Newsletter 4Q2022 & 1Q2023
Dear Owners and Residents of Aan de Weber Estate
Introduction
During the 2022/23 year, the trustees’ main focus was to maintain the momentum built during the previous year, specifically relating to estate maintenance, good governance, compliance to the Estate’s rules and to the architectural guidelines.
Post-pandemic, the demands on the majority of the trustee committee by their respective businesses and/or careers increased significantly, and consequently they were hard-pressed to ensure completion of projects which had been interrupted.
2021/22 Annual General Meeting
The 9th Annual General Meeting was again held on the neighbouring wine farm, Stellenrust.
A properly constituted meeting, comprising of only 12 individuals with voting rights, holding in total 35 votes, formed a quorum. The following individuals were elected as trustees:
Gavin Osborne (subsequently re-elected as Chairperson)
Revere Thomson (subsequently elected as Vice Chairperson)
Ters Conradie
Minette du Preez-Joubert
Paul Mouton
In addition to the above, Ms Jaen Bojè continued in her role as Estate Manager, who, aside from her many ad-hoc duties, coordinated much of the work done by service providers, the maintenance of the residents’ staff register, the owner/tenant register, and provided vital support to the trustee committee.
Security
After the successful completion of the thermal camera installation on the eastern, southern, and western perimeters, the first phase of the upgrade of the existing infrastructure on the northern fence was completed in the December ’22 festive season. The second phase focusing on the improvement of image quality is planned to be completed by the end of May ’23.
With extended periods of load shedding becoming the norm, the lithium battery capacity was bolstered so that the entire security infrastructure can operate without Eskom for periods in excess of 8 hours.
Tutella Securitas continue to be the Estate’s chosen security partner.
Speed Limit and Stop Signs
Residents are reminded that at the last AGM a motion was unanimously approved to have the speed limit reduced from 30kph to 20kph. This in view of the number of small children who play and ride their tricycles and bicycles in the roads, which are quite narrow.
Please also remember to stop at the stop streets. The stop signs are there for a good reason.
Our rules provide for fines to be imposed when the above are transgressed.
Easy and automatic access to the Estate using Mobile Apps
Residents are urged to use the Gallagher Mobile Connect App when entering and exiting the estate. It really simplifies the process, and free’s up the security officers, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons. Failure to use the App might well result in the security officers having to record the driver’s details, photograph the driver’s licence, and scan the car’s licence disc.
In addition, residents are urged to use the “At-the-Gate” Digital User App in order to afford their visitors, and/or service providers (electricians, plumbers, repairmen etc), easy access. With this, the security officers do not have to record their details, scan their licence discs, and inspect their driver’s licences.
The information is necessary for Aan de Weber to comply with the security industry’s ‘best practice’ as recommended by our external security consultants.
Gardens
We would like to thank all residents for their continued support in maintaining the beauty of our estate.
As we move into winter, we would like to remind all homeowners of the importance of maintaining their sidewalks. Even though this is common property, the owners are responsible for maintenance thereof. While we were fortunate to have had rains during the winter season, the hot and dry weather in January and February took its toll on our common areas. Although the trees on the sidewalks are well established, they do still require watering, especially during hot and dry spells, when they can become stressed.
The estate’s irrigation is about 12 years old. In November 2022, the system began to show signs of physical obsolescence, and tree roots began to restrict the flow of certain watering stations. Despite efforts to have our regular service provider assist, the continuous load shedding had caused major problems across their client base, and they were unable to accommodate us. As a result, we had to bring in expensive corporate golf course professionals to resolve the issue.
Through this experience, however, we were able to build a working relationship with specialist subcontractors, who will be used in the future to ensure the longevity of our irrigation system.
During December 2022 we also experienced problems with our borehole’s float switches, the irrigation pump in the dam and the aeration fountain pump. The latter pump has been replaced. After the overhaul of the dam intake pump system, issues with smelly water became apparent. Water samples were submitted to a SANAS-approved laboratory. The results indicated that the water quality was excellent, with insignificant E.coli count.
In terms of the water odour, the opinion is that the irrigation inlet is too close to the edge and floor of the dam. This results in water, together with decomposing materials with a high sulphur content and anaerobes, being taken up into the irrigation system which is causing the strange smell. The inlet will be relocated to the centre of the dam, closer to the aeration fountain.
We are also looking into a backup power system to counter some of the effects of load shedding on the irrigation system.
House Maintenance
The estate is now fully built-up with 102 homes. Many of the homes are over 5 years old, and therefore it is important for us all to keep on top of maintenance issues as and when they first become apparent. Owners are encouraged to ensure that the general appearance of their homes is maintained to a high standard so as to preserve not only the high value of their asset, but the estate in general.
Estate Braai – Friday 24 March
A long-overdue estate braai was arranged by resident Rico Wessels and Estate manager Jaen Bojè. There was a good turnout, the weather was kind to all, braais were lit, and the two jumping castles were fully utilised. A few photos taken at the event can be seen in the Gallery on www.aandeweber.com .
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read this rather belated letter. With the AGM planned for this coming June ’23, there is still much to do in too little time! Thanks to the trustee committee and to many of those residents who step-up to the plate to assist without ever being asked. Aan de Weber is a family-friendly, pet-friendly estate, and is a special place to live.
Gavin Osborne
Chairperson