May 2026

MESSAGE FROM THE ESTATE MANAGER

Dear Residents,

April arrived with the gentle colours of autumn – leaves turning and drifting, long weekends offering a welcome pause, and the quiet reminder that the changing of seasons brings with it a chance to rest, reconnect, and reflect.

Beneath the surface calm, however, April was anything but uneventful.

Our second SANBS Blood Drive of the year was held early in the month, with 31 units donated by our generous community. This contribution is particularly meaningful in the aftermath of Easter – a period traditionally associated with increased travel and, sadly, higher accident rates. Every unit donated helps replenish stocks at a time when demand surges. To everyone who rolled up a sleeve: thank you. You may well have saved a life.

The 2026/2027 budget has been finalised and distributed to residents. This forward-focused budget ensures that the essentials of security and estate maintenance are firmly in place, alongside carefully considered projects to improve our facilities and enhance estate life. As my second budget as Estate Manager, it reflects the Board’s shared commitment to ensuring that Fourways Gardens remains competitive, secure, and exceptional – without ever losing what makes it truly special: the community spirit at the heart of your Sanctuary in the City.

This month’s magazine also celebrates two wonderful events. Our Easter Egg Hunt drew a beautifully diverse crowd of residents and guests, all enjoying our facilities and one another’s company – a reminder of the warmth that defines life here. We also feature the Classics Club Soirée Française with La Vie Nouvelle TOTALCARE – an evening of elegant entertainment, laughter, and connection for our over-60s community. Both events captured something genuine about who we are as an estate.

Looking ahead, May is packed with reasons to get out and enjoy the estate.

Our Farmer’s Market returns on Sunday, 3 May, at the Phase 1 Park, from 9am to 1pm. The enthusiasm for our trial market in February was extraordinary, and it has allowed us to grow, with nearly 30 stalls confirmed, all carefully selected to reflect the event’s foodie focus. Expect fresh produce, artisan goods, live music, and face painting. We look forward to seeing you there.

May also gives us the opportunity to celebrate the most important women in our lives. On Sunday, 11 May, The Gardens Bistro plays host to a Mother’s Day Lunch, brought to you in partnership with O-Yes Properties. Settle in for a carefully crafted menu, live music setting the mood, and thoughtful gifts to honour every mom in the room – with kiddies’ entertainment on hand to keep the little ones happy while the grown-ups enjoy a well-deserved moment of celebration. It promises to be a warm, memorable afternoon for the whole family. Bookings are essential – watch the newsletter and notice boards for details.

And rounding out a busy month, our first Movie Night of 2026 features Zootopia 2 – an award-winning film with charm to spare for young and old alike. Brought to you in partnership with our sponsors at Century 21, the evening begins with live music in the park at 3pm, followed by a selection of food trucks and, of course, the main feature. This is one not to be missed, so mark Saturday, 16 May 2026, on your calendar and keep an eye out for more details in the newsletter!

On a matter that is close to my heart as both an Estate Manager and a dog-mom: roaming pets remain a concern within the estate. Rather than dwell on the considerable resources spent managing this, I would simply like to appeal, warmly but sincerely, to all pet owners: please ensure your animals are securely contained, and that everyone in your household understands the importance of closing gates and doors. A microchip with current contact details makes an enormous difference – our security team can reunite a chipped pet with its family quickly and with minimal distress. Where animals are unchipped and uncollared, and remain unclaimed, security has no option but to transport them to a local vet, as the estate does not have the facilities to house animals for extended periods.

To assist residents, a Community Fair will be held in the upper Phase 1 Park, opposite the Nature Reserve, on Saturday, 9 May 2026. The event will include pet microchipping and vaccinations with Dog’s Trust, while Identipet will be on-site to assist with microchip registrations and updating your details. Fire extinguisher servicing by CJS will also be available – a timely opportunity to have units serviced and recharged ahead of the winter months. In addition, a Car Boot Sale will offer residents the chance to declutter and give pre-loved items a new home. Rounding out the morning, a guest coffee truck, The Smiling Barista, will be in attendance, so you can enjoy a quality cup of coffee while browsing and using the various services on offer. Spots are limited, so please email Mercy at admin@fwg.co.za to secure yours without delay.

As we settle into the new financial year, I want to reassure residents that the HOA team remains fully available to answer queries and provide assistance. While some matters fall outside our direct mandate, we will always do our best to help or point you in the right direction.

We also genuinely welcome your feedback – a fresh perspective sometimes reveals an opportunity for improvement we hadn’t considered, and a kind word when things are going well means more than you might imagine. Our team frequently operates at the coalface of complex inter-resident matters, municipal frustrations, and competing expectations. They bring dedication, empathy, and professionalism to every interaction – and small encouragements go a long way.

In that spirit, I ask that all residents extend courtesy and respect to every member of our team, whether in the HOA office, security, maintenance, or landscaping. Rudeness and abusive behaviour – even where an apology follows – leaves a mark on morale that is not easily undone. Our people are our greatest asset, and they deserve to feel valued.

Here’s to a wonderful May.

Charlene