Mbabane Club

April 2023 News Update

Greetings, and we trust everyone had a pleasant and peaceful Easter holiday.

Firstly, a warm welcome goes out to our new members:

Nokuthula Dlamini Ray Dlamini & family Charles Hlatshwayo Phephile Jele Musa Kunene Lucie Masuku Melinda Mazibuko Dumsani Mhlongo & family Nkonyane Musa

Phundokhuhle Ndlangamandla Ncamiso Ntshalintshali Suhle & Nomfundo Mavimbele Thabo & Lomkhosi Magagula Phindile Ndlandla & family Dingane Nkwanyana Mandla Shabalala Sibusiso Shongwe Precious Waweru & Banele Ngcamphalala

A warm welcome to you all. It’s good to see that membership is increasing and recently we have had many more applications that the Club Committee will approve at its next monthly meeting. Currently, the Club has 289 members, an increase of 8% on last year.

Events

Friday 5 May, Live Music by Wicked World, 5pm ‘til late, free for members and your guests.

Also, remember we have a braai on the outside veranda for your use, and braai packs are available to purchase at the Club.

Club Access

Currently we are trialling a face recognition system at the main door and lower car park gate. As many of you are no doubt aware, there have been some ‘teething’ problems. Our trial period is soon to end, and a decision must be made on whether to keep the system or revert to something more ‘low tech’. Keypad entry is still in use for the lower car park gate (3568#).

If you have an opinion, either for or against the face recognition system or any other door/date access system, please let us know (contact details below).

Club Facilities

Refurbishment of the ladies’ toilets should be finished soon, and then we will move on to painting the walls in the entrance corridors.

The Committee is preparing an Improvements and Refurbishments Plan for the Club’s facilities and we welcome any ideas or suggestions that you may have. Details of what’s proposed will be shared in due course.

Finance

We are extremely pleased to report that the Club’s financial troubles are behind us, and our once sizeable bank loan is now essentially paid off. Thanks go out to all our members who supported us through probably the most difficult decade in the Club’s history. In the coming years, and as a non-profit organization, we anticipate investing surplus revenue in long-overdue refurbishments and in improving the sporting and social facilities of the Club.

Miscellany

In a previous newsletter a call went out for donations and Frances Takis has written to say “how grateful all the people [in the communities supported by Purple Industries] are to have received clothes, toys, magazines, books etc., from all the generous people who gave things to Purple Industries.  It has all been delivered and is SO appreciated.  Thanks very much indeed everyone.  If anyone would like to come out with me and see the work that is being done, please don’t hesitate to call me. It has been incredible.  Thank you everyone.” Frances.

Good day Club Members

The first newsletter of 2023 and it’s a brief one.

Door and Gate Access

Problems with the keypad access have prompted us to try a face recognition system. It has already been installed at the front door, gym door, and the back gate. It will soon go operational and you need to have your photo taken by the camera at the gym door to gain access to the club.

For a smooth transition, please get your photo taken soon, and the door and gate will then open with ease when the system is turned on.

If you can’t get to the club in the next few days, no worries, just go to the front door where Qiniso or Lola will let you in and sort everything out.

Renovations

Work will soon commence on renovating both the ladies’ and gentlemen’s toilets. The work will be done in phases, commencing with the gents. It will take about a month and in the meantime the toilet facilities in the gym will be available to club members.

Other improvements in progress are reupholstery of the bar stools and we should soon have new couches in the lower Lang Bar.

New Members

A warm welcome is extended to:

• Thabiso Gama
• Lomakhosi Magagula
• Lloyd Mberi
• Sanele Makhubu
• Samson Haumba
• Patrick Ward

And all the golfers who have upgraded to become full club members.

Suggestions and Complaints

Please forward any suggestions for improving our club to secretary@mbabaneclub.co.sz and any complaints you may wish to make. We received a complaint recently, which we appreciate, and action has been taken to rectify the matter.

Membership Cards and Discs

Cards are available at reception if you want one. Parking discs will be soon.

That’s it for now. More in our next newsletter.

Greetings Club Members

It has been a few months since the last Mbabane Club newsletter and much has happened in the interim.

Annual General Meeting

The AGM was held on Tuesday 25th October 2022. The highlights were…

• adoption of amendments to the Constitution, and these can be found on the club website at www.mbabaneclub.co.sz.
• the election of Mr Mafukuzela Gladstone Nojekwa as an honorary life member in recognition of his 50 years’ of continuous membership of the club
• election of a new General Committee and Trustee, who are…
  • Mr Ali Resting, President
  • Mr Lean Drinkwater, Vice President
  • Mr Sean Johnson, Secretary
  • Mr George Nisbet, Treasurer
  • Ms Jennifer Neves, Lady Member
  • Mr Ncamiso S Dlamini, Gentleman Member
  • Mr Mduduzi Nyoni, Trustee
• Thanks were extended to Mrs Neliswe Nyawo, past Lady member, and Mr Mduduzi Nyoni, past President, for their service on the committee, and to Mr Danny Lee for his long tenure as a Trustee.

2022-23 Membership Renewals

Many thanks to all of you who have paid your membership subscription, and your support is much appreciated.

Door and Gate Access Code

This will change on the 16th December to 1470. At the front door this will be 01[ok]1470[ok] and the back gate it will be 1470#. If you have difficulty contact Qiniso or Lolo on 78510963 at reception.

Events

• We will be holding a Kids Summer Camp on the following days in December – 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22.
• Parents to contact 78510963 so we can start a WhatsApp group and update parents on starting times, ending times, price per day and what to bring.
• A Christmas Quiz is planned for Wednesday 21st December. Contact Sarah Dixon on 7645 1495 to enter your team of four.

Please visit our Facebook page for news of all upcoming events.

Sports

Tennis players are reminded they need to purchase a sticker or pay in advance for the year in order to use the courts. The money goes toward maintaining the courts.

No further news to report on the City Council’s proposed relocation of the golf course now that our lease has expired. Updates when we know more.

There is touch rugby at the Albert Millin every Tuesday and Thursday evenings and occasional cricket at the practice nets on Friday evenings. Let us know if you are interested and someone will be in touch. The Park Run is every Saturday morning at 8am. Club members have a 30% discount on gym fees.

If you’re unfortunate and pick up an injury, Nicole the Chiropractor practices at the Club. Her number is 78613160.

Facilities

We have recently purchased and installed a large HD TV for the lower Lang Bar for watching those big sporting events at the club.

Renovations to the ladies and gents toilets are planned for early in the new year. Some inconvenience is to be expected;-) temporary facilities will be in use.

New Members

We welcome to the club the following new members…

• Serena Kwok Choon (single)
• Yvonne Mavengere (sport)
• Mpendulo Shongwe (single)
• Christopher Bivens (family)
• Yu-Ju Lin (single)
• Mndeni Shabangu (single)
• Kathryn Jenks (family)
• Moyo Nyagallang (family)
• Ndzingeko Dlamini (family)
• Ernest Mkhonta (single)
• Vusi Dlamini (family)
• Hailu Abera Mulati (sport)
• Muzilianele Keith Manyathi (single)

Miscellany

Donations or willing to help those in need? Please contact Frances Takis via the club.

Contractors and suppliers – please contact us if you would like to advertise at the club or to provide your services or products to members or to the club.

Membership cards and parking discs for 2022-23 will be available soon.

For sale – a large Russel Hobbs high velocity pedestal fan, bought last year for 1,449 and never used and still boxed – yours for 1,000. Call Sean on 76889962.

Taxis – Derrick 76171559, Mabuza 76070849, Mokoena 76144282, or Sabelo 76053068.

Keep safe and have a wonderful Christmas

Mbabane Club Committee & Management.

September 2022 News Update

Hello everyone, and welcome to a new Club Year. Yes, that means it’s Subscriptions Time again! But more about that later…

Firstly, a warm welcome goes out to our new members:

• Mpendulo Shongwe
• Christopher Bivens & Mireille Kalou
• Lin Yu-Ju Lin

Secondly, we would like to recognize the longstanding membership of Francis Takis, a past long serving club secretary, who says she has been a member since … let’s just say, over 50 years!

Events – nothing is planned for the coming month or two, except that the Albert Millin restaurant will be holding one of their popular ‘Pop Sundays’ later this month – details of this and all their events can be found on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Quiz Night – these should return next month with the return of our resident quizmaster Peter Dixon.

Subscriptions – these are now due, and invoices will go out over the next couple of weeks. If you don’t need an invoice, please feel free to pay your subs online to: account number 62579153512, First National Bank 8883, using your full name or membership number as our (payee) reference (Mbabane Club can be your reference, but please, use your name for ours!) Subs have remained unchanged from last year and are:

Mbabane Club	2022-2023
Class of member	Subs	Notes
Life Members	None	Lump sum fee payable
Ordinary Members
Single	1,975
Family	3,400
Country Members		Resident > 16km from Mbabane
Single	1,350
Family	2,500
Honorary Members	None
Honorary Life Members	None
Temporary Members		Per month
Single	400
Family	600
Senior Members	Discount	As per last year or on application to the Secretary.
Young Adult Members	800	< 25 years of age
Sports Members	1,600	No voting rights

Note that Social and SGU (golf) membership categories have gone this year as they were removed following adoption of a revised Constitution at last year’s AGM.

Subscriptions are payable preferably by the end of September and definitely before the AGM.

Annual General Meeting – will be held during the third week of October on a day and time to be announced. A notice will go out soon calling for nominations to the committee and for any resolutions, additional agenda items, or proposed amendments to the Constitution.

Section AGMs – the golf, tennis, and squash sports sections will be holding their annual meetings during September. Dates will be announced in due course, or you can enquire from the section directly via

• Golf – Fisiwe Vilane – fisovee@gmail.com
• Tennis – Peter Plachkov – designarchitects@realnet.co.sz
• Squash – Erick Dlamini – dlanincamiso556@gmail.com

Club Byelaws – it’s time for new/updated byelaws to augment the Constitution and provide rules for managing the Club and for guidance of members. These are in draft form, available on the Club’s website, and any comments, additions, changes etc. from members would be most welcome.

Website – the public front page is at https://mbabaneclub.co.sz. To access the member’s area, the code is the same as the current door/gate keypad code (3568).

Club facilities – members may have noticed some improvements and maintenance works. Improvements include the installation of a new built-in braai and ceiling on the veranda and additional security lighting in the lower car park. More improvements are planned in the coming months. Your committee would welcome any suggestions and comments via the website or secretary@mbabaneclub.co.sz.

Committee matters – nothing further, as yet, to report on the extension to the golf course lease.

Miscellany – a big thank you goes out to everyone who has left clothes etc., at the Club for Purple Industries.  Everything has been delivered to those in need and they were extremely grateful for everything.  “It is heartwarming to see that there are so many people who care and donate to those in need” says Frances Takis.

mbabaneclub.co.sz |info@mbabaneclub.co.sz

WELCOME

Good Day to everyone, please find our June Newsletter, enjoy reading and feel free to provide us with any feedback.

New members

A warm welcome goes to the following new members:

• Michael & Sarah Nann
• Phindile Ndlandla
• Bafana Mhlabane
• Mathokoza Manana
• Tharaka Dissanayake
• Melissa Chiringah
• Sabelo Nkambule
• Johannes and Katherine Botha
• Cedric Fedida and Laila Nazaral  
• Takhona Khumalo
• Trevor Andrade
• Adib Miri
• Alex Kay

And to the following returning past members:

• George Mzungu
• Stewart and Jabu Harding

Condolences:

Our sincerest condolences go out to the family, friends and compatriots of our honorary member, loving Father and Grandfather, Don Blignaut who passed away late on 25 May 2022.  Don served as Club President between 1990-1992 and then again between 1999 and 2001. An avid golfer, he also served as captain of the golf club in 1987-88.

We wish his family and loved ones, courage and send them lots of love and comfort at this time of sorrow. 

Congratulations:

To Mr & Mrs Bruce & Diane Becker on their marriage. We wish them all the best and many years of happiness together. 

Acknowledgements:

The Mbabane Club wishes to acknowledge and celebrate, Mr. Mafukuzela Gladstone Nojekwa on his 50^th Year of continuous membership of the Mbabane Club. He joined in 1971 and in that time has also been golf captain.  Half a decade is longer than many of us have been alive and certainly a lesson in loyalty and consistency that the Club is proud to share as an accolade.

Our database may be a little incomplete and missing these iconic memberships. If you have honoured the Club long enough to commemorate a milestone of membership, please do indicate to Jennifer so that our records are brought up to date and acknowledgements are made accordingly.  

EVENTS 

Quiz Night is usually on the 3rd Wednesday of every month and usually presented by Peter Dixon, but Peter is now back in the UK for 6 months and we have been promised volunteers to set the quiz in his absence. Updates to follow, and please contact Qiniso on 78510963 to enter. Dinner is also available on the night.

Live Music & Events – The Albert Millin hosts a lot of live music & small events. Please check out their Facebook or Instagram page – the Albert Millin and you will see the latest events taking place. Mbabane Club members get a discount & often free entrance to these events. 

CLUB IMPROVEMENTS

The Mbabane Club will be getting rid of the old lounger chairs around the pool. If you would like to take 1 or 2 of them, please contact us and we request you exchange indigenous plants for the chairs. We are trying to get the garden and surrounding areas looking good for summer time. 

The Club premises have fared relatively well given the rich history, sporting competition, and social interaction they have provided for over 70 years, and the toll is now starting to show. Initial proposals for consideration for capital investments and refurbishments include, a multi-purpose court (where the basketball court is now); extending the swimming pool to 25 metres and adding solar heating; for the Lang Bar – new furniture, carpets, windows/foldback doors, large-screen TV; improved lighting; refurbish and redecorate throughout. The Committee is keen to hear your thoughts and suggestions on these initial suggestions and how the facilities and benefits for members can be improved. Either forward your ideas or thoughts to Jennifer. Your input and feedback is important and appreciated!

Committee matters:

The question of the golf course lease is back on the agenda following a recent request received by the Mbabane City Council. Although the main club property is title deed land, the golf course is leased from the Government (now the City Council). When the lease expired in 2013, the City Council agreed to a 10 year extension, and so the question of ‘what happens now’ is once again being asked. The Club President, Vice President and golf Captain will be meeting with the City Council soon to find out.

SPORTS

Tennis Everyone using the tennis courts is required to pay to use the courts. Players can purchase a sticker from reception or from the bar for E60 per 1.5 hours and put that sticker up on the booking sheet which is under the thatched area at the courts. There is an additional fee for playing under lights which the committee will announce in due course. Tokens for the floodlights are available at the bar.

If you are a regular player, a discounted court fee is available by paying in advance. Contact Peter Plachkov for more information.

Tennis Lessons are done by Coach Bongani. Please contact him on 76689437.

Golf. The course is in excellent condition and we invite all members to enjoy a round of 9 or 18. There is a social 9 hole competition every Friday afternoon from 2pm and 18-hole competitions from noon on most Saturdays. Please contact our golf captain Fisiwe for further information.

Should you be interested in Golf Lessons we have Peter Dlamini & Jay Le Roux who can help you or your kids out. Please contact them for more info.

Squash. Both the courts are in great condition. Please make sure you wear non-marking shoes. Tokens can be purchased from the bar. We are having a Squash Social League starting soon. Please let us know if you would like to play – all welcome. We will add you to the WhatsApp group and you’ll know exactly what days we are playing and who’s in your team.  

The Committee kindly wishes to promote the uptake and subscription to squash at the Club and in this respect, requests members to donate their old squash rackets to this end.  Please get in touch with Erick Dlamini if you wish to make a donation.

Netball is played most Tuesdays at 5pm on the Millin Field. Young and Old are encouraged to put on their shoes and have a social run around. Please contact Lean Drinkwater for further information  

Touch Rugby Played on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the Millin field at 6pm. Please let us know if you are interested and we will add you to the group.

Cricket We have practice nets at the back of the Tennis Courts and practice is usually Friday afternoons. Please contact Charlie Bethel if you are keen to join us on 78021353.

Basketball We will be having a meeting to arrange a coaching programme for juniors, so those parents who might be interested should have some good news soon. 

Park Run is back. Kicks off at 8am every Saturday Morning. Get there a few minutes early to ensure you aren’t left behind. 

Gym Full members of the Club are offered a 30% discount on Gym fees. Also, Full Club Members are allowed access to the Gym once a week for free (please contact Reception to let you in). And also, if you are an Oracle Health Life or Insure Member, you qualify for a 50% discount at the Gym, plus a 50% Discount on your Joining Fee.

Nicole the Chiropractor – If you have any sports injuries, we do have Nicole who is a Chiropractor and practices at the Club, which is a great help. Her number is 78613160.

Upcoming Events

Friday 22^nd July is a public holiday in the Kingdom and the Club will be hosting a family event for members. More details will be shared in due course.

MISCELLANY

Donations – If anyone has old toys, wheelchairs, clothes, food, money or anything they don’t need at home, please let us know, and we will gladly collect what you have and donate to Frances Takis, who will hand them out to those in desperate need. Should you have any free time and wish to go out to the rural areas and be a part of handing out and helping, Frances would only be to happy to take you along.  

Advertising & sponsorship – The Mbabane Club always seeks assistance from all members who would like to advertise / sponsor products that would benefit both themselves and the Club. From Repairs / Maintenance / Lights / Painting / Cleaning / Food & Beverages / Refrigeration / Solar and more. Please contact info@mbabaneclub.co.sz, and we would love to hear from you.

Membership cards These are available at the reception together with the 2021-22 parking discs. Occasionally you may be asked for proof of membership, so please collect and carry your card.

Door access Front Door to reception is 1(ok) 3568(ok). Lower Gate Parking at the lower tennis courts / golf course side is 3568#. If you still can’t get in, please contact our Reception – Qiniso / Lolo – 78510963. Currently on Duty: Lolo (Mornings) & Qiniso (Afternoons)

www.MbabaneClub.co.sz is the Club’s presence on the Internet supported by Computronics Systems. The website has lots of information about the Club and can be accessed using the door code 3568.

Taxis  – A late night – get home safely with Derrick – 76171559, Mabuza – 76070849, Mokoena – 76144282, or Sabelo – 76053068

Thanks for your time…keep warm over the coming winter months!!

Mbabane Club Committee & Management.

www.mbabaneclub.co.sz |info@mbabaneclub.co.sz

HELLO AND WELCOME

Good Day to everyone, welcome, and as this is the first Mbabane Club newsletter of 2022, a belated Happy New Year to all our members, new and old.

New members: A warm welcome goes to the following new members:

• Claire and Craig Du Toit (ordinary, family)
• Barry Meng (ordinary, single)
• Sabelo T Masuku (ordinary, single)

Condolences: Our sincere condolences to our secretary Jennifer Neves for the loss of her sister. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

EVENTS

Food Market at the Albert Millin on Saturday 26 Feb 2022. Please feel free to attend the event. There will be a discounted entry to Full Members of the Club.

There is a Junior Tennis Tournament hosted by the Tennis Association taking place this coming Saturday and Sunday 26/27^th Feb between 8.30am and 4pm using courts 1 and 2. So those who want to play / train need to book court 3 to avoid disappointment. 

Quiz Night – this is usually on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Presented by Peter Dixon. Please contact 78510963 (Qiniso)  should you wish to take part. Dinner is also available on the night.

CAPITAL PROJECTS: The Club premises have fared relatively well given the rich history and seminal social space they have provided for decades. However, in moving with the times , your Committee would like to upgrade the infrastructure and facilities offered by the Club and at the disposal of members. In this regard, members are invited to propose capital projects that will both enhance the Club and add value to those using the facilities. Please forward your ideas or thoughts to Jennifer (secretary@mbabaneclub.co.sz).

SPORTS

The Golf Course is in excellent condition and we invite all members to enjoy a round of 9 or 18. There is a social 9 hole competition every Friday aafternoons from 2pm. Please contact our golf captain Fesiwe for further information – fisovee@gmail.com. We also have 18 hole competitions most Saturdays. Again please contact fisovee@gmail.com for more information. Should you be interested in Golf Lessons we have Peter Dlamini & Jay Le Roux who can help you or your kids out. Please contact jayleroux@yahoo.com for more info.

Tennis – The Tennis Section has put up a booking sheet. Please purchase stickers from the bare or rreception before you play. The cost is E 100 per hour, or if you are a regular player, then you get a discounted rate, which is in the hands of Peter Plachkov –  peter.plachkov@gmail.com

Tennis Lessons are done by Coach Bongani – Please contact him on 76689437

Squash – Both the courts are in great condition. Please make sure you wear non marking shoes. Tokens can be purchased from the bar. We are having a Squash Social Summer League in March. Please let us know if you would like to play – all welcome. We will add you to the WhatsApp group and you’ll know exactly what days we are playing and who’s in your team.  

Swimming – With summer here, members are welcome to use the Swimming Pool. Please make sure kids are under adult supervision within the pool area.

Netball – Pplayed most Thursdays at 5pm  – Young and Old are encouraged to put on their shoes and have a social run around. Played on the Millin Field. Please contact Lean Drinkwater for further information – leandrinkwater@gmail.com

Touch Rugby – Played on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm. Please let us know if you are interested and we will add you to the group.

Cricket – We have practice nets at the back of the Tennis Courts and practice is usually Friday afternoons. Please contact Charlie Bethel if you are keen to join us on 78021353.

Basketball – We will be having a meeting to arrange a coaching programme for juniors, so those parents who might be interested should have some good news soon. 

Park Run is back. Kicks off at 8am every Saturday Morning. Get there a few mins early to ensure you aren’t left behind. 

Gym – Full members of the Club are offered a 30% discount on Gym fees. Also, Full Club Members are allowed to access the Gym once a week for free (please contact Reception to let you in). And also, if you are a Oracle Health Life or Insure Member, you qualify for a 50% discount at the Gym, plus a 50% Discount on your Joining Fee.

Nicole the Chiropractor – If you have any sports injuries, we do have Nicole who is a Chiropractor and practices at the Club, which is a great help. Her number is 78613160.

DONATIONS – If anyone has old ttoys, wwheelchairs, clothes, food, money or anything they don’t need at home, please let us know, and we will gladly collect what you have and donate to Frances Takis, who will hand them out to those in desperate need. Should you have any free time and wish to go out to the rural areas and be a part of handing out and helping, Frances would only be to happy to take you along.  

SPONSORSHIP – The Mbabane Club always seeks assistance from all members who would like to advertise / sponsor products that would benefit both themselves and the Club. From Repairs / Maintenance / Lights / Painting / Cleaning / Food & Beverages / Refrigeration / Solar and more. Please contact info@mbabaneclub.co.sz, and we would love to hear from you.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Many thanks to you all for paying your 2021-22 subs; we really appreciate it. For enquiries about membership, please contact Jennifer  on secretary@mbabaneclub.co.sz or Sean on info@mbabaneclub.co.sz or take a look at the member listing on www.mbabaneclub.co.sz.

Membership cards: These are available at the reception together with the 2021-22 parking discs. Occasionally you may be asked for proof of membership, so please collect and carry your card.

MISCELLANY

Mbabane Club Access at the Front Door to reception is 1(ok) 3568 (ok). Lower Gate Parking at the lower tennis courts / golf course side is 3568#. If you still can’t get in, please contact our Reception – Qiniso / Lolo – 78510963

Mbabane Club Reception Phone Number – 78510963. Currently on Duty: Lolo (Mornings) & Qiniso (Afternoons)

The Mbabane Club has a website – www.mbabaneclub.co.sz, please feel free to go through it.

For any queries with regard to the club, please feel free to contact secretary@mbabaneclub.co.sz or info@mbabaneclub.co.sz

TAXIS  – A late night – get home safely with Derrick – 76171559, Mabuza – 76070849, Mokoena – 76144282, or Sabelo – 76053068

Thanks for reading and All the Best for 2022 

Mbabane Club Committee & Management.