FrOM THE General manaGer
The September edition of our e-Newsletter is traditionally a bit later than usual, because the end of August is usually spent wrapping up our Annual General Meeting season. As I have shared before, executing the AGMs takes weeks of preparation, all of which is well worth it when we sit in a room and engage our community. This year, both AGMs were quorate, and our thanks go to every homeowner who chose to #StriveFor5In2025 by attending the AGMs with fellow homeowners or sending in a proxy. September signals the start of a “new” year at the HOA, as we welcome in a new Board of Directors. At the end of the 2024/25 tenure, we said goodbye to Margi Lilienfeld, whose efforts in the environmental space are sincerely appreciated by our team. Thank
you for your service, Margi. We say hello to Anura Tewary, who joins us as the primary director of marketing and communications, and alternate of finance, and Trevor Luyt, who has been allocated primary director of the human resources portfolio and alternate of environmental. Anura and Trevor, the team and I are excited to work with you during the 2025/26 tenure, and we wish you an engaging period as directors.
At this year’s AGM, homeowners voted on five ordinary resolutions, all of which carried and are now part of our Rules of the Association.
The new rules are:
1. The existing SEEHOA Rules of the Association have been amended by the addition of Rule 7.12, relating to the feeding of wildlife:
“No Feeding of Wildlife
To protect the health and safety of wildlife and the community, the
feeding of wild animals, including but not limited to vervet monkeys, is strictly prohibited.
Exceptions to this rule are:
7.12.1 Providing wild bird seed. This is, however, discouraged due to the ecological imbalance it creates. As a guideline only small quantities of seed may be provided and should preferably be sprinkled directly onto grass or garden beds rather than being placed in feeders.
7.12.2 Feeding of wildlife for rehabilitation or management purposes as required by a veterinarian or the Association’s Environmental Department.”
2. The existing SEEHOA Rules of the Association have been amended by the deletion of Rules 17 and 18, relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.
3. The existing SEEHOA Rules of the Association have been amended by the addition of Rule 6.6, relating to the pruning and removal of trees and shrubs: “Pruning and Removal of Trees and Shrubs
No mature locally indigenous shrubs or trees (over a height of 3m) may be excessively pruned or chopped down without prior written permission from the Association’s Environmental Department. In the case of a protected tree species the necessary permit must also be obtained from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).”
4. The existing SEEHOA Rules of the Association have been amended by the inclusion of the following sentence in Rule 10.4, to include prohibition on swimming in Estate dams/ponds/streams:
“Swimming or unauthorised entry into Estate dams/ponds/streams is not permitted.”
5. The existing SEEHOA Rules of the Association have been amended by the addition of Rule 11.24, relating to the use of Estate name and branding:
“Use of the Estate Name and Branding
This rule is intended to protect the reputation and goodwill of the Estate, and to prevent misuse or misrepresentation that could prejudice the interests of the Estate or its members. No member,
resident, tenant, guest, service provider or any other person may use the name of the Estate, its logo, trademarks, branding or any derivative or variation thereof in any manner whatsoever, whether verbal, written, digital, or visual, without the prior written consent of the Board.
Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to:
11.24.1 Advertising or marketing materials; 11.24.2 Business cards, email signatures, or social media profiles or groups; 11.24.3 Signage or printed materials; 11.24.4 Sponsorships, endorsements, or promotional events; 11.24.5 Any representation that implies affiliation, approval, or endorsement by the Estate or its management. The Board may, in its sole discretion, grant written permission for specific uses on terms it deems appropriate. Such permission may be withdrawn at any time without cause. Any breach of this rule shall constitute a contravention of the Rules and may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to, penalties, suspension of privileges, or legal action, as deemed appropriate by the Board.”
If you have any queries, please feel free to reach out to Sandika Gounden, Legal and Compliance Officer: compliance@simbithi.com.
With specific reference to Rule 11.24, a procedure setting out how to apply for permission for use of the Simbithi name and branding will be shared once the 2025/26 Board of Directors has met.
Earlier this month, we shared an update on grassland burning in the Tamboti Drive area, which our team has scheduled for 10 September 2025, weather-permitting. The prevalence of our grasslands is important for our existence as an eco-estate, and they play several important roles in maintaining the balance of our eco-system. It is necessary for our team to burn the grasslands periodically to get rid of dead plant material and encourage new growth. The environmental team will engage individually with residents in the immediate area, and we ask you to be patient and understanding while we complete this important exercise.
FrOM THE GENErAL MANAGEr
Staying with the environment, I would like to encourage you to attend our monthly environmental talks. The topics are varied and interesting and allow for interesting engagement with subject matter experts. There are three more this year, and it would be great to see our community come out and support them.
Next weekend, we partner with Mediclinic Victoria to host a Wellness Morning in the Pavilion Room. A group of medical specialists will be here for basic screening and testing, and to share some knowledge with our community. WhatsApp your name to 073 156 1378 if you would like to attend.
Marc Mc Clure
The First Sign of Spring…
…is always the Scadoxus puniceus. We spotted two blooming at the HOA admin building, toward the end of August. Spring is often heralded by the emergence of the robust buds of the Paintbrush, Snake, or Blood Lily from the bare earth below trees. The broad, wavy leaves, upright stems, and beautiful orange flower heads surrounded by reddish-brown bracts all make for a spectacular garden or container plant.
Sunbirds and weavers feed on the nectar, and the bright red berries that follow the flowers are loved by fruit-eating birds and monkeys.
If possible, make sure you salvage a few seeds, a single pearly-white seed within each berry, and these germinate quite easily in rich, well-draining soil. Although the plant is used in traditional medicine, the bulbs are poisonous, and watch out for the amaryllis caterpillar that may attack these plants.
Spotted Ground Thrush research
We have been privileged to be one of several North Coast gated estates to participate in a landmark survey in KwaZulu-Natal. The Spotted Ground Thrust Project, seeks to harvest new information on the endangered bird’s “winter migration patterns, population status and distribution across the province.”
There are three possible sightings of the birds on the Estate, and we managed to tag one. This bodes well for monitoring the bird's arrival next year, for conservation efforts.
a Conversation that maTTerS
Our Marketing and Communications Co-Ordinator, Jodi Chetty, was heartened to assist resident, Sebastian De Witt, a Grade 12 learner at Curro Salt Rock, with his Life Orientation project, recently. The project revolved around the concept of ubuntu in the context of the learner’s community.
Sebastian chose Simbithi as his community and conceptualised a range of questions surrounding how we integrate this African philosophy into our Estate’s management. Here is feedback from Sebastian after the interview: “thank you so much for having me, it was really nice. Your answers were also amazing, thank you.
We are delighted to share that Facilities and Maintenance Manager, Gary McKenzie, has been promoted to Head of Department - Maintenance. Gary will head up the maintenance team overseeing Estate and Country Club maintenance, allowing our technical team, managed by Nicky Misra, to concentrate on project management and execution.
Well done, and best wishes in this new chapter, Gary.
leading the Way
Recently, our Human Resources Manager, Justine Mia, received an award from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) for her dedication to the HR field. Justine was recognised by the DUT department of resources management for “mentoring with impact”, for her efforts in mentoring students in the workplace.
“It is truly an honour to be recognised for my contributions to mentorship and the positive influence it can have on aspiring professionals.
Thank you for valuing the importance of nurturing talent and guiding the next generation in their career journeys", said Justine.
Clever Construction
As we have shared in previous communications, our technical team is presently engaged in rehabilitating the Guineafowl Dam’s water course. This entails the construction of the “beaver dams”, which is a structure built across a stream or a river to create a pond. The dams are typically constructed from logs, sticks, and mud.
In line with our strategy, specifically our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategic initiative, our team re-used wood from our old recycling stations for the dams and the trees that were removed from this area.
Here is the project in progress.
Well done, team!
HAppy NEWS
As part of their social upliftment strategy, our cleaning service provider, Supercare, has invested in one of their own. Cleaner, Happiness Ntuli. has earned her learner’s licence, which will assist in transporting our cleaning team to and from their duties across the Estate.
Happy will be driving under the supervision of Ajay Baragwanath until she gets her driver’s licence.
Well done, Happy!
SECURITy
Please Drive Carefully
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 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 R2,500 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.
Pets
With the right to keep dogs on Simbithi comes the responsibility of ensuring you follow the Estate rules, as set out in Clause 7.
“All pets must be kept within the confines of the Owner or Lessee’s private property, and when outside the Owner or Lessee’s private property, must always be on a physical leash and under the control of a responsible person.
Fouling by pets on the Association’s property or the property of any other third party must be removed immediately by the responsible pet Owner. (For this purpose, pet Owners must carry a scooper or plastic bags whenever walking their pets outside their private property.)”
Click here for a #DYK video on pets at Simbithi.
Hello, New Recruits!
We were delighted to welcome a new group of security officers to Simbithi, in August. Meet our new recruits, here.
Single Residential
Single Residential
Sectional Title Units
Sectional Title Units TOTAL DEVELOPMENT: 1492 of 1610 = 93% developed
FROM THE Club General Manager
Dear Members and Friends,
Food & Beverage Highlights
We are thrilled to share what’s ahead for the coming weeks, and it’s looking busy, vibrant, and full of energy! Across all departments, we continue to thrive, thanks to the dedication and innovation of our incredible team. Here's a look at what’s been happening and what’s coming up:
Infrastructure & Improvements
We’ve made great strides in our capital projects and maintenance plans. The Kids’ Play Park revamp is nearly complete, and we look forward to welcoming all our little ones again. Thank you for your patience! We can’t wait to see our Simbithi families enjoying this refreshed space. The ablutions on the 14th hole have also been completed, much to the relief of the golfers.
The Fig Tree Restaurant has had a fantastic month, with guests and residents loving the new menu and weekly specials. Our busiest night, Friday, now features a two-tiered booking system to reduce wait times; please stick to your slots! Popular weekly features include the Sunday Carvery, Monday Nights Off, and Wednesday Curry Nights. New Wine List Alert! Our focus group has handpicked some incredible estate wines at great prices. Be sure to browse the list next time you dine. Upcoming golf events for this month include the Mixed Golf Open on the 21st, the Captains and Ryders Cup on the 27th, and Bloom School’s Corporate Golf Day on the 18th.
Sports Complex Updates
We’re in the final stages of appointing a new Sports Manager. Watch our communications for the announcement! Meanwhile, the team has kept the energy high with our bowls social and corporate
FrOM THE CLUB GENErAL MANAGEr
leagues off to a great start, and tennis and squash are now open to external members. Just remember, these are limited memberships and will be closely monitored by the Club, but are vital to boost community usage and revenue.
Watch out for our Meet the Coaches evening - stay tuned, as we introduce and unfold new opportunities to participate in a new offering.
Events & Celebrations
We’re officially launching our year-end function packages, including daily conference options and weddings. Contact our Events Team to book your celebration! Book early, as many of our year-end dates have been taken already, and homeowners, don’t forget your incredible 50% discount of venue hire!
FrOM THE CLUB GENErAL MANAGEr
Member Events
Get ready for two nail-biting rugby matches against New Zealand! We have unreserved seating on the deck for rugby on the big screen, so arrive early to grab your spot and enjoy the big screen on the deck. Watch out for food and drinks specials on these days.
As we move into quarter three, the Club is well-positioned to embrace the year-end season with enthusiasm and focus. Our team is ready to help you create unforgettable experiences at Simbithi. See you at your Club.
Craig Nell
CMASA ConferenCe: a Celebration
of Connection, growth & gratitude
What a privilege it was to attend the Club Management Association of South Africa (CMASA) Conference- a truly uplifting gathering that reminded us of the power of connection, collaboration, and continuous learning. Held at the breathtaking Steyn City, the event brought together passionate professionals from across the country, all committed to elevating the club industry through shared knowledge and meaningful relationships.
Gratitude for an Unforgettable Experience
From the moment we arrived, the energy was electric. The conference offered a rich blend of inspiration, education, and camaraderie. We are deeply grateful to CMASA for curating such a dynamic programme, filled with world-class speakers and engaging panel discussions that sparked new ideas and fresh perspectives.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Speakers
• Brent Lindeque, our ever-inspiring MC, brought his signature positivity and warmth, reminding us to focus on the good and lead with kindness.
• Steven Kitshoff, Springbok legend, shared his journey of resilience and transformation, leaving us motivated to face challenges with courage.
• Wayne Forrester provided invaluable insights into liability law, empowering us to lead with confidence and clarity.
• Roger Collins helped us better understand and connect with the next generation, ensuring we nurture future leaders with intention.
• Kath Tucker reminded us of the importance of self-care in leadership - a message that resonated deeply with all who attended.
• Rob Arnold offered practical strategies to enhance operations by understanding thought patterns and guest expectations.
• Chris Bentley gave us a behind-the-scenes look at innovation in sports through the lens of LIV Golf, inspiring us to think boldly.
• Remy Kloos closed the conference with a powerful story of perseverance and purpose, encouraging us to dream big and climb our own mountains.
A Moment of Pride for Simbithi Country Club
We are incredibly proud to share that Simbithi Country Club was honoured with the Pillars of Success Award - a recognition of excellence in governance, financial management, operations, environmental stewardship, and member engagement. This award is a testament to the dedication of our entire team and the unwavering support of our members. It reflects our shared commitment to building a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community.
As our General Manager, Craig Nell, beautifully put it:
"This award reaffirms our commitment to excellence and innovation, and it ties directly into our vision of establishing Simbithi as the leading Eco-Estate in Southern Africa."
Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Purpose
The CMASA Conference was more than an event - it was a celebration of what makes our industry so special: the people, the passion, and the pursuit of excellence.
We return to Simbithi inspired, energised, and deeply thankful for the opportunity to grow alongside such remarkable peers.
Here’s to continued collaboration, innovation, and success.
FROM THE Golf Chairperson
Welcome again to this month’s edition of the eNewsletter. With our world-renowned winter once again having treated us so well, coupled with the excellent condition of our course, I am sure you have all been enjoying everything that Simbithi golf has to offer.
My message this month is going to be short and sweet and will focus on what is probably the key member event of our year - our upcoming Golf Section Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for 18:00 on Thursday, 2 October 2025. During the next few weeks, you should all receive the Notice of Meeting and related documentation (which includes the Chairman’s and Captains’ reports, as well as the nominees for next year’s committee). Please contact Shanel Pillay at sport@simbithi.com
FrOM THE GOLF CHAirpErSON
or the Pro Shop if you do not receive these documents.
My primary request to all members is that everyone make a concerted effort to attend the AGM. While your attendance will, of course, ensure we meet the necessary quorum requirements, it is obviously more important for reasons beyond that. It is your opportunity to understand the key developments and issues that fundamentally affect the present and future of Simbithi golf as a whole - and your personal Simbithi golf experience.
In addition to attending, please also take a close read of the reports and other documentation issued with the Notice of Meeting. We will obviously not have the opportunity, at the AGM itself, to go through all the detail that is captured in the reports, so these documents will hopefully provide you with important supplementary detail so you are up to speed on most, if not all, key items.
Looking forward to seeing you at the AGM and, in the meantime, happy golfing!
Haydn Hillestad
FrOM THE Men’S CAptAin
We recently hosted Senior Club Championships over the weekend of 1617 August. Thank you to all participating members for the great spirit with which the competition was played!
and unnoticed work that goes into arranging an event of this nature, and for it to run as smoothly as clockwork is testimony to their diligent efforts.
Special mention must go to Amos Sibiya and the Matkovich team for the great condition of the course. We can truly be proud of how well the course was presented for the competition, given the time of year.
Adriaan Nell and his team in the Pro Shop, with Anele Khumalo and his team of porters and marshals, went the extra mile to ensure the smooth running of the event. Let’s not underestimate the amount of preparation
The food and beverage team laid on a scrumptious lunch for Sunday prizegiving, very well received by all and many compliments were directed to the Chefs.
Congratulations to this year’s winners:
Men:
A-Div overall winner Best Gross: Andre Van Straten
A-Div Best Net: Mark Bingham
B-Div Best Gross: Guy Hellens
FrOM
THE MEN'S CApTAiN
B-Div Best Net: Brad Caulfield
C-Div Winner: Dave Carr
C-Div Runner-up: Juggie Govender
Ladies:
Silver Div and Overall winner: Noeleen
Morrison
Silver Best Net: Bev Forbes
Bronze Div Best Gross: Karin Herbert
Bronze Div Best Net: Stephanie Carter
Copper Div Winner: Gail Leaver
Copper Div Runner-up: Cheryllynn Whitelaw
Ladies Super Senior Champ: Bev Forbes
1 November, for the first time since lockdown!
Subject to confirmation, we hope to host our next major Club competition, International Day, on the same day.
This year, we look forward to the return of our
formal Captain’s Dinner to be held on Saturday,
At the time of writing this, we were being proudly represented at the Junior Africa Championship held at San Lameer Golf Club by six of our junior golfers - Daniel Samuelson, Kaven Moodliar, Jake Cronje, Carter Sutherland, Taylor Hope, and Oliver Sutherland. Good luck to all of you!
Until next time … happy golfing!
Robin Rigney
FrOM THE
LADieS’ CAptAin
National Women’s Day Celebration
Each year, on 9 August, South Africans of all backgrounds come together to celebrate National Women’s Day. This annual holiday commemorates an eventful day in South Africa’s history - 9 August 1956. What a beautiful National Women’s Day we held at the Simbithi Country Club. The golfing ladies enjoyed some champagne and gin cocktails, Wedgewood treats, and beautiful flowers. A big thank you to the Drop Zone, Pro Shop, and the golf committee for making the ladies feel special on Women’s Day.
FrOM THE LADiES' CApTAiN
Ladies’ Achievements
League Update
Our weekday league has been incredibly exciting, with questions starting to emerge about the possibility of us winning the league. Things got off to a great start on 25 July, when Simbithi took the Durban Country Club away. We came away with a 7-5 win and two valuable points. Next, the ladies travelled up the hill to Kloof. The nerves were palpable, but after some tight matches, Simbithi beat Kloof on their home course, putting us firmly in the running to win the weekday league. With one match left against Zimbali, the excitement continues!
Eclectic Competition
Our Ladies’ sponsor, Engel & Völkers, is running an Eclectic Competition with very exciting prizes up for grabs. We are now into the 6th round, and a quick look at the leaderboard shows that the more Tuesday rounds you play, the better your chance of improving your overall score. Well done to Alix Cheshire, who currently tops the leaderboard!
Ladies’ Club Knockouts
Congratulations to the formidable motherdaughter team of Michelle and Kayla Dold on their victory in the Ladies Club Knockout Championship. They defeated a strong team of Susan Podmore and Madelein Ozok to win the 2025 crown!
KZNLGA North Coast Region Championship
KZN and SA Talent
Olivia Wood, a resident and golfer from Simbithi, was recently awarded her Protea Colours. This award recognises her many achievements both locally and internationally. We wish Olivia all the best in her move to the USA, where she will be attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as a freshman.
Six Simbithi ladies - Tania Schoeman, Lydia Lategan, Belinda Dix, Kayla Dold, Caryl Legassick, and Taylor Hope - took part in the championship at Prince’s Grant. They all performed admirably and flew the Simbithi flag high. A special mention goes to Lydia Lategan for winning Best Nett in the silver division, and to Belinda Dix for winning the bronze “Medal of Medals” and finishing runnerup in the overall bronze competition. Tania Schoeman demonstrated her skill in the silver division, and kudos to Caryl Legassick for her representation in the copper division. Our emerging talents, Kayla Dold and Taylor Hope, showed encouraging performances for our ladies’ future. What a huge achievement, ladies!
KZN and Golf RSA player, Kamaya Moodliar, has recently finished second in the world at the Champs of Champs in Ireland. Well done on this incredible achievement, Kamaya!
FrOM THE LADiES' CApTAiN
Other notable achievements…
SA Kids has announced that both the Sutherland boys from Simbithi have made the Natal U11 team. Carter Sutherland made the U11B side as Captain, and Oliver made the U11A side. They both play SA Kids tournaments and regularly achieve top three placings each month. Well done, boys!
Senior
Club Champs
The Senior Club Champs at Simbithi were held on 16-17 August. The spirit and commitment from our ladies were wonderful. This year, we had four
main divisions: Silver, Bronze, Copper, and Super Senior. After two days of intense competition, played in lovely conditions, the final results were:
• Senior Women’s Silver Division:
Winner - Noelene Morrison, Runner-up
- Bev Forbes
• Bronze Division: Winner - Karin
Herbert, Runner-up - Steph Carter
• Copper Division: Winner - Gail Leaver, Runner-up - Cheryllynn Whitelaw
• Super Senior Title: Winner - Bev Forbes
Well done to all participating ladies, and a huge thank you to Adriaan,
FrOM THE LADiES' CApTAiN
Anele, Shanel, and the rest of the golf team, as well as the food and beverage team for running such a wonderful event.
Spring Carnival
Spring is just around the corner, and excitement continues to build for our Spring Carnival on 2 September. We have a full field at capacity with 112 ladies taking part, travelling from all parts of our province. Simbithi is truly proud to welcome them to our award-winning course.
Yours in golf
Sue Clarke
Well Done, ShAneL!
Shanel Pillay was awarded Employee of the Month for July 2025 for her outstanding contribution to the Country Club team. Well done, Shanel.
We appreciate your excellence as our Sports Administrator.
ON thE
AirwAveS
Food and Beverage Manager Chris McDaniel and Khanya Makiwane of our events team recently joined Dave Guselli on Radio Life and Style for a chat on our exciting yearend, team building and food and beverage options at the Club.
Click here to listen.
Jeff Leaver: Chairperson
Clive Mc Creadie: Deputy Chairperson HOA
Frank Bradford: Deputy Chairperson SCC EXCO
Gavin Dunlop
Pamela White
John Gowans
Trevor Luyt
Andrew Mackenzie
Anura Tewary
Access Control
946 8380 facilities@simbithi.com
946 8364 gm@simbithi.com Heron Pizzeria
Are We What We Eat? insights from Vervet Monkeys into the Diet-Brain-Behaviour Connection by prof.
Claire Bertelli, prof. Juerg Gertsch, prof. Yossi Tam, and prof. Erica van de Waal
Venue pavilion room
Time 18:00 for 18:30
Cost r30 at the door
For more information: environmental@simbithi.com
mEAT Comp
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
QUIZ NIGHT
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 à la carte menu served bookings foodbev1@simbithi.com or 032 946 5403
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
A sophisticated evening not to be missed. 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
– TUESDAy LADIES
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
– mEAT DAy / pRImo pRop
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
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
for 18:30
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
For more information: proshop@simbithi.com or 032 946 5407
