BOARD ANNOUNCEMENT: COVID-19 National State of Disaster

The declaration of a National State of Disaster by our President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday, 15th March – while expected, was a sobering moment for our nation. During his address, the President outlined Government’s key strategies to curb the spread of the Corona Virus (COVID-19).

With 62 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Africa as of Monday, March 16th, Government has called on all South Africans to be part of its “extraordinary response” to the global pandemic. Though the severity of the virus cannot be underestimated, now is a time for positivity, hope and belief that – working together – we can reduce the impact of the virus on our country.

And, within the boundaries of our Estate.

Our Senior Management team met on Monday morning to discuss how the President’s announcement would impact Simbithi’s daily operations, and to determine how best to mitigate potential risk to our residents, members and guests. Recommendations were then made to the Board of Directors, who have made some interim decisions but will engage further at their full meeting on Friday.

In order to protect those who live and work within the boundaries of our Estate, and those who will visit us during the time of National Disaster, the following measures are effective immediately:

General

  • Sanitisers are already in place at our access gates, and Community Centres. Due to the sensitivity of our biometric readers, we appeal to you to use the sanitiser after you have scanned your finger print.
  • All Simbithi service providers have been instructed to provide their staff with gloves, and face masks.
  • Disinfection and cleaning of common areas will be increased.

Community Centres

  • When using our Community Centres, please be mindful that there is a national limitation on gatherings of more than 100 people.
  • Disinfectant spray and disposable hand towels will be made available, in accordance with available stock, in common areas, should residents wish to use them.
  • The Heron Pizzeria will be open for takeaway meals, only.
  • Swimming pools will remain open but to be used at own risk.

Public Events

In line with Government’s limitation on gatherings of more than 100 people, the following events have been cancelled/postponed:

  • Quiz Night, 19th March; cancelled
  • April Environmental Talk, 8th April: postponed; new date to be advised
  • St Paddy’s Day Celebration: cancelled
  • Firsties with Winston Smile, 5th April: postponed; new date to be advised
  • Annual BIG EGG Selfie Competition: due to the potential risk of several hundred residents handling the Corriboard egg, this has been cancelled. A revised Easter competition will be communicated, soon.
  • Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Heron: cancelled
  • Dragonfly Adult Dining restaurant will be closed until further notice.
  • At this stage we will adopt Golf RSA recommendations to cancel all major events, and in the short term that will include Ladies Pink Golf day on the 24th of March. Further arrangements will be communicated by the Golf Committee in the weekly Simbithi Golf News.

Simbithi Country Club

  • The Simbithi Gymnasium will remain open for use by members. We will increase disinfection of machines and equipment. The changerooms, however, will be closed. Please carry a towel if you choose to use the Gym, and ensure you wipe any machine or equipment you use during your session.
  • We will be in contact with all clients who have booked weddings, conferences and events at our Country Club; which may host more than 100 people. These dates will likely be postponed.

SEEHOA

Effective immediately, all meetings will be held either telephonically, or online. We appeal to residents to communicate with staff, including the Welcome Centre, via telephone or e-mail, as far as possible. In the interest of limiting physical contact and maintaining social distancing, please only come to the HOA building if it is absolutely necessary.

As a Board, and Estate Management team, we are doing all we can to protect our Estate and our community. There is also a responsibility on residents to join us, by taking the necessary precautions during this time. If you have travelled, or are planning to, please consider self-isolation upon your return.

If you suspect you may have contracted the virus, or you’ve been in contact with someone who has the virus, the Department of Health has launched a WhatsApp line for assistance: simply text “hi” to 060 012 3456, and the auto-response will direct you accordingly. If you are suspect you may need to be tested, the DOH will direct you to have someone test you in your home: this reduces the risk of infecting others, should you test positive. The WhatsApp account also provides the latest in accurate statistics.

As a community, it is our time to come together and support each other; to display the strength, warmth and resilience that characterises Simbithi. Let us remain calm and focus on the facts, as provided by the DOH.

To quote President Ramaphosa:

“Fellow South Africans, this [pandemic] will pass…. if we act together; if we act now, and if we act decisively, we will overcome it.” 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to address these with:

Simbithi Eco-Estate – Malcolm Samuel gm@simbithi.com

Simbithi Country Club – Craig Nell clubgm@simbithi.com

STATEMENT ISSUED: 17 March, 2020