. We are excited to unveil the new recycling stations at our gates early this month and trust you will enjoy the refreshed aesthetic.
We have received many eager questions on the commencement for the renovation of our Main and West Gates, and at the time of writing this, are reviewing the Bills of Quantities. We are close to awarding the contracts and will see movement in this area shortly.
Finally, this week marks World Environment Day. As you will read later in the e-Newsletter, it is the world’s most prominent day
dedicated to the environment. We are an eco-estate, and we often reflect on what this means to us, our community and to our brand. This year, according to the United Nations, it means ensuring we do not harm the environment by littering.
So, when you are out in our common areas, please pick up after yourselves as a way of caring for our environment. Have a great month!
Marc Mc Clure
Let’s Chat About The
ENVIRoNmENT
Oh, let’s! On 5 June, we celebrate World Environment Day, the biggest international day for the environment.
Led by the United Nations (UN), the first World Environment Day took place in 1973 in Switzerland. It followed the Stockholm Conference on Human Environment in 1972, where the UN’s General Assembly officially designated the day.
ENVIRONMENT
Since then, World Environment Day has been hosted in several countries, and each year carries a different theme. South Africa hosted for the first time in 1995, after Nelson Mandela became president. For our celebration, Mandela declared Table Mountain a “gift to the earth” and proof of our country’s commitment to biodiversity.
This year’s celebration will be hosted in the Republic of Korea and is themed #BeatPlasticPollution. Organisations are invited to register an activity aligned with the theme on a global map.
We are hosting a litter clean-up at Heron Community Centre on Thursday, 5 June 2025 at 14:00. If you'd like to come and join us, please RSVP to ea@simbithi.com.
Source: https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/
R
The Flock to mARIoN
Our May environmental talk was a treat for birders, indeed. BirdLife South Africa Golden Bird Patron and Simbithi resident Brian Roberts gave an insightful talk on Albatrosses and Marion Island.
Brian’s photographic trip report on the flock to Marion was brilliantly received, and our Environmental Manager, Ayanda Duma generously donated the entry fees for the evening to the Mouse-Free Marion Project.
The Mouse-Free Marion Project, or Conservation Campaign for Marion Island, is an urgent global fundraising campaign to restore the island’s ecosystem and preserve and protect its globally significant biodiversity by eradicating invasive mice from Marion Island.
The donation has allowed Simbithi Eco-Estate to sponsor two hectares of Marion Island in support of this project.
If you would like to find out more about the project and how you may become involved, please visit https://mousefreemarion.org/
Hoot-Hoot for a Good Cause
The Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) recently released a majestic spotted eagle owl on our 10th fairway. The owl was released by CROW’s operations director, Clint Halkett-Siddal, at the Thekwini Motor Group Golf Day fundraiser at Simbithi Country Club.
“After a moment’s pause, the owl soared away - strong, free and full of life. Moments like these remind us where wildlife rescue and rehabilitation matter. They are a testament to the power of compassion, conservation, and community.”
You may watch the release, here
A Stroll in the FoREST
Not even a deluge could stop our eager group of residents from going on Simbithi’s first Tree Walk with Steve Kewley. The walk led residents along the Mfuleni trail from the Heron Community Centre to Fish Eagle Dam. Thank you to all who joined us!
Freeme Update:
Wildlife Care & Research
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!
SECURITy
Fire Safety
Recently, our security team, assisted by the KwaDukuza Fire Department, responded to three fire-related incidents on the Estate. To this end, we would like to share a few fire safety tips for general awareness:
• Ensure that appropriate fire extinguishers are strategically located in your home and obtain basic knowledge on the use of fire extinguishers. Arrange for annual servicing.
• Freestanding homes should have a minimum of one hosepipe connected to external taps capable of hosing the full extent of the property.
• When you have finished using an electrical or gas appliance, ensure it is switched off. Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many appliances.
• Consider installing smoke detectors in your home and ensure your electrical, solar and gas installations are fully compliant.
Pet Rule Non-Compliance
Recently, we have identified several homes where pets are not registered with SEEHOA, which is a non-negotiable requirement as per Clause 7 of our rules.
Here is a #DYK video which may assist you. If you require further assistance, please contact environmental@simbithi.com. Please be Considerate Residents, a reminder of General Conduct Rule 11.1, which prohibits any "unreasonable disturbance, inconvenience, annoyance, being a nuisance to, or interference with any other Owner or residents, or their rights." Part of this is ensuring we do not disrupt the lives of our neighbours with excessive and unreasonable noise. Recently, our security team has noted an increase in noise complaints, primarily loud music and shouting late at night. Please let us remain considerate of each other and refrain from this behaviour.
Well, alright Then
Wellness is an important part of our team development at the HOA. In line with our strategic initiative of adhering to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, creating space for our team to be physically and mentally well is key to an optimally functioning team.
You might have seen us walking on trails or the road for our monthly wellness walks and, recently, we took care of our mental health for an hour in the courtyard. We spent some time away from our desks, chatting interdepartmentally and enjoying the cooler weather.
Welcome to SimbiThi, arC!
DR THARUNA REDDY GENERAL PRACTITIONER
Recently, we hosted the Association of Residential Communities’ (ARC) KwaZulu-Natal chapter meeting at the Pavilion Room. ARC was established in 2008 and is the only recognised national body that proactively supports the volunteers and members of homeowners’ associations and bodies corporate and their management teams in establishing, maintaining and enhancing their property values and lifestyle of their residents.
With over 10 years of experience you can Chronic Medical Checks
& Prevention
Smears
Simbithi Eco-Estate is a founding member of ARC and is keenly involved in engaging at a provincial and national level, sharing and absorbing knowledge.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4.13 CHOOSE US FOR:
Silverstone Way
Douglas Crowe Drive, Ballito contact details
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.
Seasonal change at the Club is always wondrous, autumn begins to throw longer shadows, and the cooler evenings are a welcome relief.
Change, too, has come to the Food and Beverage department. We take this official opportunity to welcome Christopher McDaniel, our new Food and Beverage Manager. We look forward to his inspirational ideas and efficient management style, especially with our soon-to-be-launched, refreshed seasonal menu. The heart of the house remains the same with our two incredible Executive Chefs, Louis Lesch and Godfrey Kinyanjui.
In the same breath, I would like to praise our stand-in team, Jan (Chris) Storm, Sanele Mthethwa, Khanya Makiwane and Patricia Mthethwa for the excellent job they did over an incredibly busy April and May months. The challenges faced and your commitment to the Club were noticed and appreciated. Well done, and thank you. We look forward to your growth within our space as we develop our Club further.
While on staff, an “old but young” face returns to the Club.
While we continue recruitment for our Sport Manager, Brendan Erasmus will assist the Club on a two-month contract with our Golf Operations Manager, Adriaan Nell.
Speaking of golf, you might have noticed the upgrades we have done at the Halfway House in accordance with the golf committee’s brief to produce fast, tasty, quick meals.
FroM THE CLUB GENErAL MANAGEr
The executive chefs and our Halfway House Supervisor, Mama Dudu Ngidi, have considered sandwiches, toasties, wraps, banting muffins and pies to name a few. The fresh lick of paint and revamped counter have made the order process more attractive and improved flow. Breakfasts will still be served from the “outside kitchen” on Saturdays.
the Sports Complex is beginning to increase; residents are enjoying the social element of the various codes. With that said, squash is already well into its league games! We will evaluate the other codes during June.
An ongoing improvement budget was approved for the golf course, and, between the committee and management, smaller projects will be identified with the continued maintenance to ensure our improvement initiative continues for years to come. A cart pathway assessment has been done, and this will also form part of the ongoing upgrades.
May was a good month for events, and we urge residents to make use of our exceptional facilities. The 50% discount for homeowners certainly makes a tailor-made offer attractive. Khanya Makiwane will be on hand to assist with booking and admin. You may contact her on 032 946 5409 at the Members’ Service Centre.
As the first phase of the Master Plan project concludes, savings from the project will be reinjected into the Sports Complex to ensure a better flow is created with fence lines, gates and ramps. Social play at
I’m sure our moms would be happy to note that exciting work is planned for the Kids’ Play Park! As I mentioned a few months ago, a two-stage process would be followed to make this area more exciting. We are planning to install additional play pieces and improve drainage and pathway flow with landscaping. Please bear with us as we introduce the upgrade; the facility will be temporarily
FroM THE CLUB GENErAL MANAGEr
closed for the necessary construction. Please watch our comms for when this will occur.
A final reminder, in March, we migrated from ClubMaster to a popular sports booking app, Playtomic, for our racquet sports at the Sports Complex. We also shared the procedure to sign up for Playtomic, and encouraged you to visit our Sports Representatives to link your profile to SCCs. We would like to clarify that there is a 4% surcharge on booking fees, which is recouped by Playtomic.
PASSIONATE ABOUT PEOPLE, PROPERTY AND LIFESTYLE.
We encourage you to load funds into your Playtomic e-Wallet to limit this surcharge. Visit our team in the Pro Shop or at the Sports Complex for assistance with this.
Craig Nell
FroM THE Men’s Captain
During the past three years, the Simbithi golf course has undergone some significant changes. These changes have all been implemented in line with the long-term Continuous Improvement Programme developed a few years ago, and include:
• Reconstruction of the 2nd green
• Rebuilding the 2nd tee
• Building new tees on the 6th hole
• Reshaping the front of the 8th hole
• Reshaping the runoff of the 9th hole
• Adding two new bunkers on the 11th
• Levelling out the landing area on the 12th
• Rebuilding new tees on the 13th
• Reshaping around the green and adding in a bunker
• Reshaping and widening the 14th green
• Shaping the runoff area around the 15th green
In addition to these changes, we recently adopted a motion to change from a 4-tee to a 3-tee setup on the course. Besides the obvious benefits of allowing for less wear and tear on our tee-boxes, we can also conform to recent rating requirement changes that require at least 400m in difference on the overall course length for each colour tee. All these changes have necessitated a re-rating and re-stroking exercise to be initiated. All these changes have necessitated a re-rating and re-stroking exercise to be initiated. At the time of writing
this, GolfRSA has just completed a survey and assessment of the new course layout. Having followed the assessors around the course, I can confirm that their approach is very methodical and objective, and I assure that the result will be based on firm criteria, not subjective opinions. Hopefully, by the time you get to read this, the process of change would have progressed to the stage of completion, with new stroking, scorecards and course signage in place. This will wrap up phase one of our Continuous Improvement Programme, and I am confident that it will result in an improved golfing experience for all levels of golfers going forward.
Robin Rigney
FroM THE
LaDies’ Captain
Our first weekend of May started with the Top 8 Club Champs Match Play. What a magnificent weekend of golf! Extremely tight matches took place during the two days. On Sunday, Lydia Lategan took on Tammy Taylor, our 2025 Overall Club Champion, in the Ladies Gold Division. Lydia secured a victory in a playoff back on the 1st hole. Tania Schoeman played Bev Forbes in the Silver Division and managed to defeat Bev on the 18th.
FroM THE LADiES' CApTAiN
In the Bronze Division, Steph Carter beat Olga Serton, also on the 18th hole, and in the Copper Division, Debbie Mattioda secured a convincing win over Kitty Phillips to secure her trophy. Well done to the golf team for an incredibly well-run event that ended with hamburgers, drinks, and prize-giving.
On 5 May, the KZNSWG (Seniors) hosted 68 ladies at Simbithi.
“It was an absolute blessing and joy to mingle with this special bunch of ladies. Thank you all for supporting this event. We had such a lovely experience at Simbithi … The reception and interaction from the staff, the beautiful condition of the course, the vibrant atmosphere of friendship and fun made this a “feel good” day. A special word to the announcer, Anele Khumalo, at the “congregational area” - he was fabulous and everybody knew exactly what to do, how and when.” Anita van der Linde KZNSWG - President.
Not only did our course and staff receive a glowing report, our Simbithi ladies did very well: Belinda Dix took second place in the competition and Nicki Bowles won closest to the pin on the 16th!
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Moving on to our league team, which continues to put on an impressive performance. The team had a convincing win against Kloof CC, where Kayla Dold was the star of the day. Not only did
FroM THE LADiES' CApTAiN
she and her partner, Steph Carter, win their match decisively, but Kayla had a Hole-in-One on the 6th during the game!
Well done, Kayla.
The Tuesday morning ladies and the Saturday “Swaggers” ladies’ golf groups continue to draw a number of new ladies who are joining in on the fun. The competitions range from fun formats to the more competitive monthly Medal and Putt. We encourage ladies of all golf abilities to join; there is never a dull moment with the Simbithi golfing gals!
Sue Clarke
FroM THE LADiES' CApTAiN
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Course report
Here is a round-up of our course in mid-May, by our team at the Matkovich Golf Course Maintenance.
General
We had another 118mm of rain during April, taking our year-to-date total past the 750mm mark. Fortunately, temperatures were suitable for the greens overseeding process. Generally, we are happy with the course going into winter.
Greens
The second overseed treatment with Poa trivialis was completed during this month as temperatures came
down. We plan to do a third overseed in the coming weeks, which should see good winter greens. We have lifted cut heights to allow the seed to germinate, leading to slower greens speeds. We continue with our normal chemical and fertiliser practises.
Cut Height: 3.8mm
Stimp: 7 ft
Tees and Collars
The tees and collars have received a foliar fertiliser application and the necessary treatment for dollar spot. These areas are now cut twice a week as temperatures have dropped. The height of the cut has been raised slightly to allow for as much coverage CoUrSE
CoUrSE rEporT
as possible as we head into winter. There are several tees, particularly at holes 2, 4, 6 and 9, which are starting to struggle with excessive shade as the winter sun traverses lower through the sky.
Fairway Cut Height: 14mm
Rough Cut Height: 35mm
Upgrade Projects
Tees Cut Height: 10mm
Collars Cut Height: 10mm
Fairways and Rough
The frequency of cuts on the fairways has been reduced to twice a week while divots are repaired daily, with a specific focus on longer holes. The treatment of broadleaf grasses and weeds continues, as do foliar fertiliser applications. Rough is being cut as needed.
We have 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 cleaning
• We will attempt to resolve the drainage issue around the second river crossing on the 12th.
• Continued development of the wild grass areas.
• Possible interseeding of tees.
• Tee levelling.
A Sensual ExpERIENCE
We recently hosted an experience for the senses at the Dragonfly Restaurant with Vergelegen and PSG Wealth. Thank you to those who joined us, and we are certain you were just as delighted as we were!
squash
The Dolphin Coast winter league starts in mid-May, and Simbithi has entered four teams: one in the first league, two second league teams and one team in the third league. Teams comprise four players and include men and ladies, according to strength. It’s great to see that we have a few ladies participating. First and third league teams play on a Thursday night while the second league plays on Tuesdays.
We have reserved players allocated for each team to fill in when regular members are unavailable.
Fixtures are based on home and away games, and we’re excited to host players from the other clubs at our new facilities.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to join one of our teams, even as a reserve. We will shortly have a ladder up at the courts, and you’re welcome to contact anyone on the ladder if you’d like to set up a friendly or even a challenge match. Don’t hesitate to dust off your old racquet and get onto the court for the game, reminding yourself what a great game squash is.
Further communication happens via our Simbithi Squash Club WhatsApp group, please contact the Club if you would like to join this group and stay abreast of the squash scene.
Frank Bradford
DRiviNg bIGGER WITH VW
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 8380 facilities@simbithi.com
946 8364 gm@simbithi.com Heron Pizzeria
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
TALK
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
Strictly no U18s, and guests will be seated at tables of 10.
Venue: The Dragonfly restaurant
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Cost: r380
bookings: sccmsc@simbithi.com
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
07:30 shotgun start. 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
– FATHERS’ DAy CARVERy
Enjoy our famous Sunday Carvery with a little something special for Dad. Bookings: 032 946 5403 or foodbev5@simbithi.com For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
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
Let us pour you a selection of wines, paired with an expertly curated dinner. Strictly no U18s, and guests will be seated at tables of 10.
Venue: The Dragonfly restaurant
Time: 18:00 for 18:30
Cost: r650
bookings: sccmsc@simbithi.com
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
An evening of wine, conversation and #TheSimbithiExperience. Let us pour you a selection of wines, paired with an expertly curated dinner. Strictly no U18s, and guests will be seated at tables of 10.
Venue: The Dragonfly restaurant
Time: 18:00 for 18:30
Cost: r80
bookings: sccmsc@simbithi.com
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
Watch this space for live rugby at the Club!
