Security remains paramount , and the estate offers a professional service consisting of two reaction vehicles , personal panic units in each house linked to the reaction control room , foot patrols , staffed entrances with pre-clearance codes , access cards and VOIP , and two patrol vehicles . Even the dam border is patrolled by the security team to ensure that there is no breach of safety .
COMMUNICATION IS KEY Siobhan stresses that communication within an estate is vital , whether it ’ s between residents , staff and / or the board , and she is a big believer in having an open-door policy . She adds : ‘ I rarely sit at my desk . I have a small boardroom , and I sit there to discuss any relevant issues . It isn ’ t a case of “ I am the authority , and the resident is the transgressor ”.’ At present , communications are conducted through the Glovent portal to ensure that the team remains in touch with the 300-odd homes regarding news and developments . But Siobhan has ambitions to include an app for the estate .
‘ I want our residents to be able to take a snapshot of a burst water main , and generate a ticket . We want to be in a situation where residents take part in the maintenance as they may see something we don ’ t , and this is why we want to use an app .’
FUTURE PERFECT ? In spite of her residing on the estate and her position and passion for the job , Siobhan admits that she can ’ t see herself joining the board . ' I prefer managing the estate , being hands on .' She says : ‘ I ’ d like to be here till I ’ m walking with a stick . There is no place like Bankenveld . We have a golf course , and the estate is close to Mbombela and Pretoria . It ’ s amazing to live here and see animals grazing outside . We have a photo of a zebra crossing over a zebra crossing – where else do you see that ? I love Bankenveld .’
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