Estate Managers
▶︎ Community News
Country Estate
Pebble Rock Golf
and Bushveld Estate
Riverside
Country Estate
Fanus Gouws
Mirilene Swanepoel
»» How long have you been the
manager?
Since October 2004.
»» How did you come to be the
manager?
I had the joy of sharing the experience
of building each resident’s house,
except for the developer’s house, with
all the blood, sweat and tears.
Coming from an agricultural background, I was offered the position by
the developer. I believe mainly because
he knew my abilities, especially for
human relations. The management
of Pebble Rock requires a full-time
employed manager as we are operating
as a fully independent residential
community. I passed the M100 international course for Professional Community Leaders during March 2014
with the support of my Board.
My position could be seen as acting
municipal manager with his office,
administrative staff and workers
delivering all the duties and services
you would find in a normal town. We
maintain every aspect of the estate like
roads, street lights, reservoirs, water
and sewer reticulation. We also act as
water service provider, providing the
upkeep of our own sewage works,
perimeter fence, etc. I liaise closely
with all our service providers (water,
waste removal, etc.), and the security
staff report to and liaise with me as
well. We take pride in all communal
property and services being kept in
proper working order. One must
continually stay on top of every activity
in the estate, observe, listen, and be
pro-active to ensure the continuous
welfare of the residents. Though the
manager cannot possibly do every job
himself, he should stay well-informed
of every action and procedure in the
estate, regardless of the nature of
such actions and procedures, and be
available to his Board, colleagues and
staff whenever needed.
»» What is the biggest concern for
you as the estate manager?
We are experiencing times where the
security and safety of residents has
become the main concern for any
management leader and that is why
we are currently spending millions to
upgrade the security. Furthermore,
practising good corporate governance
on behalf of the members is of the
essence. The main area of concern and
focus in my position is the collection
of assessments (levies), strict financial
control of the company assets, upkeep
and application of a strict collection
policy, and general maintenance of
the estate. My main goals are to meet
the needs of residents, preserve and
enhance common property, to limit
potential injury to residents and protect
property values. Creating a special level
of understanding and goodwill with
all members is important and I thrive
to be openminded and available to my
members whenever needed for a quick
word, help or assistance.
»» What would you like the
residents of your estate to know
about you and what you do?
I believe in being a people person (yes,
we do quarrel) and that is how my
members know me and I think most