Dear Welgevonden Estate Homeowners and Residents
Parking Control Measures
Despite various communications and repeated reminders, a notable number of residents continue to park illegally in visitor parking bays on Welgevonden Estate. Even though the estate’s parking control measures allow residents without sufficient on-property parking to apply for a permit which grants them access to a visitor parking bay for a monthly fee of R350, only 18 residents are taking advantage of this option.
Further, we also get regular complaints from residents about illegal parking on their properties without authorisation or consideration, occupying their private space and blocking their driveways.
Welgevonden Estate has limited public parking, which is one of the reasons the estate’s parking control measures are in place. The rule is clear: Residents must park only on their own properties (in their garages and on their driveways) – not in public parking areas, on pavements, or anywhere else on the estate, unless they have a permit to park in a visitor parking bay. (Please click here for more detail on the Welgevonden Estate Parking Control Measures.)
Estate management is currently conducting an audit to identify illegally parked vehicles. Residents who fail to comply will be penalized in terms of the WHOA Estate Rules. At the same time, we urge all residents to follow the above guidelines to ensure that Welgevonden Estate’s visitor parking bays remain available for their intended purpose – temporary parking for visitors.
Property maintenance and painting
It is encouraging to see homeowners continuing to renovate, maintain and paint their properties. This action not only increases the value of individual homes but also elevates the overall value of Welgevonden Estate's real estate.
However, and unfortunately, there are instances where the wrong paint colours are used that do not comply with the exterior colour scheme outlined in the WHOA Architectural Directives and Design Guidelines (AD&DG). In these instances, exterior surfaces must be repainted to meet the prescribed standards, resulting in unnecessary and avoidable expenses.
Section 5.4 of the WHOA AD&DG specifically deals with external masonry wall finishes, with sub-section 5.4.1 dealing with exterior wall colour selection. Amongst others, it specifies that all new and existing structures in Welgevonden Estate must be painted/repainted in accordance with the approved colour scheme recorded in the AD&DG.
When it comes to new buildings and extending existing buildings, sub-section 5.4.1 also gives guidance on submitting the exterior colours for provisional approval before approved building plans are submitted to the Stellenbosch Municipality. It also specifies that one square meter of each colour to be used must be painted on a wall for final approval on site.
Excom will be extending the above by stipulating a new control measure requiring a one square meter colour sample of each paint colour to be used also to be painted on site for approval when existing structures are repainted. This will help homeowners who are repainting avoid unnecessary expenses by ensuring the chosen colour(s) meet approval before purchasing paint in bulk.
Further details will be provided soon.
Dog walking etiquette on the estate
We appeal to all dog owners to practice responsible practices when walking their dogs on Welgevonden Estate.
It is important to note that it is impossible to predict how dogs will react in specific situations. Therefore, please ensure the following:
Dogs are always kept on a leash when walking on the estate.
They are under the control of responsible individuals who can manage and control them.
Sufficient distance is allowed when approaching dog walkers, especially on the estate’s narrower walkways.
Extendable leashes are sturdy and designed to prevent unintended extension should dogs pull forcefully.
Minors should not be walking dogs if they cannot control the dog.
Please note, in instances where a dog bites another dog or a resident, even by accident, it is the responsibility of the respective parties involved to resolve the matter or take any necessary legal steps in terms of the law.
The safety of children on the estate’s roads
Estate management often receives reports from security personnel and residents about incidents involving the safety and well-being of children in the streets. Concerns include unsupervised children on bicycles, including toddlers on kiddies’ bikes, riding in the streets and facing the risk of traffic accidents. This risk is particularly high on the estate's sloping roads, where controlling a bicycle at speed can be difficult, especially for children.
With more than 2 000 drivers on the estate daily, including delivery vehicles and contractors, often with large trucks with limited visibility, there is a significant risk for children in the streets.
We urge parents to prioritise their children's safety. Please keep them off the streets, or ensure they are supervised by an adult if they go out.
We also ask residents to exercise extra caution while driving, and to ensure their guests do the same. Be especially vigilant for children walking, cycling, or skateboarding in the streets, and always adhere to the 30 km/h speed limit.
Progress on the Welgevonden Park development
Since the January 2025 newsletter, the tender process for the civil works for the Welgevonden Park development has been completed, and the contractor will be appointed shortly.
Tenders for the building contractor has been issued, with the goal of making an appointment in March.
Best regards
Gawie Marx
Estate Manager
13 February 2025
