As we approach the end of 2024, it is an opportune time to reflect on and celebrate the achievements and progress we’ve made together over the past year.
This year, the DHA has been fortunate to maintain strong operational cash reserves and a healthy capital reserve fund. These have enabled us to complete several important projects and make substantial improvements to the Estate.
One major milestone has been the completion of the solar project. The clubhouse and both gates are now generating electricity, reducing our reliance on the grid and assisting in cost savings. The final step, filling and tarring the car park, commenced on 18 November.
On the environmental front, significant erosion areas along the river and Trent stream have been secured with gabion installations. This work was particularly critical near Trent stream, where erosion posed a risk to nearby homes. We will continue fortifying areas near bridges in the 2026 financial year to further protect vulnerable areas.
The golf course is thriving and looking great, thanks to the start of the summer rains and the commissioning of new satellite boxes, which greatly improved irrigation during the winter months. The bunker levy balance now stands at R500,000, and plans for the bunker project are being finalised, with work set to begin in January.
We have commenced with the planting of trees across the estate and golf course to prepare for the eventual loss of older trees nearing the end of their lifecycle. This will be an ongoing initiative.
This year also saw improvements to our facilities, including the repairs and resurfacing of the clubhouse pool which now includes a small section for younger swimmers and ongoing work at the pavilion pool. The clubhouse playground received new flooring, and quotes are being procured for additional shading to enhance the area.
Additionally, we’re thrilled to introduce a multi-purpose court at the pavilion, which will accommodate basketball, five-a-side soccer, and pickleball—a great new lifestyle offering.
On the social front, the inaugural Dîner en Blanc on the 1st fairway was a resounding success, bringing our community together for a truly magical evening. We hope this event will become an annual highlight that showcases the beauty of Dainfern.The landscape and golf maintenance contracts were put out to tender this year, resulting in the reappointment of Golf Data and Turfnet. The security contract is currently under review, with the tender award set to be announced in the new year. As several of our contracts are approaching renewal, we are systematically addressing each to ensure continuity and optimal service delivery.
This year also brought changes to our team. We welcomed several new staff members: Marinette van der Walt (Lifestyle), Dwayne Gibson (Golf Director), Lorenzo Agostinetto (Operations Manager), and Elanie Grobler (Estate Administrator). A special congratulations goes to Thabo Monene, who has worked his way up to Maintenance Manager. His dedication and growth within the DHA are a testament to his hard work and commitment.
We also bid farewell to two long-serving members of our team. Jill Terreblanche, who has been with Dainfern for 19 years, leaves behind a legacy of meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled knowledge of the estate. Her contributions to ensuring compliance and maintaining high standards have been invaluable. Similarly, we acknowledge John Galeboe, who will be retiring at the end of the year. We thank him for his years of service and wish him a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.
Finally, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude. The past year has been a period of change and, at times, uncertainty. I sincerely thank the staff and the Board for their unwavering support. Together, we continue to work toward making Dainfern the premier estate it is destined to be.
Here’s to a prosperous 2025 and the exciting opportunities it will bring!
By Geraldine Harris – CEO. Read more below:
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