The twelfth Aan de Weber AGM took place on 26 June 2024 at Stellenrust Wine Farm. Twenty-three members braved the cold to show their support for the smooth running of the estate. Luckily, Stellenrust’s finest was served to warm the conversation and fuel a neighbourly spirit.
Trustee Chairman 2023, Gavin Osborne, led the proceedings, and we are pleased to share a few highlights from the evening’s discussions. Trafalgar emailed the minutes to all homeowners, please reach out to them if you didn’t get your copy.
Your Board of Trustees 2024
Thank you to the homeowners who, over the years, have served on the Board of Trustees and contributed to making Aan de Weber a sought-after estate. The Trustees have been doing a stellar job, all while juggling their own family and work responsibilities.
The homeowners who were elected for the 2024 Board of Trustees are:
- Gavin Osborne ‒ Chairperson, Finance
- Gerhard Neethling ‒ Vice Chairperson
- Stephné de Villiers ‒ Communication & PR
- Johan Human ‒ Aesthetics & Gardens
- Erick Walters ‒ Maintenance, Tech & Security
- Francois Theron ‒ Governance & Compliance
Relieving the guard house of its storage duties
Many Aan de Weber residents enjoy staying fit on the Dornier trails, and many more stay active on online shopping sites. With people away at work during the day, deliveries pile up inside the guard house. This not only looks messy but poses a risk of misplaced packages.
Residents will be pleased to know that the Trustees are investigating a secure and attractive storage solution, which will replace the current postboxes.
The project will kick off soon, and we’re excited that it’s going to take a lot of the delivery headaches away.
Irrigation irritations
Much communication has been shared on the WhatsApp group regarding the irrigation maintenance troubles at the Aan de Weber dam. We are pleased to say that a sparkling dam surrounded by beautiful landscaping is on the way.
The dam was fully drained in the first week of August and the lilies removed, as they were clogging the pump and making the water murky. Irrigation will be done straight from the dam with no tanks being installed. The project will be completed in late August/early September.
Keeping out unwanted guests
Visitor access is currently a weak spot in our security. To help tighten security at Aan de Weber, it’s important to use the At the Gate app, which generates an access code that you can then send to your visitor for entry. When the guards simply phone you to ask for guest access, the entry and exit are not recorded. This makes it impossible to investigate when unwanted guests overstay their welcome.
If you are not yet registered for the At the Gate app, which can be downloaded for free from your app store, please reach out to Jaen Boje.
No F1 (even on Sundays)
One of the biggest selling points of Aan de Weber is that it’s a haven for raising kids. We see them grow from going around the Aan de Weber “loop” in their strollers to riding a bike for the first time. Speeding cars spoil this idyllic scene and pose a serious risk for our children, including those with four legs and fur.
Please remind your guests and tenants about the speed limit. Drive slowly and take in our beautiful surroundings.
An alien invasion
Now, in winter, Aan de Weber is bursting with indigenous flowers (surely you stopped in your tracks when you spotted the King Proteas near the playpark).
While you are welcome to go “bos” inside your own property in terms of plant choices, the garden on the pavement outside your house needs to adhere to Aan de Weber’s approved list of plants that are indigenous and water-wise. You can find the full list under “Aan de Weber Guidelines” here.
You might not know this about your solar panels
All solar installations which include solar panels require a fireman’s switch in order to be compliant with the Stellenbosch Municipality’s regulations. It’s homeowners’ responsibility to ensure that they hold the requisite certificates of compliance and proof of correspondence with Eskom.
A worst-case scenario is when a house without the necessary isolating switches catches alight and damages a neighbouring property. Such damage would probably not be covered by a homeowner’s insurers.
Blown away
In April, the Cape’s first big winter storm stampeded through Aan de Weber and knocked over many trees. The root cause of this damage was discussed at the AGM. What was thought to be hardy, indigenous trees, were, in fact, a mix between an Aan de Weber-approved local tree and a non-indigenous species.
Research is being done to determine the best replacement for the fallen trees, and planting will begin soon.
How to avoid a shocking water bill
Two residents recently received exorbitant water bills due to leaks that they were not aware of. To check for leaks: Take a photo of your water meter. Then, do not use any water in your house, including the washing machine or dishwasher, for one hour. Take another photo of your water meter and compare the photos. If the photos are identical, there are no leaks, and you are good to go.
As we enter the last few months of “kaggel” season, we wish all of you warmth and continued happiness at Aan de Weber. Thank you for helping to make it the best place to live in Stellenbosch.
Images courtesy of resident Revere Thomson.
