Celebrating the Women of Simbithi
Simbithi Eco-Estate is renowned not only for its scenic beauty and quality living but also for the remarkable individuals who contribute to its thriving community. This Women’s Month, we pause to recognise and celebrate the women whose dedication, passion, and leadership quietly fuel the estate’s success. From legal strategy to communications to environmental care, these women bring heart, depth, and grace to their work — and remind us of the everyday power that lies in showing up with intention and purpose. Their stories embody resilience, commitment, and a profound sense of service
Sandika Gounden, Simbithi’s Legal and Compliance Officer, doesn’t often seek the spotlight – but her presence is unmistakable. Almost a decade into her time here, she has become the steady compass for a complex estate, guiding its board and teams through the layers of governance, legal frameworks, and policy with calm precision. A daughter of the North Coast, Sandika returned home after studying law, drawn to the possibilities blooming in the local property sector.
With a background in litigation, Sandika is no stranger to managing conflict — but she approaches it with quiet confidence. At Simbithi, where strong relationships are essential, her ability to remain calm and fair under pressure is invaluable. Her career is grounded in reason, but her life is deeply personal: time with her daughter, her husband, and her parents is her greatest joy. Her advice to young women is firm and freeing: “Gain and maintain financial independence. It is the highest form of freedom.”
While Sandika provides the framework, Jodi Chetty brings the colour. As Simbithi’s Marketing and Communications Co-Ordinator, she’s the storyteller. The brand voice. The energy in the room. Whether she’s editing the Simbithi Scene Magazine, strategising a campaign, or putting together birthday celebrations that feel more like magic shows, Jodi creates connection.
Her career began in journalism, writing for community newspapers before moving into magazines. It was through this work that she first encountered Simbithi, long before she officially joined the team. Now, with a new degree in Strategic Brand Communication under her belt, she’s living proof that growth doesn’t have an age — it has intention. Jodi is known for her sparkle (and her nickname in the office: ‘Unicorn’), but her message to women is grounded: “Your pace is perfect. Your path is valid. You’re not behind.”
Then, there’s Ayanda Duma, whose role sits right where people and nature meet. As the Environmental Manager for the last five years, she has cared for Simbithi’s environmental heartbeat: its wildlife, its wetlands, and the relationships residents have with both. Every walk through the estate for Ayanda is an opportunity to teach, to listen, to protect. “I care for people while I protect nature,” she says. She’s helped lead one of the estate’s most significant ecological successes – the near eradication of an invasive grass species, which has opened the door for rich rehabilitation. But her impact goes beyond the grasslands. It’s in the conversations she holds with residents, the moments of quiet leadership, and her deep, unshakable faith.
Together these thoughtful, talented women who lead not through position, but through purpose help stir Simbithi toward success. Their roles may be different, but their impact is collective — shaping the culture, nurturing the environment, and strengthening the spirit of this extraordinary estate. This Women’s Month, we honour them and all the women who make Simbithi not just a beautiful place to live, but a truly inspiring place to belong.
Image credit: Freepik
