Page 13 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 1 2025

ESTATE NEWS
THE BIG PICTURE
ESTATE MATTERS
HOME FRONT

When you think of Dainfern
Golf Estate, images of
lush greens and elegant
Whomes might come to
mind. But behind the scenes, it takes
a strong, dedicated leader to ensure
everything runs smoothly. Enter Geraldine
Harris, CEO of the Dainfern Golf Estate
Homeowners Association (DHA), whose
journey is a testament to resilience,
strategic thinking, and an unwavering
commitment to the community.

FROM NUMBERS TO
LEADERSHIP
Geraldine’s career began in accounting, a
field she diligently pursued while studying
part-time through UNISA and working
full-time. Her journey took her through
top-tier financial institutions like Investec
Bank and Rand Merchant Bank, where
she honed her analytical and problem-
solving skills. During these years, she
discovered her passion for business
analysis—understanding problems,
creating solutions, and making people’s
lives easier.

In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic,
Geraldine stepped back from the
corporate world to focus on her young
son. However, her drive to stay engaged
professionally led her to the DHA board,
where she initially served as finance “I want people
director. initiatives like #VisibleResults encourages her agenda.
the maintenance team to take immediate “Working to feel that their
“I wanted to be present for my son,” she action on issues, making improvements together
shares, “but I also needed to keep my that residents can see and appreciate. with other contributions
mind stimulated.” What started as a The estate recently launched a multi- estates
volunteer position soon became a full- purpose court featuring basketball, five- helps us matter and that
time commitment, and eventually, she a-side soccer, and pickleball, recognising address
was asked to take on the CEO role. the need for spaces catering to younger larger they’re living in a
families. “We wanted to create something place that’s well
BALANCING HOME AND for teenagers to stay active and engaged infrastructure
LEADERSHIP within the estate,” Geraldine notes. challenges cared for”
Stepping into the CEO role while living more effectively,”
in the same community was a challenge A WOMAN IN LEADERSHIP she explains.
Geraldine did not take lightly. “You never Stepping into a leadership role in estate
really switch off,” she says, recalling how management comes with its own unique LIFE BEYOND
casual morning walks would turn into challenges. Geraldine acknowledges that WORK
impromptu inspections. However, with perceptions can vary, but she believes Despite her busy schedule, Geraldine
clear boundaries in place, she’s effectively her attention to detail and people-centric finds time to pursue her personal
separated work from home life. approach have been key strengths in passions. An avid cyclist and former
Her leadership philosophy is simple: focus navigating the complexities of the role. Ironman competitor, she took up
on the problem, not the person. “It’s “I think women tend to notice the little swimming at the age of 40. “I love it
important for residents to understand that things that make a big difference,” she because it clears my mind completely,”
estate rules exist to create harmony, not says. Whether it’s maintaining uniformity she says. Reading fiction is another
to inconvenience anyone.” This mindset in the estate’s aesthetics or addressing escape, offering a welcome break from
has helped foster a positive culture of community concerns with empathy, her the demands of estate management.
accountability and trust within the estate. approach has earned her the respect of FINAL THOUGHTS
LEADING WITH VISIBLE CHANGE AND A LOOKING AHEAD Geraldine Harris’s journey from the
residents and colleagues alike.
BRIGHT FUTURE
corporate world to community leadership
Since taking on the role, Geraldine has
is an inspiring example of how passion,
Dainfern is evolving from a golf-centric
been instrumental in turning things
strategic thinking, and resilience can
estate to a vibrant, family-friendly
around at Dainfern. “We’ve shifted from
create meaningful change. Her vision for
community. “We’re seeing younger
PASSION constantly firefighting issues to strategic families moving in and revamping homes, Dainfern is clear—building a community
planning,” she explains. The estate’s
where everyone feels heard, valued, and
which is fantastic,” Geraldine shares.
infrastructure and finances are now much
part of something greater.

healthier, as a zero-based budgeting
She focuses on maintaining the estate’s
approach is being introduced and
“I want people to feel that their
charm while adapting to changing
on.
GERALDINE HARRIS AND THE FUTURE OF DAINFERN proactive maintenance is being focused demographics. Collaboration with the contributions matter and that they’re
living in a place that’s well cared for,”
broader Fourways community through the
A key focus has been community
she says. With Geraldine at the helm, the
BDA, Fourways Improvement District and
engagement. The introduction of
future of Dainfern certainly looks bright.
other community initiatives is also high on
10 DPL issue 1 2025 DPL issue 9 2024 11
DPL issue 1 2025 11