Estate Living Magazine Invest SA - Issue 41 May 2019 | Page 33

P R O P E R T Y
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Of course, it’s one thing to host these events and activities and
quite another to make sure they are well attended, and more
than this, to ensure that a spirit of neighbourliness prevails. It’s
impossible to ‘manufacture’ this culture; it’s something that
grows out of the residents themselves, Coetzee acknowledges.
What’s helped here is the low household turnover. Coetzee says
that most of Kyalami Estates’ residents live in the Estate for an
average of 18 years – not bad considering that the Estate itself
is only 30 years old. Many of the homes have been remodelled
or refurbished over the years. People may even purchase larger
homes within the Estate to cater for their growing families, but
when the empty-nest stage sets in Kyalami Estates has properties
for this time of life too. ‘There’s a natural closeness that develops
when your family has grown up alongside that of your neighbour,’
Coetzee says.
I N V E S T M E N T
the association has implemented projects like a food garden,
which is tended by all, with the produce shared by all.
Coetzee recounts a story which, to him, encapsulates the Kyalami
Estates spirit. ‘A few days ago, a resident suggested that we set
up a monthly marketplace where people could barter or swap
objects. I love this idea. It shows me that we have been successful
in creating the atmosphere we set out to achieve, one which is
underscored by a common mindset where people are able to
meet and mingle. Above all, it shows me that people who live in
Kyalami Estates have a sense of belonging – after all, isn’t that the
reason people choose to live at lifestyle estates?’
kyalamiestates.co.za
The homeowners association has taken care to make sure that
the community spirit is nurtured not only among residents, but
among staff members too. This is vital, Bowes points out, because
a community needs firm foundations if it is to flourish. To this end,
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