Harassment at The Blyde Riverwalk Estate

An Urgent and Heartfelt Message from a Resident of The Blyde Dear friends, family, and fellow residents, I am currently in the ICU, fighting for my life. My heart is under stress, my blood pressure is dangerously elevated, and I am here because of the toll that recent events have taken on my health due to Balwin and their Estate Management. I felt it was important to share my story, not just for myself, but for anyone who might be considering investing or living in any of Balwin’s properties, especially The Blyde. As an owner residing here, I have faced unimaginable frustration, rage, and injustice at the hands of Balwin and their EM. What started as a dispute over levies has spiralled into a nightmare that has severely impacted my health and well-being. Balwin and the previous EM, Landsdowne, and current EM, Rise Properties, forced a double levy upon me. When I failed to pay, they imposed penalties and interest, knowing full well the financial strain it caused. To make matters worse, they claim they only hired lawyers on a contingency basis, only to then add the legal costs to the levy account, which was not taxed, and interest to the levy account, relentlessly piling on charges. It would seem that Balwin or the EM are acting as debt collectors for the attorneys. Beyond the financial hardship, they also forced residents like myself to park outside the estate and walk through the pedestrian entrance, an exhausting and physically taxing ordeal. For me, this walking triggered serious health issues, culminating in my hospitalization. Balwin and Rise Properties, as I was advised, are guilty of spoliation. Also, levy accounts are strictly for levies and not for untaxed legal fees. My attorney is engaging with Balwin and its representatives regarding these issues. Now I am here, battling for my life, and I cannot help but reflect on the injustice I have endured. I want to make it clear: there were other avenues available to Balwin and their EM to resolve these issues, yet they chose to push matters into the High Court in Johannesburg, a move that, in my view, was designed to cripple residents with exorbitant legal costs. I have appointed legal representation to aid me in this already difficult time. My current attorney is assisting me, but the costs are exorbitant since Balwin used the High Court in Johannesburg. I am forced to use my attorney, plus an advocate, as well as a corresponding attorney, which is extremely costly. I want to warn others: do your homework before entering into agreements with Balwin. Read reviews, speak with residents, and understand the true nature of these dealings. My hope is that no one else has to suffer as I have. While I lay here in the ICU, I felt it was necessary to share my experience, in the hope that awareness will lead to better accountability and care for residents. Please be cautious, and remember that your health and well-being matter most. With tears in my eyes, I can truly state that I regret purchasing from Balwin.