As we move into the final quarter of 2026, it is a good opportunity to share with residents and tenants some of the work that has been taking place across Monaghan Farm over the past few months.
By Chandre Buys, General Manager, MFHOA
Much of the work undertaken by the Monaghan Farm Homeowners Association (MFHOA) happens quietly in the background. Residents may not always see the weekly maintenance programmes, infrastructure inspections, compliance work, contractor meetings or operational interventions taking place, but collectively these activities are essential to protecting the Farm and continually improving the environment in which we live.
It has been a particularly busy few months, with a focus on infrastructure, recreational facilities, water security, environmental management, security, construction governance and the general upkeep of the estate.
The development of the Bach Sports Precinct has understandably been one of the most visible projects on the Farm.
Good progress has been made with the new padel courts, multi-purpose court, associated parking, landscaping and supporting infrastructure. Tree planting has commenced, with particular attention being given to ensuring that the completed precinct integrates naturally into the Monaghan Farm environment.
As communicated recently, substantial underground rock was encountered during completion of the stormwater infrastructure, requiring additional excavation and affecting the original opening programme.
While disappointing, it is important that the underlying infrastructure is completed correctly. The project team continues to work toward practical completion as quickly as possible.
Our new Playtomic booking platform, which will be used by residents to view availability and book both tennis and padel courts, is also being introduced. The platform will simplify bookings while assisting the MFHOA with the effective management of these facilities.
Work on the new gym is progressing in parallel. Following an extensive tender and evaluation process, Flash Fitness has been selected as the proposed operator, with equipment selection and facility planning now substantially completed.
Electrical infrastructure, CCTV, connectivity, access control and the internal layout are all being coordinated as part of the fit-out process.
These facilities represent an important long-term investment in the Monaghan Farm lifestyle, and we look forward to seeing them move from construction into everyday community use.
At The Other Side Country Restaurant, we are also refreshing the recreation area.
A new air hockey table, soccer table and old-school arcade game are on order and will replace the existing games equipment, which has been well used and enjoyed by residents and families over the past few years.
The recently installed fine-mist cooling system in the courtyard is another example of the smaller improvements being made to enhance the experience of residents and visitors during the warmer months.
A word of thanks must also go to Johnny, Ashwin and the team at The Other Side, who continue to serve great food and match it with good service. The restaurant remains an important part of the Monaghan Farm experience, and we appreciate the team’s continued efforts.
Water security remains one of the most important focus areas.
Groundwater investigations have continued, including borehole yield testing, water-quality analysis and the necessary regulatory engagements. This forms part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the Farm’s long-term water resilience.
Our sewer pump stations, bulk water infrastructure and potable water meters also continue to be monitored closely. Most recently, a possible fault with the City’s bulk water meter was identified and referred to the City of Tshwane for investigation.
Maintenance at the Wastewater Treatment Works has continued, including repairs and replacement of mechanical components.
We are also presently awaiting tenders for the repair of the spillway on Alaric Avenue. Once the tenders have been received and assessed, we hope to progress the works as soon as practically possible, subject to contractor availability and the necessary project arrangements.
These are not always visible projects, but they remain among the most important pieces of infrastructure managed by the MFHOA.
Maintaining Monaghan Farm’s landscape and environmental character remains central to our daily operations.
Alien vegetation clearing, grass cutting, trail maintenance, village inspections and general environmental housekeeping continue across the estate.
Additional tree planting has taken place around the Bach precinct and entrance areas, while landscape planning continues for other prominent spaces.
With summer arriving, the Farm is once again becoming noticeably greener and our birdlife is abundant. It is one of the great privileges of living at Monaghan Farm and a reminder of the importance of continuing to protect our natural environment.
Protecting Monaghan Farm’s open spaces remains a shared responsibility, and management will continue to act where activities impact HOA property or environmentally sensitive areas.
Our security infrastructure, including cameras, sensors, access-control systems and the control room, remains fully operational and continuously monitored.
Encouragingly, recent reporting periods have remained relatively quiet from a security perspective. The consistent and professional approach of our security team is to be commended, and we thank the officers and security management team who remain vigilant and committed to the estate every day.
Importantly, however, security at Monaghan Farm is not the responsibility of the security team alone. Our resident community forms an important and integral part of the estate’s overall security environment.
Every household has a role to play. Responsible management of access to our homes, awareness of who we allow onto the estate, and ensuring that household employees, service providers and contractors are correctly registered all contribute to maintaining a secure environment.
Fair, responsible and respectful employment practices in relation to household staff and contractors are equally important. Clear employment arrangements, responsible management when employment or contractor relationships come to an end, and ensuring that access permissions remain current, all positively contribute to the overall security status of the estate.
Security is at its strongest when management, our security team and residents work together.
Road safety also remains an ongoing focus. The 40 km/h speed limit applies throughout Monaghan Farm, and residents, visitors and contractors are reminded that our roads are shared by vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, runners, children, horse riders and wildlife.
Our ongoing engagement with SAPS and other security stakeholders also continues as part of strengthening broader security relationships.
One of the less visible but significant initiatives undertaken during the past few months has been the implementation of the new Construction Management System.
The system provides clearer requirements for property owners, architects, professional teams and contractors and is intended to improve consistency in the administration of building projects.
Particular emphasis is being placed on professional oversight, site safety, construction timeframes, environmental protection, contractor conduct and compliance with approved plans.
With the year-end period approaching, residents planning building work, home improvements or general repair projects are encouraged not to leave these works too late. We are now only around 11 weeks away from the period when contractor access to the estate becomes limited, commencing from 15 December 2026 until approximately 6 January 2027.
If you are considering those long-awaited home improvement or DIY projects, now is a good time to get the planning and contractor arrangements underway.
Residents are also reminded that approval from the Monaghan Architectural Committee (MAC) must be obtained before commencing any work that affects the external appearance of a property, including alterations to the exterior of a home or changes to an approved landscape plan.
Where in doubt, please engage with the MFHOA or MAC before commencing the work - approval first avoids unnecessary complications later.
Construction and improvement are an important part of a growing community, but they must take place in a manner that protects neighbouring properties, common areas and the broader Monaghan Farm environment.
August also saw the successful conclusion of the MFHOA Annual General Meeting and the transition to the newly constituted Board.
Following the Special Resolution adopted by members, the Association’s Memorandum of Incorporation was amended, lodged with and accepted by CIPC, and the updated document has been made available to members.
The new Board has subsequently allocated portfolios and committees covering key areas including finance, security, projects, sustainability, social, marketing and mobility.
Management continues to provide the Chair and Board with detailed weekly operational reporting, ensuring that emerging matters are identified early and issues requiring Board direction are dealt with efficiently.
It is encouraging to see our shared spaces being actively enjoyed.
Bilavudu Stables has welcomed a number of new members and is currently operating at capacity. Thank you to Thomas Reyneke for his continued management of the stables and contribution to the equestrian side of life at Monaghan Farm.
We are also noticing more residents taking up walking, running and jogging and making use of the trails to explore the estate. It is wonderful to see our open spaces being enjoyed.
Residents using the trails can also be an extra set of eyes for management. If you notice something that requires attention, appears out of place or simply needs some explanation, please send management a WhatsApp with a photograph and a location pin where possible. This allows us to identify the exact location and respond much more efficiently.
And while enjoying the trails and open spaces, a friendly reminder to our dog owners: please keep dogs on a lead. This is important for the safety and enjoyment of fellow residents, other dogs, horse riders and our wildlife.
Alongside the larger projects, routine maintenance and smaller improvements continue throughout Monaghan Farm.
These include landscaping, road maintenance, trail work, repairs to shared infrastructure and continued attention to the presentation of the estate.
Some improvements are large capital projects; others are relatively small interventions. Both are important when the objective is to continually improve Monaghan Farm.
Our immediate focus over the coming months will remain on:
Monaghan Farm is a substantial and complex environment to manage, and priorities can sometimes change quickly as infrastructure, environmental or operational matters arise.
What I hope residents can take from this update is that a considerable amount of work is taking place every week, much of it behind the scenes, to protect what makes Monaghan Farm special while continuing to improve the facilities and services available to our community.
Thank you to our residents, Board members, committee members, staff, contractors and service providers who continue to contribute to this process.
We look forward to an exciting final few months of the year and, with summer upon us, hope residents will continue to get out, explore and enjoy everything Monaghan Farm has to offer.
Chandre Buys
General Manager
Monaghan Farm Homeowners Association
