SIMBITHI TURNS 20
Locals, old and new, will undoubtedly agree that there is no Ballito without Simbithi Eco-Estate. Launched in April 2004, this innovative Estate has grown alongside our hometown, firmly planting its roots as a pioneer in eco-estate living and a consistent market leader. Now, 20 years later, Simbithi celebrates an impressive milestone with its thriving community of residents, to recognise how far it’s come.
Where were you in 2004? Simbithi’s developers were looking out over fields of sugarcane and dreaming of the unprecedented Estate they were planning to create. “One of our earliest homeowners said to me that they used to stand on their cars to see over the sugarcane!” says Jodi Chetty, Simbithi’s Marketing and Communications Co-Ordinator. “But, the developers and original board members had a vision.”
Today, Simbithi is 430 hectares of lush greenery, stunning homes, glistening dams, community centres and an 18-hole golf course, with roughly 8000 residents calling it home. Although 20 years may be considered ‘old’ in some circles, the Simbithi team prefers the word ‘wise’. “Our age is a strength, not a weakness, because it means we have wisdom and experience. We’ve made mistakes and we’ve learnt from them,” adds Jodi. “There are people still living in Simbithi who moved in 20 years ago, and some of our staff have been working here for over 15 years. We’re clearly doing something right.”
That something is definitely the community-centric ethos of the Estate. Simbithi believes in building and bringing together. Everyone knows their neighbours, guards greet residents by name, and children play together in the parks. It’s these friendly elements that make the Estate special. Whole generations of families have chosen to make Simbithi their home, highlighting that there is a place for everyone within this Estate.
And, despite the immense growth in residents over the last two decades, they have still managed to keep the community close-knit. Most streets end in a cul-de-sac, encouraging neighbourhoods to create their own ‘little communities’ that interact with each other. “What also makes Simbiti unique is our five community centres,” adds Jodi.
“Wherever you live, there is one close by. Residents are bound to see someone they know at their ‘local’ centre!”
The regular events that have taken place over the years have also played a large role in bringing people together. Whether it’s the annual Easter Egg Hunt or Friday night live music at the Country Club, the Simbithi team is deliberate about building community. “You have the tranquillity and privacy, but it’s difficult not to get swept up in the magic of the Simbithi community,” Jodi says proudly.
This is the beautiful legacy Simbithi Eco-Estate has built over 20 years. Residents and the HOA (SEEHOA) work together to curate a welcoming environment and keep evolving the Estate so it only gets better and better. #SimbithiStrong
Naturally, Simbithi will be marking the occasion with those who call it home. A whole weekend of celebrations is planned with 2000s-themed events, including a Lumo-MTV Disco and Shrek and Incredibles movie screenings for the kids. On 7 April, the Estate honours their ‘official’ birthday with a range of festivities, ending off with cutting the birthday cake.
Although this incredible Estate is recognising this momentous achievement, this is only one part of the Simbiti story, with many milestones on the way as it grows and evolves. Within the last year, Simbithi has inculcated its strategy, undergirded by a mission for pre-eminence as a residential eco-estate in Southern Africa. In addition, all the Estate does is geared towards a vision of guaranteeing its sustainability along the values of integrity, commitment, accountability, respect and excellence.
032 946 8360
@simbithiecoestate
Words by Jordyn Trollip
