December 2025

MESSAGE FROM THE ESTATE MANAGER

Dear Residents,

It feels almost unreal that we have already arrived in December. As the year draws to a close, this letter offers a moment to reflect on what has been a challenging yet rewarding year for our Estate.

We have faced our fair share of difficulties, each of which tested our resilience as a community while also creating space for growth. Our renewed partnership with the Fourways Road Runners (FRR) is a clear example of this. What began as a complex negotiation has evolved into a flourishing collaboration, enhancing the visibility of both organisations and strengthening our shared community spirit.

Our commitment to security and innovation has also been a major focus. The installation of the Docked Drone Solution, operated by 24/7 Security’s Drone Force, marks a significant milestone—making us the first Estate in Johannesburg to adopt this technology. The system’s enhanced monitoring capability and the noticeable reduction in fence-activation calls to perimeter homes are early, tangible benefits. By taking a proactive stance, we have also secured better oversight of our airspace, reinforcing our commitment to balancing privacy, security, and resident peace of mind.

Across the Estate, residents and guests are seeing the results of our ongoing maintenance and improvement efforts. The new full-colour LED screen at the Camdeboo traffic circle offers a modern, engaging way to share important announcements and upcoming events. Upgrades to the Tennis Gazebo flooring and the Phase 1 bathrooms are progressing as planned and will be completed ahead of the holiday season. The installation of speedhumps on Bushwillow Avenue was finalised in November—our thanks go to all residents who supported the petition; your collective voice was instrumental in securing the necessary approvals.

Among this year’s projects, the River Desilting Project stands out as one of the most significant. This was the second phase of a multi-year initiative to restore the Phase 2 dam, undertaken in partnership with provincial and environmental stakeholders. We are pleased to confirm that this year’s work has been a resounding success. The revitalised Phase 2 waterway and dam area now offer a serene, rejuvenated space for residents to enjoy, and the natural environment will continue to mature as the new plantings take root. For more insight into our proactive approach to waterway maintenance, I encourage you to read the Life Green Group feature in this month’s magazine. Upgraded fencing at the Phase 1 Park and Bike Park, as well as the formalised Trailer Park bays, are further examples of the incremental yet meaningful improvements we remain committed to, removing anything, big or small, that detracts from the Estate’s overall presentation.

A great deal of effort has also gone into building and maintaining strong working relationships with key external stakeholders, including Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), Johannesburg Water, Eskom, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), GDARD, Douglasdale SAPS and CPF, and our neighbouring estates. These relationships continue to improve operational responsiveness, open opportunities for collaboration and ensure that Fourways Gardens is recognised as an active and reputable community within the broader municipal environment.

Governance has been another critical area of focus this year. Property Practitioners, a key stakeholder group, have been extensively engaged to ensure compliance and clarity in line with the PPRA. Fourways Gardens was the first Estate to comprehensively overhaul its Property Practitioner framework, creating a balanced, transparent, and resident-centred solution. The resulting framework has led to increased engagement, enhanced oversight, and stronger protection for our residents through a formalised Code of Conduct.

Our 2025 AGM also ratified the updated Conduct Rules, which aim to maintain good neighbourliness and ensure our rules remain relevant and aligned with municipal by-laws. Notably, most properties within Fourways Gardens may now keep up to four pets (dogs or cats in any combination), bringing us in line with the City of Johannesburg’s regulations and reaffirming our commitment to being a genuinely pet-friendly community, if not the most pet-friendly Estate.

Looking ahead, Access Control, Facility Bookings and Communications are set for meaningful advancement. From December, we will commence the rollout of facial recognition for all residents. We are also pleased to announce that the Access Control tender has been awarded to Be Safe Security (BSS), who played a pivotal role in developing our new Fourways Gardens App. Initially supporting facial recognition enrolment, the app will evolve into a central platform for communications and facility bookings, conveniently unifying these services in one place.

November brought with it the Festive Market and Kiddies’ Christmas Party, favourite annual events that always help lift spirits as the year draws to a close. This was complemented by the Classics Club Christmas Lunch, which offered a warm, festive opportunity for senior residents and friends to spend meaningful time together.

Early December will see our Carols event—the final official HOA gathering before we turn our attention to Festive Donations. The generosity of our community never fails to inspire. Whether through toy collections for underprivileged children, initiatives such as tree-wrapping for breast cancer awareness, or residents’ personal support of various charitable causes, Fourways Gardens consistently shows its heart. Our tradition of gifting a token of appreciation to our Security and Landscaping Teams remains a special gesture. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to safeguard our Estate and maintain its beauty. Should you wish to contribute, please use the HOA banking details on your levy statement or the QR code on our posters—referencing “Festive + Stand Number”—or make a card payment at the HOA office.

I remain deeply aware that this year’s achievements were made possible by the many individuals who have generously contributed their time, skills and support. My sincere thanks go to the Board of Directors, whose guidance and commitment continue to steer the HOA forward. To my HOA team—both behind the scenes and on the front lines—thank you for your consistent dedication. Whether working after hours, on weekends, or under challenging conditions, your professionalism and pride in your work are evident in everything you do. You play a central role in ensuring that Fourways Gardens remains the safe, beautiful and welcoming community we are all proud to call home.

To our residents who stepped in when needed, offered expertise, lent equipment or provided encouragement—thank you. Your generosity and willingness to engage are part of what makes this Estate so special. I am often reminded why Fourways Gardens is described, both in our marketing and by our new residents, as a “Sanctuary in the City”. This is far more than a slogan; it is a lived experience that reveals itself in every neighbourly interaction and every shared moment. New families consistently tell us how quickly they feel at home here, reaffirming what we already know: what we have at Fourways Gardens is unique. It cannot simply be recreated elsewhere—and it is our people who make it so.

Finally, on behalf of myself and the HOA, thank you to all residents and our strategic partners for your support throughout the year. Working together, we look forward to achieving even more in 2026.

For those travelling during the festive season, we wish you safe journeys. May the holidays bring rest, connection and meaningful time with loved ones.

Happy Holidays!

Charlene