In Focus your community magazine – Dainfern Nature Association November 2023
The first month after our AGM has been very successful. Working with our new Chair, Ms Geraldine Harris has ensured that we are concentrating on many areas within the Estate and embarking on a journey to ensure visible results.
Maintenance
Our maintenance team has been inundated with sewer and water issues, and they have done exceptionally well to ensure the turnaround has been very efficient.
Dainfern Passion Roses growing beautifully around our Estate.
Fire Alert
We were made aware of a fire on the Estate where a solar battery caught alight. We urge residents to ensure that when they are installing solar systems, the company is reputable, and they can issue a full COC (Certificate of Compliance) for the work they have completed.
Rugby World Cup 2023
We had some riveting weeks of rugby, and it was wonderful to feel the excitement as our residents were supporting their teams.
Hundreds of residents and visitors watched the final at the Clubhouse and the atmosphere was electric with excitement as they won the final match.
Well done to our “Bokke” – we are #Strongertogether
Thank you to the residents that have decorated their homes and villages.
Successful events held
Our MaDD Spring Fair was just on another level – 105 small businesses and 5 township street vendors had the opportunity to showcase their products and it was well supported by the residents. Congratulations, once again, to the MaDD team of ladies for this event, and thank you to our entire DHA team for their involvement and support too.
By Peet Trollip – Operations Manager. Read more below:
In Focus your community magazine – Dainfern Nature Association October 2023
It is wonderful to have Spring arrive at last with warmer weather and the gardens around the Estate just blossoming with colour. Our golf course is green once again and many residents are out and about on the Estate.
Thank you to our caring community!
AGM – Thursday 28 September 2023
We look forward to your support at our annual AGM which will be a hybrid meeting (held in person as well as online). A link will be sent out closer to the time.
Rugby World Cup 2023
We have had a successful month of events on the Estate kicking off with the beginning of the Rugby World Cup 2023 and many residents visiting the Clubhouse to celebrate together with SIX33. SIX33 have bought extra TVs for the patio area to accommodate everyone comfortably.
It is so exciting to see our residents support their favourite rugby team by decorating their homes – thank you for sharing your “gees”.
Bra Collection
In the month of August, we put out a request for the collection of bras in support of the work done by the Impilo Collection Foundation. On Monday, 11 September, we had Mrs Terisa Hsu-Lee (a Mrs South Africa semi-finalist) come through to collect the bras. She has aligned herself with the Impilo Collection Foundation and is a patron of the Impilo bra drive. She was overwhelmed with the number of bras donated by our generous community (249). We thank you for supporting this very worthy cause. For more information – please click here.
Thank you for your community spirit in supporting our events.
By Peet Trollip – Operations Manager
In Focus your community magazine – Dainfern Nature Association September 2023
This time of year is wonderfully exciting as Spring arrives and brings with it the promise of warmer weather and new beginnings. The Estate comes to life with new growth, blooming flowers, and lush greenery on the golf course which paints a vivid picture of the changing season and the vibrant atmosphere it brings. This revitalizing energy is felt by everyone, creating a sense of renewal and positivity. We look forward to our upcoming AGM (Annual General Meeting) as well as the many exciting events planned for the rest of the year.
Thank you to our caring community!
We thank our community for supporting those in their time of need. Unfortunately, our onsite FSS Security Manager, Mr. Rector Manyama, suffered the tragic loss of his wife during the birth of his beautiful daughter Princess. He sent this heartfelt note:
Appreciation to all the Samaritans who reached out when in need to assist me during the difficult time after the passing of my wife and leaving a precious baby born girl who will be a reminder of my wife’s last day as well as my daughter’s birthday.
I would like to send my gratitude of appreciation to all the Dainfern Homeowners Association staff and Dainfern Golf Estate residents who showed much support and for keeping me and my family in their prayers, donating baby items, and the funds into my account. I was able to arrange and bury my wife in a dignified manner and our baby girl Princess Dinah Manyama is fine and healthy. Appreciation for all your support throughout these difficult times and may God bless you all.
– Rector Manyama
Successful holiday clinics hosted in August
In the August holiday we offered a variety of activities in the form of clinics including soccer, cricket, dancing, tennis, and golf on different days. It was a great way to engage young people in active and enjoyable pursuits during their break. Not only did it provide them with opportunities to learn and improve their skills in different sports and activities, but it also helped them to stay active and socialise with others. It is evident that the convenience of the holiday clinics had a positive impact on both the youngsters and their parents, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.
SANBS Blood Dive
We hosted another blood drive at the Clubhouse, and we know the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) was very appreciative of the lifesaving blood donations.
Golf
On the golfing front we hosted the Dainfern Masters on 19 and 20 August. Congratulations to all the winners. We thank the members that played in the tournament and made it a successful event, and it would not have been possible without our Sponsors – Hailo, Extraordinary Luxury Lodges and Hotels, SIX33, Golferade, Stella Artois, House of Print and Global Golf Retail. Heading into Spring and Summer, the golf course will be much busier in the coming months as we have several golf days booked.
If you are interested in joining our golf club as a member, kindly contact Delia King at [email protected].
Women’s Month
With August being Women’s Month, we partnered with the Impilo Collection Foundation to collect bras for women against GBV. We had two collection boxes and were overwhelmed with the generosity of our residents – thank you very much for supporting such a worthy cause. We also hosted Nikki Bush as a guest speaker at a wonderful motivational talk “Which Jacket are you wearing now”. The attendees were spoilt with treats throughout the morning as well as a few lucky draws too. It was very special to celebrate the awesome women of Dainfern Golf Estate.
Maintenance
In the past two months our maintenance teams have unblocked 16 sewers inhouse, assisted JoBurg Water with unblocking 11 sewers, repaired 54 streetlights, traced, and repaired 5 electrical faults, sorted out 5 manholes, done 35 general maintenance repairs at the Clubhouse, 8 golf cart path repairs, and done 18 pothole repairs. The Trent Stream project and 6th dam de-silting are among many tasks the team completed achieving great results.
A huge achievement with our Maintenance Team is their ability to overcome obstacles and shortcomings when it comes to skills development. The department has gone from basic maintenance to professional contractor level skills and are still being developed daily. In the past year, the team have prepared all foundation works, curbing, or edging in more than one of our current projects.
By Peet Trollip – Operations Manager
In Focus your community magazine – Dainfern Nature Association August 2023
World Class Soccer Clinic
Dainfern Golf Estate was very proud to host the 4-day Jarrad Ince Clinic proudly brought to the players by Global Soccer School International. This world-class coaching clinic was offered to students from 8 – 16 years by Jarrad Ince and his team from Manchester United Academy and JNS Football.
It was wonderful to witness young people who are passionate about soccer receiving coaching from an international group to enhance their skills. Such an opportunity can have a significant impact on their development as players and provide them with valuable insights and techniques.
Paint your own masterpiece!
We hosted such a successful paint night at the end of June that we booked a second one for July!
It was a huge success, and the attendees had a wonderful time. The event was filled with fun, laughter, delicious food, and some painting in between. With close to 100 participants, it’s evident that the event was well-received and enjoyed by many.
Special thanks to SIX33 for their assistance and support in making the paint night a memorable experience for everyone involved. Events like these play a vital role in bringing the community together and fostering a sense of camaraderie among residents.
#Mandela Day
For #Mandela Day this year a decision was taken to support our local organisations.
1. Our maintenance department installed a jungle gym at the Ikemeleng Foundation in Diepsloot and took through many donated items that they in desperate need of.
2. The administrative ladies from the DHA and Trafalgar supported the Dainfern KnitWits for Madiba at Dainfern Square for their 67 minutes.
3. The Golf Department collected donations for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
It was wonderful to actively participate in all these activities and to support Madiba’s goal
of giving back to the world around us and contributing to global humanitarianism.
Exciting new operational asset for the Dainfern Nature Association (DNA)
With the assistance of the Board, Management, and Turfnet, the Dainfern Nature Association purchased a commercial grade “golf bakkie” for use by Olivia Denny (who is the interface between Dainfern Management, the Dainfern Nature Association, and Turfnet) as well as Youngson Thawi who has worked in Dainfern for 13 years.
The cart is an operational asset and will be used in the day-to-day maintenance and development of the nature areas that the DNA is responsible for, moving people and materials to places that are not easily accessible.
We are looking forward to …
hosting a Blood Drive on 5 August, the Masters and Senior Masters on 19 and 20 August and a special Women’s Day breakfast with Nikki Bush on 26 August.
By Peet Trollip – Operations Manager
In Focus your community magazine – Dainfern Nature Association July 2023
Our upgraded playparks are open!
We had a fantastic celebration on Saturday 10 June to share the opening of our playparks with our residents.
Bentwood’s playpark with its new bike track and jungle gym was THE place to be with your bike and your kids. There was a lot on offer to keep them active and happy.
We then moved to the Highgate playpark that has a completely new brightly coloured jungle gym and it was wonderful to see it being the centre of attraction for all the kids that came to join us. A jumping castle, popcorn and ice lollies were also on offer and added to the excitement
of the day.
Finally, we went to Hertford playpark to the brand-new cricket net, and this was officially opened. A professional cricketer joined us on the day to share his knowledge and skills with our youngsters. The afternoon was spent with families having picnics and the kids enjoying not only the cricket net, but also the jumping castles and treats on offer on the day.
We thank Hailo Transfers and the Fidelity Security Group for their generous support and sponsorship on the day as well as SIX33 for joining us. It was a fun day in the sun, lots to elebrate, share and enjoy. Youth Day was a marvel as the Marvel characters brought a lot of excitement and entertainment to our Clubhouse. The young ones enjoyed the opportunity to interact with these beloved characters and a lot of them dressed up too for the day! In the evening we had an awesome DJ with a chill zone for the teenagers to hang out in at the Clubhouse, to relax and enjoy themselves whilst listening to some cool tunes.
Our fathers were spoilt on Father’s Day with a gift from the DHA of a cell phone charger to use in their cars.
Dainfern Passion Rose
You are still able to order your Dainfern Passion Roses ALL the details are in our weekly newsletter, The Dainfern Digest.
By Peet Trollip – Operations Manager
In Focus your community magazine – Dainfern Nature Association June 2023
DNA Newsletter
Dear Residents,
On behalf of the Dainfern Nature Association, it is with sadness that we share the news that one of our long-term Nature Committee members, André Marx has passed away.
André was one of the first members of the committee and gave over 20 years of his time to assist with what the DNA stands for:
André with his passion and knowledge, played a huge part to us succeeding in these goals. André led the Bird Walks in Dainfern, his knowledge was absolutely amazing. Just hearing a bird call he would stop the group and describe the species in detail, its features and way of life. He was unbelievably gifted. His excitement in seeing a bird that is rarely seen in Dainfern was contagious and all shared in his excitement
at that moment.
In 2022 André received one of Birdlife’s South Africa Owl Awards, which he never wanted praise for, but was so proud to receive. With over 40 years of experience, André was an incredible talented birder and he had time for everyone and especially novices. He got excited for those who were just starting out in bird watching!
However, Andre’s amazing knowledge extended beyond just birdlife, he was the sounding board to any decisions regarding the estates natural environment and assisted in creating new trails. He was always the person too, who measured and kept us updated on rainfall patterns.
André even presented at the DNA AGMS. One, which we will never forget, he described in detail the changing birdlife and animal life due to the environmental changes in Dainfern from the early days to current. He had everyone glued to the presentation and no-one left. He received a standing ovation, which one rarely gets at an AGM.
André was a humble gentleman. His passion for nature and his great knowledge thereof deserved to be honoured, which is why the Dainfern Nature Association have decided to name the DNA trophy the ANDRÉ MARX TROPHY.
The trophy, depicting a Paradise Flycatcher, is presented to any Dainfern Estate resident who has done something extraordinary for nature within the estate. It is on display in a glass cabinet at the entrance to the Clubhouse for all to see. There will also be a photo of André on display in the cabinet. His memory will live on in Dainfern forever.
A while back Olivia Denny, our landscaper, came up with the idea of creating another nature trail. André was very excited about her vision. They agreed to keep the new trail as natural as possible. This trail was coincidently called Bird Walk, but will now be renamed to André Marx’s Bird Walk.
Olivia and her team will start work on the trail in the near future. A bench, in honour of André, will be placed where one can ponder and have fond memories of our colleague, mentor and friend, André!
Rest in peace André!
Operational Report
Ladies Club Champs
16 and 17 May 2023
Our ladies enjoyed two wonderful days of Club Championships. We were faced with all adversities of weather – from pouring rain to sunshine with a definite chill in the air!!
This did not deter any of the ladies and there was amazing comradery throughout both days of the Championship, culminating with our very special prize-giving and a wonderful lunch at SIX33 afterward.
The winners of each division were: –
Congratulations to all our winners and to everyone who took part in our 2023 Club Championships.
Thank you to the residents that supported our blood drive on Saturday 6 May.
We received 15 donations on the day for the South African National Blood Service.
Mother’s Day
We celebrated Mother’s Day with a very special menu at SIX33, including live music and clamber club joined us on the day to ensure our little ones were also looked after. It was certainly enjoyed by everyone.
Cricket Nets
Our DHA Maintenance Team have been hard at work putting in cricket nets at the Hertford Village playpark and we are thrilled to have this facility for our children. We had some unfortunate delays in completion due to the rain, uncommon for this time of the year. But progress has been made and we are near completion. Watch this space!
In the gradual evolution from autumn to winter, nature showcases its resilience and beauty. It is a time to gather with loved ones, to share stories and laughter, and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life.
By Peet Trollip – Operations Manager
In Focus your community magazine – Dainfern Nature Association May 2023
Operational Report
Easter Painting Event
We had a very successful Easter Painting event at the Clubhouse on Saturday 1 April. Kids of all ages had a huge amount of fun with painting their very own easter picture and would you believe, the Easter bunny popped in too to share some Easter Eggs. Lots of smiles were shared!
Dates to Diarise
We look forward to our next Blood Drive on Saturday 6 May as well as our Ladies Club Champs that are scheduled for 16 and 17 May 2023.
Stella Artois Players Championship
We hosted another incredible Stella Artois Players Championship for the fifth year in a row. The golf course was magnificent, and the weather was perfect. Congratulations to the 2023 Champion, Kyle Barker. Casey Jarvis shot an incredible round of 59 which equalled the Sunshine Tour record. Daniel van Tonder scored a hole-in-one. We thank everyone who assisted to make this tournament possible and look forward to hosting again next year and making this event even bigger and better.
Dainfern Passion Rose
Don’t forget to order your Dainfern Passion Roses – ALL the details are in our weekly newsletter, The Dainfern Digest.
Kindly email [email protected] with the details below and the amount will be added to your next levy statement (no cash or credit card payments will be accepted).
Autumn is fully upon us, and it is lovely to see the changing landscape as the seasons change. Our Estate is truly beautiful, no matter the season.
By Peet Trollip – Operations Manager
In Focus your community magazine – Dainfern Nature Association April 2023
Operational Report
Finance SGM
We are very pleased that we had a successful Finance SGM on Thursday 9 March 2023. Our budget for 2023/2024 was approved as well as two Directors appointed to fill the vacant positions on our Board. We congratulate Mr Craig Bishop and Mr Brandon Sacks on their appointment as Directors. We look forward to working with you.
Stella Artois Players Championship
We look forward to hosting the Stella Artois Players Championship once again and working closely with The Sunshine Tour on this major event. It will be held during the week of 10-16 April 2023. It is an incredible event, and we invite you to enjoy spectacular golf right
here on your doorstep. Further details around the event will be shared with residents closer to the time.
Dainfern Passion Rose
We received the first Dainfern Passion roses from Ludwig’s Roses and these were delivered to the residents who had pre-ordered and paid for their roses. The next delivery is scheduled to take place in July 2023. Should you still wish to order, kindly email [email protected] with the details below and the amount will be added to your next levy statement (no cash or credit card payments will be accepted).
We would like to wish all our residents a very happy Easter and for those going away during the Easter holidays, please travel safely.
By Peet Trollip – Operations Manager
In Focus your community magazine – Dainfern Nature Association March 2023
Operational Report
Our Dainfern Passion rose is finally ready, having been propagated by Ludwig’s Roses. We will be receiving the first roses shortly and will then deliver them to those residents who preordered and paid in advance. We will slowly be planting these throughout the Estate too – so keep an eye out for this stunning addition to our beautiful Estate.
Rain Fall
We have had an incredible amount of rain this year – 271mm (at the time of writing this report), causing the closure of the golf course on certain days, as well as the massive amount of rubbish that gets washed up by the river daily – especially when there is excessive rain. We thank the Turfnet, Nature Association and Maintenance teams for all pulling together to clean up daily to ensure our Estate is kept tidy.
Generators
Loadshedding and generators are still issues that we attend to daily. We ask for your patience as we all navigate these speedbumps
and sort out queries as quickly as possible.
Men’s Club Champs
We hosted our exciting Men’s Club Champs on 25 and 26 February and we congratulate Oliver Goldhill on being the winner for 2023. We look forward to the Ladies Club Champs in May this year.
Clubhouse Events
There have been several events hosted at the Clubhouse including a blood drive, two bird walks, Dainfern Toastmasters, Dainfern KnitWits and the
Epilepsy Indaba.
Lifestyle Survey
We had an overwhelming response to our Lifestyle Survey, and we thank those who did participate. Our Management and Board are taking the feedback into consideration in their planning and budgeting going forward. We can’t keep everyone happy all the time – although it certainly does guide us in the right direction.
Budget Workshops
We held two successful budget workshops in early February which raised healthy debate amongst residents. Mrs Geraldine Harris, our Fincom Chair, has worked hard with all involved to get the new budget ready for the SGM planned for 9th March. We encourage your attendance and support.
By Peet Trollip – Operations Manager
In Focus your community magazine – Dainfern Nature Association February 2023
Operational Report
We celebrated a wonderful festive season with beautiful Christmas decorations around the Estate. We thank Willie Malherbe for his sponsorship of the decorations at the circle closest to Broadacres Drive gate. Thank you to our maintenance team for all their assistance in beautifying our Estate. We were overwhelmed with compliments from happy residents.
Security Feedback
From a security point of view, we had no security breaches and thank the Fidelity team for their vigilant attention over this period.
Sewage Issues
We welcomed in the new year with loadshedding still upon us, as well as multiple sewage issues due to the extensive structural damage to the Greater Fourways Sewerage Line. We eagerly await the major repairs and bio-clean-up to be done by JoBurg Water.
Generators
We have shared several communications regarding generators and abiding by the rules we have for ownership of them. Please speak to Jill or Janet if you are considering this as an option going forward.
Green Solutions
The DHA encourage all homeowners and residents to consider transitioning to “green solutions” as opposed to purchasing noisy and environment unfriendly generators, because it appears loadshedding is going to be with us for a long time, probably years.
Valentine’s Day
14 February at SIX33
Celebrate this special day with family and friends. Bookings: [email protected] or 011 875 0442.
Fantastic Fridaze
Make your way down to the Clubhouse for the first Fantastic Fridaze of the year. Book your table at SIX33 for 24 February – Enjoy a meal or a drink – prizes to be won! You may be the lucky winner of the cash draw!
MEN’S CLUB CHAMPS
25-26 February 202
Contact: [email protected]
We look forward to another exciting year in our beautiful Estate.
By Peet Trollip – Operations Manager
