eTrumpeter OFFICIAL BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF
THE THE WILDS NEWSDESK
DECEMBER 2020
THE WILDS LIMIT GLOPORTAL - VisitorSPEED Management
CONTENT
This magazine is designed & published in partnership by :
• Estate Contact details
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• A word from the General Manager
04
• A word from the Estate Manager
05
• The Wilds Security
09
• Speed Limit
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• The Wilds Service Providers
12
• Coronavirus Covid-19 Impact: Current status 13
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• The Wilds Newsdesk
15
• Committees
16
Tel: 072 386 7347
• Recipe of the Month
22
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Disclaimer: This eMagazine is produced especially for residents of The Wilds to provide updates and useful information. It is produced by GLOVent Media & Black Marble Media on behalf of the Home Owners Association of The Wilds. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of content, The Wilds HOA and/or the Publisher, cannot be held liable for any inaccurate information, and may not agree with all opinions expressed in this publication.
Estate Contact Details Brendan Olivier (General Manager)
brendan@the-wilds.co.za
3701
Ronel Mulvaney (Estate Manager)
ronel@the-wilds.co.za
3702
charmaine@the-wilds.co.za
3703
Charmaine Strange (Secretary)
Dolf Stolz (Supervisor)
dolf@the-wilds.co.za
If you experience any problems regarding access cards or biometrics, please contact Gate 1 (one). Tel no 012-996 0551
AFTER-HOURS AND WEEKEND CONTACT NUMBERS:
Gate 1 Fibre to Fibre phone: 3302 or 3303 Gate 2 Fibre to Fibre phone: 3402 or 3403
Estate office [Clubhouse]
012 940 8285 & 012 996 0123
IPECS numbers:
3701, 3702 & 3703
Gate one [Admin office ]
012 996 0551/3303
Gate two [Security control office]
012 996 1062
SECURITY Contract Manager Pieter Schoeman 082-978 3644
IPECS Number: 3601
Duty Managers
082 978 3288
24/7
Control room
012 996-1062
IPECS Number: 3602
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It is with a heavy heart that this year-end message is brought to you. Usually this time of the year brings reflection over the joys and achievements over the past year. After this annus horribilis there are not too many achievements. The planet`s health has gone for a loop, the economy is in free-fall, construction has stalled, transport is rudderless, retail is in a tailspin, jobs are being lost by the day and education has really hit the wall. Smiles are artificial‌ Then again, let us count our blessings: We are still here, ready to fight another day; exactly in the middle of the doldrums is where best plans are made, where great opportunities are spotted. Yes, it will take a very hard and concerted effort from all of us to get back on an even keel, as long as we realise that we will never be
back where we were, that is forever gone into history. The tumults of this year were survived in the estate, with only a few residents taken by Covid-19. Our sincerest condolences to the bereaved families and friends. Economically the world has changed a lot, with the old guard no longer too sure of what needs to be done. Albert Einstein said that one plus one equals two only because we don`t have a better answer yet. Even so, the estate is doing well. The various committees are all working very constructively at improving their areas, with gardening and aesthetics showing great progress. Thanks to them. Vandalism linked to outright criminality has also taken place at the clubhouse area. It is worth mentioning that several of the instances
general Manager
were caught on camera and that the culprits will be brought to book. Dolf Stoltz, our Maintenance Manager, will be leaving us after many years here. We wish him well for the future and trust that he will visit regularly. I am wishing all of you a very happy festive season, with best wishes for a wonderful new year! Kind Regards,
Brendan Olivier
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I thank all the owners and residents for their participation in the vital role they played in making our Estate comfortable, peaceful, and enjoyable to live in.
The most popular tree to decorate is the Leyland Cypress tree
The Aesthetic visage and gardens indeed add value to our properties and enhance the look and feel of the entire environment. I therefore thought to write about trees. Trees can form an attractive focus point in our gardens and attract butterflies and bird life. Not only do they provide shade, privacy and reduce noise levels, they hide unsightly views as well. As the festive season approaches, decorated trees have traditionally been a symbol of the living holiday spirit.
Dark green / grey in colour and has a minimal aroma. It is not in the pin or Fir family, and therefore does not produce sap, so those with an allergy to sap can still enjoy a Leyland as their Christmas Tree. They have a natural pyramid shape with soft branches and grow to a height of over 30 feet. When thinking of buying a gift, why not a tree?
estate manager
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From the desk f the Estate Manager
The Tree Wisteria (Bolusanthus speciosus):
This tree has a neat growth habit, glossy dark green leaves Wild Pear Tree (Pyrus pyraster) and small, white, bell-shaped flowers in spring, followed by fruit enclosed in papery cases that attract birds. It grows in semi-shade or full sun and is an excellent tree for a small garden. It can also be grown as a shrub and makes an attractive bonsai. Fuchsia (Halleria lucida):
A wisteria is one of the prettiest of spring-flowering trees and likes a sunny spot with well-draining soil. It is a deciduous tree that can reach a height of up to 7m and produces attractive pea-shaped mauve flowers in spring and summer.
The wild pear is a lovely garden specimen, and the spectacular show of scented flowers is a herald of spring. It has a single stem and a somewhat rounded crown. It is both frost and drought resistant.
Bladdernut or Swartbas (Diospyros whyteana):
My favourite: Fabulously Flamboyant Red blossom tree (Delonix regia):
This tree makes an attractive feature tree in the garden, with a height and spread of 5m. Orange-red flowers grow on the older wood of the main trunk and larger branches and they attract sunbirds and bees.
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From the desk f the Estate Manager
Branches consisting of the current or last season’s growth can be cut into 30 cm sections and planted in a moist potting mixture. This method is slower than seed propagation (cuttings take a few months to root) but is the preferred method for ensuring new trees to form. Thanks to Google search that has countless options into obtain information about trees. Plant a tree to relieve all the difficulties or challenges of the What an aesthetic appearance. The flowers are large, with past year. The result thereof can only bring good. Have a orange-red petals that grow at the ends of the branches. The blessed festive season, rest well and stay safe. leaves are feathery and light, bright green in colour. Seeds can be soaked in warm water for at least 24 Hours, and planted in Kind Regards, warm, moist soil in a semi-shaded, sheltered position. They can also be ‘nicked’ or ‘pinched’ (with a small scissors or nail Ronel Mulvaney clipper) and planted immediately. These two methods allow moisture to penetrate the tough outer casing, stimulating germination. The seedlings grow rapidly and can reach 30 cm in a few weeks under ideal conditions.
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
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The Wilds
security
1. PRE-CLEARANCE CODES: Once again, a request is made that your visitors be given a code when an appointment or visit is scheduled. It will help them so much to enter at the gates, also negating the use of the phones, which sometimes are really not giving us clear voice quality. With the Covid-19 pandemic far from over, touching things should be very low on your list of activities, especially things touched by many. Our RF-tags have proven to be very good in ensuring that your car`s windows can stay shut whilst moving in and out of the estate. Your visitors are not there yet, but we really want to help them by asking that they be given pre-cleared codes by you. Their time at the gates
will be so much less, and those poor lines need not be used. Please assist! 2. OPENING OF BOOM BY SECURITY OFFICERS: After several complaints were received about officers opening the booms for persons, it was decided by the security committee that the opening should only be possible from the control room. At the dial pad there is a button marked audio. Press that and the control room will answer. They will enquire what is the PIN number, where the vehicle is going and who the driver is. If all in order the boom will be opened from the control room. Dialling from the pad is a direct and no-cost operation
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speed limit Please do not exceed the speed limit: Trumpeter`s Loop maximum 40 Km/h Sub-Estates maximum 20 Km/h Sectional-Title Complexes maximum 15 Km/h Camera speed control is being put in place and the first offenders have been caught.
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Advertise your business in the NEXT ISSUE!
we create awesome. Contact us for a list of Estates and pricing advertise@blackmarblemedia.co.za
For more information, click here to contact Estate Manager, Ronel Mulvaney
THE
Registered Service Providers (click to view) • Gardening Services • Armed Response • Cleaning Services
• Registered Businesses • Registered Estate Agents 12
Coronavirus Covid-19 Impact: Rule changes and additions The rules were changed in line with the lockdown regulations issued by government. These changes are temporary and will change as the levels and ministerial rules are changed. You will be kept informed at all times. In essence, the basic rules are: • Stay at home, • Only go out to purchase essential goods (food, medicine) or to go to hospital or a funeral or to fill up, • Wear a mask when going out, • Do keep the social distance of at least 1 meter. • Sanitise, very often.
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Coronavirus Covid-19 Impact: Effects on the HOA The HOA still functions as before, with the only real difference being that very limited physical meetings are being held by the board or any of the committees. Most decisions required are made on a virtual platform. Depending on the length of restrictions, members will be informed of any changes to the AGM or any SGM if so required. The board members are all fully conversant with the developments relating to the lockdown and do take the required steps where necessary. Estate management are working mostly from office, but do operate
from home at times, where they are fully online and involved with all things happening inside (and outside) the estate. Their personal telephone numbers have been communicated to members. There will always be someone at the office during business hours.
Effects on BC`s The trustees of the body corporates are now allowed to meet but can also do their business on a virtual platform. Employees: What is the situation: All employees are now back in service. Our advice is still to go without home staff if at all possible, especially for the elderly
residents. From an economic perspective it is very important to pay your staff, where possible, as the most important thing to do to get the economy going again, is to spend money.
Help: Where to get and how to give. The festive season is also a very hard time for many people who are in a distressed situation. Keep those in mind and donate where you can. Only by giving will you receive. Sunette Greeff 082 801 7649 and Jason Oberholster 081 212 3220 are both residents who are serious about helping those in need. Help where you can. Please. 14
THE
NEWSDESK
Gardens The new garden committee has been doing wonderful work and some real changes are seen. The circles have been receiving a lot of attention, as they will be part of the signature of our estate. Loads of new plants have been delivered from some very kind-hearted benefactors, as well as local suppliers. The borehole, irrigation and paving are receiving attention, some of it on an urgent basis. The new benches along Trumpeter`s Loop have found approval from many residents, with the planned bookshelves next to those eagerly awaited.
The Park in The Wilds Plans have been drawn up to cater for a Trimpark, pump-track and a pond, all in a serene and natural environment. We are awaiting approval by Tshwane 15parks division. We were informed that the 50-year
Levels
5 Levels of risk has been determined, and we are on level 1 now, which does result in most areas of commerce and flood line is an issue; we are getting professional advice on travel being open for activity. It is expected that travel will how to deal with that. be allowed over the festive season and that there will not be a reverse to a higher level in our area. Elsewhere it may Speeding very well become an issue‌ Please keep to the speed limits. They are there to protect the residents and all other people in the Estate, with Please keep to the basic rules of Covid-19 protection, particular focus on the youth. The fact that there are fewer being regular washing of hands, sanitising, keeping social vehicles on the roads do not mean you can now drive as distance and staying at home where possible. you like!
Builder`s Holiday The builders and related contract workers are going on holiday from Friday 11 December to Monday 11 January. They are to ensure that all building sites are clean, fenced off and that there is no equipment on site.
Market Day Herman Schuld and his team are back onsite, delivering wonderful foods, crafts, and other interesting things you will have to come look at yourself. Every 2nd Friday is becoming a very relaxed home cooking experience, with food coming from the Market Day being provided to many households. 11 December will be the last one this year!
NEWS
Committees at Work News from the various committees are as follows:
Clubhouse: Chaired by Mr Gilbert Muller It is not yet time for parties and all the usual festivities. The clubhouse committee is getting their house in order for next year. Watch this space‌ Finances: Chaired by Mr Alex Philippou The financial statements as well as the budget has been signed off and will be presented to owners at the AGM. Security: Chaired by Genl (ret) Ben Groenewald A lot of work has gone into upgrading the access control procedure, with pre-cleared access, remote boom control and improved camera observation just a few of the highlights. SECURITY TIPS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON General Safety Tips • The year is almost done, and everyone is looking forward to ending a year of hard work and lots of stressful events with a relaxing good time. The festive season is a jolly time, everyone is happy and in holiday mode. Unfortunately, the holidays are also a peak time for crime. The times leading up to the festive season is of particular interest for criminals; they also look to gathering some nice gifts before Christmas.
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NEWS
Committees at Work (cont.)
HERE IS A LIST OF THE MOST COMMON FESTIVE SEASON CRIMES: Vehicle theft Vehicle theft and burglaries from vehicles are a big problem all year round but they are far worse this time of the year. Malls are a big target for vehicle robbery, extra checks should be done once you lock up electronically. That includes testing after locking that the doors are locked and making sure, when approaching the vehicle after shopping, that no suspicious persons are loitering around near your vehicle. Being stranded at your holiday destination without wheels to come back is horrendous. Robbery The festive season is a time for bonuses and robbers are aware that people are carrying
more money than usual during this time. Thieves will try their luck with people on the street, in parking lots and any other public place. Making sure your handbag is near you and properly closed or your wallet safely tucked away is extremely important. Cell phones have become the sole purpose of many robberies and keeping it out of sight as much as possible is advisable, especially coming into or going out of malls and public places. Armed Robbery It has become a favourite pastime for criminals to pick their victims in shopping malls and then to follow them home. Once the victim reaches home, the robbery is committed in a usually secluded place. They can pick their victims from the richer stores such as jewellery or
high fashion shops and link that to expensive vehicles used to by the victim. Watches, weddings rings and such items draw the interest of these criminals. Be on the lookout and extra vigilant when shopping. If you suspect that you are being followed put on the hazard lights and drive to a safe place, usually a police station or very public spot where you are not cornered. When trapped in such a robbery it is advisable to give the robbers what they demand. Stay calm, be submissive and live to tell the story. Identity theft Almost everyone uses the internet these days and online shopping has made it even easier to shop for gifts while missing the mall rush. Thieves are online and offline waiting to swipe your personal information, making sure
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NEWS
Committees at Work (cont.)
you are careful with this information is vital during this time of the year. Do not store critical info on your cell phone. If that gets stolen, a thief will have your critical info, passwords, and PIN numbers at hand, ready to build another you… Smash and grab robbery It is very often an “easy” crime to do for the criminal:- when the handbag; purse; cell phone; laptop or valuables are lying on the passenger seat of a car driven by (very often) a single female driver, to smash the window, grab the objects and run away. The first step should be to add anti-smash and grab film to your car. It costs in the region of R 1500 and will really assist in preventing this from happening. Secondly, obviously, do not put valuables on the passenger seat in open view.
Netstar gives the following advice: Be on the alert when you are driving alone and follow these tips to ensure you don’t become a victim of smash-and-grab. • Be on the alert. Criminals tend to target those that are distracted – usually on their phones or smoking a cigarette. Women drivers are also more at risk and should be particularly vigilant when stopping at traffic lights. • Put away your valuables. When thieves can see valuables from outside the vehicle, you are a target. Make sure you do not have purses, handbags, sunglasses, laptop bags, mobile phones, MP3 players and tablets lying on the passenger seat or in plain sight. Stow your belongings like shopping bags in the boot before you get into the car. • Always keep all doors locked. • You can keep one window open but only slightly. If your windows are struck by a spark plug it will provide some resilience. Don’t open your windows or talk to street vendors at intersections. • Be vigilant. People loitering at intersections, particularly if there are no businesses in the immediate surroundings, are suspicious. • When driving at night, try driving in the middle lane, as criminals tend to hide in the bushes/grass next to the side
•
• •
•
•
lanes. When approaching traffic lights, slow down and try to reach it only when it turns green. If that isn’t possible, stop at a distance from the light as this will give you room to move. If you see any obstacles in the road such as rocks or tyres do not get out of your car to move them. Rather turn around and drive away. Opportunists may be waiting for you to get out to steal your vehicle or its contents. Leave a vehicle length between you and the car in front of you to give you room for an emergency escape. Some areas are notorious for smash-and-grab incidents. Be particularly careful whenever you see broken glass lying on the road - chances are that a smash-and-grab happened recently. You can fit your window with protective smash-andgrab film, which is usually tinted so that no one can see into the car, while also preventing the windows from shattering. Although smash-and-grab film won’t prevent incidents from taking place, it will give you a few extra minutes to compose yourself and drive away. A cautious driver will be able to prevent most incidents of smash-and-grab by being vigilant and putting valuable belongings away. Remember to trust your instincts and rather be safe than sorry.
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NEWS
Committees at Work (cont.)
Home burglary The risk of being burglarised is an all year concern for many homeowners. But it is the worst during the festive season due to so many people going on holiday at that time. Homeowners should take practical measures to protect their properties and valuable belongings. It is always better to be safe than sorry by making appropriate security plans for your home or just being aware of your surroundings during the festive season. Link up with your neighbours and the community to assist and inform and to be assisted and informed when required. The cost of a basic security system is not that expensive and an entry-level system that has
CCTV cameras linked to your cell phone, alerting when there is movement, costs below R 3000. The biggest real risk is being robbed while the inhabitants are inside their home. If possible, gather the children into a safe room, lock and barricade the door and raise alarm, as many and as loud as possible. Every room should have a list of emergency numbers and it should obviously be on your cell phone as well. Do not play the hero and attack the robbers, even if you are well armed. Material goods are not worth that much. Stay calm, be aware and call for help.
Critical Telephone Numbers : SAPS 112 or 10111 or 012-4704200 (Garsfontein) Ambulance 012-3106300 or 0860-999911 (Discovery Emergency) Security 012-9961062 Fire Brigade 10177 Tshwane Electricity Tshwane Water
012-3399111 012-3582111
Duty Manager 082-9783288
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NEWS
Committees at Work (cont.)
Rules & Fines: Chaired by Mr Danie Schoeman The year has gone fairly well, given the abnormal situations. Unfortunately, vandalism and petty crime, linked to random destructive behaviour has been observed several times. At the clubhouse complex young persons were observed damaging taps, toilets, and braai equipment. This is being investigated with security and may lead to very stringent steps (and fines) being taken. Speeding, reckless driving and damage to booms has all been observed and the necessary fines have been issued, as they will be in future. The application by Mr Singh, of Mount Edgecombe vs Singh fame, to the Constitutional court to allow an appeal to that court has been turned down. The nett effect of this is that the Appeal court judgement
stands and is binding on all estates. Fines based on the rules which deem speeding an infringement of the rules, are allowed. Aesthetics: Chaired by Mr Christo Myburgh 9 December will be the last day to submit house sale documentation and amended plans. That does not mean registration will take place this year. All plans are from now on to be handed in in an electronic format, as government is going that way. It will ensure plans do not get lost (mysteriously). Gardening: Chaired by Mr Rupert Oberholster Benches in the Trumpeter`s Loop, new layout of circles, new gardens at the clubhouse, bins in Trumpeter`s Loop and many more are coming. Tree-trimming is high on the list of priorities
Contribution: It is nearly year-end and that also brings a time to share with family and to exchange gifts. For the past 4 years the 69 security officers and 6 garden staff were treated to a food hamper. Last year some residents requested that they also be given the opportunity to contribute to this. If you so wish, please contribute by delivering one (or more) of the 20l food hampers purchased for R 199.00 from Checkers, to the clubhouse. These hampers will be handed to the staff at our annual function to thank these people, most of whom did not have one day off from work this year.
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH :
PEACH CRUMBLE This year has been no ordinary year, so why not change things up a bit when it comes to dessert as well?Enjoy the deliciousness of summer fruit with this easy to make Peach Crumble.
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH: WHAT YOU NEED: INGREDIENTS • 6 large peaches, sliced (about 2 1/2 lb.) • 1/4 c. granulated sugar • Juice of 1/2 lemon • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon • 1/2 tsp. ground ginger • Pinch of salt FOR THE TOPPING • 1 1/2 c all-purpose flour • 1 c. packed brown sugar • 1/2 tsp. salt • 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon • 1/2 c. melted butter • Vanilla ice cream, for serving
METHOD: 1. Preheat oven to 190°C. Make peaches: In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. 2. Make topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in melted 3. butter and stir until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 4. Pour peaches and juices into a large baking dish. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over peaches. 5. Bake until topping is golden and peaches are bubbling, 45 to 50 minutes. 6. Serve warm with ice cream, if desired.
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