Welgevonden Estate: Estate Manager’s newsletter: April 2025

Dear Welgevonden Estate Homeowners and Residents

Progress update: Welgevonden Park

Civil works on the Welgevonden Park project are underway, with the contractor making steady progress. The construction phase will commence once the building plans have been approved by Stellenbosch Municipality.

Traffic and pedestrian safety

With winter approaching, the shorter daylight hours and poor visibility due to weather conditions increase the risk of accidents, especially involving pedestrians.

We urge road users to prioritise road safety. Motorists, please adhere to the speed limit and drive courteously Joggers, walkers, dog walkers and pedestrians in general, remember that the estate’s roads are shared public roads, and you should treat them with the same caution as you would do on any public road.

Let’s look out for and take care of one other – whether you're on foot or behind the wheel, looking out for one another helps keep our roads safe for all!

Visitor parking

We received a positive response to our recent request for residents to avoid parking in visitor parking bays. The ongoing parking audit has resulted in a significant improvement in the availability of these parking bays. Thank you to everyone for your cooperation and support.

Update to access procedures

As part of Welgevonden Estate’s security protocols, all visitor vehicle information is recorded when visitors enter the estate using a GLOCMS access code.

From 1 May 2025, we will also begin capturing vehicle details when residents enter the estate using the biometric access system.

Statistics SA surveys in Welgevonden Estate

A field worker from Statistics SA – Ms Carmen le Roux – will be conducting official surveys in Welgevonden Estate at intervals from the beginning of April until the end of June 2025. She will be carrying a Statistics SA ID card (ID number 8005170109087) and will be driving a grey Toyota Quest with registration number LK 37 FP GP.

Only selected households will be visited, and Ms le Roux will contact these households to make appointments, or to complete the questionnaire on a digital device during the first visit, if possible. (Click here for more information.)

We kindly request that you participate in the survey, if applicable.

Estate landscaping

As highlighted in our March 2025 newsletter, several smaller open areas on the estate have been upgraded and irrigation systems installed. The photos below show the area on the corner of Mountain Silver Drive and Scarlett Crescent, where a 500-litre Syzygium cordatum (Waterbessie) tree was planted, and a park bench placed.

The corner of Mountain Silver Drive and Scarlett Crescent

Prepare for winter

Winter is approaching, and it’s time to prepare your home for the cold and rainy season. In this newsletter, we’ve compiled a few practical tips to help you get ready.

Stormwater management

As per local regulations, lower-lying properties must accept stormwater from higher-lying properties. However, it is essential that owners of higher-lying properties ensure that stormwater is properly channelled through the correct stormwater infrastructure.

Downpipes from your roof should direct rainwater toward the street, feeding into the municipal stormwater drainage system through inlets in the kerbs. Under no circumstances should rainwater be diverted into the municipal sewer system, as this is both against regulations and can cause serious issues such as sewer pipe overflow, wastewater treatment plant flooding, environmental issues, and increased health risks to humans and animals.

Once the rain season begins, keep an eye out for blocked stormwater inlets along the streets. Blockages can lead to flooding, so please report any issues to estate management immediately so that we can arrange to have them cleared.

Home maintenance tips

Your home is one of your biggest investments. Here’s a list of cost-effective, DIY maintenance tips to help protect your property from the winter elements.

Check the roof

Start by inspecting your roof for potential leaks. Look for damaged or bent corrugated iron sheets, loose or missing roofing screws or roofing screw washers, even roofing screws inserted incorrectly in the trough and not in the crest of a corrugated iron sheet. Also be on the lookout for signs of blistering or bubbles which could be an indication of rust forming. Check waterproofing membranes for cracks or areas where they may have lifted. For those with tiled roofs, inspect for damaged, loose, or missing tiles.

Clear the gutters

Clean out gutters, downpipes, and outdoor drains of any debris such as sand, leaves, and roots. Trim back any overhanging branches that could damage your roof or gutters during storms.

Repaint the walls

Seal any cracks in the exterior walls, prep the surfaces, and apply a fresh coat of paint. This will not only improve the appearance of your home but also help prevent water from seeping into the walls, which could lead to dampness inside the house.

Clean the chimney

Before lighting a fire in the fireplace, ensure the chimney is clear of soot that might have accumulated over time, or birds’ nests that may have been built. A crackling fire is cosy, but only if the chimney is working properly and smoke isn’t entering your home.

Seal the gaps

A well-insulated home keeps draughts out, heat in, and energy costs down. Replace broken or cracked windowpanes, apply new putty where necessary, and use sealing strips to ensure that windows and doors seal properly in their frames.

Feel free to add any other preparations that will help your home weather the winter. But remember, it’s better to start sooner rather than later. Winter is just around the corner!

Best regards

Gawie Marx

Estate Manager

7 April 2025