September 2025

MESSAGE FROM THE ESTATE MANAGER

Dear Residents,

Spring has Sprung – and our Estate has already been a hive of activity this month! From events and rugby screenings to important maintenance projects, the pace has been full steam ahead following the AGM. Buds are starting to show on our fruit trees, and we look forward not only to harvesting from them in the years to come, but also to the fresh burst of energy that spring always brings.

At the end of August, we wrapped up the 2025 phase of our River Desilting Project. New grasses and reeds are now being established to strengthen the banks, and both our landscaping and maintenance teams are working hard to prepare the walkways and riverside rest areas for summer. The last of the shade netting will be removed shortly, and with the rains on their way, we expect the Phase 2 waterway and dam to look almost unrecognisable compared to just a few months ago. This work continues to form part of our broader mission to restore the dam and waterway as much as possible, always within the limits set by the City of Johannesburg and environmental regulations.

Another highlight from August was the launch of our Access Control Proof-of-Concept testing for facial recognition. We are grateful to the many residents who joined the testing pool, and the early results have been very encouraging. Once the Access Control Tender Process is finalised, the outcomes and next steps will be communicated. If the trials confirm the promised speed and reliability, residents and visitors alike can look forward
to much smoother access at our gates.

It also gives me great pleasure to celebrate the initiative of one of our young residents, Mila Wheeler, who hosted a stall at the Junior Entrepreneur Market to raise funds for Woodrock Animal Rescue. Her generosity and thoughtfulness inspired the HOA to match her fundraising, resulting in a total of R9 000 being donated to this worthy cause. Mila’s small act of kindness is a wonderful reminder of the spirit of community that makes our Estate so special.

Looking ahead, September promises to be a very busy community month as our events calendar moves into high season. Alongside rugby screenings at The Gardens Bistro, a SANBS Blood Drive, EcoKids, Quiz Night, the Monthly
Draw and the Evergreen Cocktail Evening, two standout events deserve special mention: Movie Night and Beer Fest.

Movie Night will be a double treat this year! From 3 pm, enjoy live music in the Phase 1 Park, followed by an outdoor screening of Paddington in Peru. A variety of food trucks will be on hand, and the evening will be filled with fun extras, including popcorn and slushies, a themed photo booth, and more. Be sure to bring along camping chairs, picnic blankets, hats and sunscreen, and join us for what promises to be a memorable day of community and connection.

The Gardens Bistro will also be hosting its ever-popular Beer Fest, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever, with fantastic beer specials, a themed menu, and live music. Be sure to book your table early for this unmissable celebration!

The Gardens Bistro team has been busy behind the scenes crafting an exciting New Menu that promises to impress! From wholesome breakfasts to start your day with energy, to an array of tapas, bao buns, crisp salads, pizzas, pastas and burgers, there’s something to tempt every appetite. Be sure to leave a little room for one of their delicious new desserts. To complement your meal, the drinks list now features an expanded selection of wines by the glass, with weekly specials showcasing unique and interesting vintages. And if you’d prefer to enjoy a meal from the comfort of home, the Bistro’s delivery team is on duty every day of the week, ensuring restaurant-quality meals are only a call away.

So get ready – this summer in Fourways Gardens is going to be a thrilling ride! From exciting events to shared moments with neighbours, there’s more fun, more community, and more reasons than ever to join in.

Wishing you all a wonderful start to spring – may it be a
season of growth, joy, and community spirit.

Warm regards,

Charlene Marlin