I am very happy at Twilanga and I am pleased to be able to live here. Everything runs smoothly and the staff is friendly and helpful. I thank God that my last days are being spent in such a wonderful place.
Understanding Life Rights at Twilanga
Your Own Independent Living Home
Your retirement should be about enjoying life, not worrying about managing maintenance or escalating rates and taxes.
When you choose a life rights home at Twilanga, you pay a lease premium. This one-time cost gives you the security of your own independent living home at rates well below the market. You have the right to occupy your unit for life, but it remains the property of the Association.
Because you’re not buying the property outright, the cost is significantly lower than market value. Of course, that does mean you can’t leave it to your kids – but you are investing in your quality of life.
Unlikely as it is, if you do decide to leave Twilanga, you’ll get a refund based on your original lease premium, with a 10% deduction for every year you’ve lived here.
What’s Included?
Like any home, there are ongoing running costs, so you’ll pay a monthly levy for your hassle-free living.
Your levy includes:
- Repairs & Maintenance: All reasonable upkeep inside and out, including garden and property maintenance.
- Security: Complete peace of mind in a safe and secure environment
- Service: A helping hand to keep your home fresh and tidy
- Garden Maintenance: Our gardens are beautiful!
- Homeowners’ Insurance: The buildings are insured, but you’ll have to insure your personal property
- Lights & Water
With no transfer duties, no special levies, and no resale headaches, Life Rights offers financial predictability and the freedom to focus on what truly matters; enjoying your retirement to the fullest.
Prices for various accommodation types are displayed in this linked form.
Building a Thriving Community
In the heart of Umhlanga.
The idea of Twilanga Retirement Village began to take shape in 1974. Land was generously donated to Umhlanga Borough, and the Rotary Club of Umhlanga, with support from local Round Table and Lions Clubs, raised the funds to build it.
Our first residents moved in in 1981 and Twilanga has thrived since. In 2011, we added the Care Centre, updated offices, and new apartments, giving residents the peace of mind of frail care facilities, right here in the Village.
Our carefully considered Life Rights model means Twilanga continues to offer exceptional living standards at competitive rates.
Dedicated Operational Leadership at Twilanga
Twilanga Retirement Village is owned and operated by the Umhlanga Senior Citizens’ Association, a Non Profit Organization which exists for the benefit of the residents of Twilanga.
Twilanga’s success is a dedicated management, maintenance and admin team that ensures the operations, upkeep and maintenance of the Twilanga Retirement Village and Care Centre on a daily basis.
The management team currently comprises Mike Bowley, General Manager, and Sr Mariaan Hendriks, Nursing Services Manager.
The management team operates with the oversight of a Management Board that works diligently to uphold the constitution’s provisions and ensure a sustainable, safe, happy, and affordable home for the residents of Twilanga.
Mike Bowley
General Manager
Mike has been at the helm of Twilanga for over 15 years, bringing both stability and heart to the community. With a background as a regional manager in the corporate sector, and many years as a Rotarian, Mike has always approached his work with a strong sense of service.
His focus at Twilanga is clear: the wellbeing of the residents comes first. Known for his compassion, good humour, and genuine interest in people, Mike is a much-loved figure here. He’s married to Dawn, has two children and is blessed to have two grandchildren who live close by on the South Coast, so he’s fortunate to enjoy regular family time.
Sr Mariaan Hendricks
Nursing Services Manager
When asked what matters most in her role, Sr Mariaan answers simply: “To love my residents.”
A highly experienced nursing sister, Sr Mariaan has led the Care Centre for the past three years, returning to Twilanga after a short break following 5 years of dedicated service on night duty. Her compassion and professionalism shine through in equal measure, and she’s known for both her thoughtful initiatives and her down-to-earth approach.
Originally from the Free State, Sr Mariaan married a ‘Toti boy and made the coast her home. Together they have three daughters and a son-in-law, and enjoy a close-knit family life. A talented crafter, she joins the Knit and Chat group whenever she can – drawn by the conversation, the humour, and the joy of crochet among friends.
Twilanga Management Board
Beyond governance, the Management Board is the caretaker of Twilanga’s future.
Board members set strategy and are responsible for the sustainability of Twilanga. They provide financial oversight and ensure ethical and legal management.
Ultimately, the Board supports the management team and is accountable to the residents of Twilanga.
The board is elected annually at the AGM and serves on a pro bono basis. It comprises:
- A representative from the Rotary Club of Umhlanga
- Three residents representatives, nominated by residents
- Two to five members external board members (non residents)
The current Twilanga management board comprises:
- Barry Lewis (Chairman)
- Steven Soper (Vice-Chairman)
- Lyn Jones (Residents’ representative)
- Chris Collier (Residents’ representative)
- Peter Naude (Residents’ representative)
- Vanessa Champion (Rotary board member)
- Andrew Campbell
- Ann Druce