The news of another Hermanus resident being arrested for three counts of rape, sexual grooming and exposure of a minor to pornography has shocked the community. Hermanus Times published details of his case on its website, and responses made it clear that residents were fed-up with such crimes.
The accused was arrested on 9 June 2025 at his business premises in Hermanus. According to sources underwear and other sex equipment were confiscated from his business premises.
“I can confirm a 42-year-oldman was arrested on 9 June 2025 for three counts of rape, sexual grooming and exposure of a minor to pornography,”
Capt Buks Hanekom, head of the Hermanus family violence, child protection and sexual offences (FCS) unit, said. “He remains in custody until his next appearance on 25 February in the Hermanus regional court. The businessman was refused bail in the Hermanus Magistrates’ Court yet again on 22 January.
What is going on in our beautiful coastal town?” a concerned resident asked. “Is there a network of criminals who expose themselves to child pornography and rape?”
In another case an IT specialist from Hermanus, who was also arrested in June 2025 for the possession of child pornography, brought an applica -
‘Enough of this crime!’
tion before the court to request he no longer remain under house arrest as set out in his bail conditions. (“Case against Hermanus resident who was arrested for child porn postponed again”, NovaNews, 18 September 2025).
There was a huge outcry from the public and some demanded he be named and shamed while others demanded he be locked up in a cell and the key thrown away.
The accused was arrested in June last year by members of
the Western Cape serial and electronic crime investigation unit (SECI) for the possession and distribution of child sexual-abuse material (child pornography). Lt Col Amanda van Wyk, a national police spokesperson, reported in June that the arrest was made following a tip-off from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in the USA. “Investigation by the Western Cape SECI team led to tracing and locating the suspect in Hermanus,” Van
Hoekom geen naam noem nie ... maar steel iemand ’n hoender om die kinders te voer, is media vinnig om name te gee. Bring back public stoning.
Ek weet nie hoe mense die red flags miskyk met hierdie dinge nie. Iewers moet die familie of vriende dit agterkom. Dit los permanente skade by die arme kinders omdat almal te bang is om te praat. Hulle moet hom permanent toesluit en afsny wat pla ook.
Wyk stated. “Various digital devices found in his possession were seized during the arrest.”
• In SA it is illegal to publish the name of an accused person arrested for rape or any sexual offence before they have officially pleaded in court.
Under Section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Act, identifying an accused before plea can lead to fines or imprisonment, as they are protected until they plead.
Should name and shame.
We deserve to all know!
The detective that was murdered in Plett may have been alive if all the other ladies named and shamed him …
Please keep him behind bars before he tries to escape.
We deserve the right to know who it is and how and where he was targeting children!
Bail was denied a Hermanus resident arrested for three counts of rape, sexual grooming and exposure of a minor to pornography. Photo for illustration
Lettersmaybeedited forclarityandstyle. We cannotsupply reasons fornon-publication. Shorter lettersarepreferred.
Briewe kan geredifeeren verkort word
Redes word nie verskafhoekom’n
bepaaldebriefnie geplaas word nie. Korterbriewekry voorkeur.
Geldknyp by Helderstroom
’n Ernstige begrotingstekort het talle korrektiewe beamptes by die Helderstroom Korrektiewe Sentrum in die Wes-Kaap sonder vervoer na hul werk gelaat en dreig om ’n reeds kritieke personeelkrisis by dié landelike fasiliteit te vererger.
Wat die probleem nog erger gemaak het, is leerders wat tydens die begin van die skooljaar ook nie by hul betrokke skole uitgekom het nie.
“Ons het op 18 Desember verlede jaar ’n brief van die departement korrektiewe dienste gekry waarin ons verwittig is die departement gaan nie meer vervoer na die werk of skool verskaf nie,” het een van die werknemers gesê. Die kennisgewing het die amptenare verder ingelig dat die nuwe reël van 1 Januarie tot 31 Maart sal geld aangesien die departement te veel aan vervoer bestee het.
Die werknemer het ook gesê met die opening van die skool was dit behoorlik chaos. “Ons moes van private vervoer gebruik maak om leerders by hul betrokke skole te kry.” Maar volgens die bron is nuwe planne gemaak vir die kinders, maar die personeel moet steeds sukkel.
Met die probleem wat net erger en erger word, het die Openbaredienswerkersvakbond (PSA) ’n dringende beroep om onmiddellike finansiering gedoen nadat die bestuur van die korrektiewe sentrum, wat op ’n plaas tussen Caledon en Villiersdorp geleë is, aan personeel bevestig het dat die sentrum nie sy volle begrotingstoekenning vir vervoerdienste vir die 2025-’26-boekjaar ontvang het nie.
Hierdie besnoeiings raak amptenare wat daagliks van omliggende dorpe soos Caledon, Hermanus en Villiersdorp na Helderstroom se fasiliteite moet reis. Sonder voldoende vervoerfinansiering kan hierdie onmisbare werknemers nie hul poste bereik nie. “Baie mense moet nou ander planne maak; van geleenthede gebruik maak wat nie altyd betroubaar is nie en selfs ryloop.”
NIE GOEDGEKEUR
Dit bring weer ander probleme, want dan kom hulle laat of daag glad nie by die werk op nie, wat hulle dan hul werk kan kos, sê die bron.
Volgens die vakbond het die bestuur reeds by die nasionale kommissaris aansoek gedoen vir toestemming om die erg verminderde begroting te oorskry.
Hierdie aanvanklike besnoeiing is aan die begin van 2025 ingestel. Die aansoek is egter steeds nie goedgekeur nie ten spyte daarvan dat genoeg tyd reeds verstryk het om alternatiewe oplossings te soek.
Die PSA waarsku dat die impak van die situasie veel verder strek as net die onmiddellike vervoerkwessie. Amptenare wat onontbeerlike dienste aan die reeds onderbemande fasiliteit lewer, sal moontlik nie vir diens kan aanmeld nie, wat sekuriteit en daaglikse bedrywighede in die gedrang kan bring.
Die PSA het die verantwoordelikheid vir enige negatiewe gevolge vierkantig voor die nasionale kommissaris geplaas en beklemtoon dat die situasie steeds opgelos kan word indien die nodige geld sonder verdere vertraging beskikbaar gestel word.
Die begrotingskrisis by Helderstroom weerspieël ’n breër finansiële uitdaging, wat die departement korrektiewe dienste in Suid-Afrika ervaar, met onvoldoende finansiering wat tans ’n knelpunt by verskeie korrektiewe geriewe landwyd is. Hermanus Times het ook bevind dat kwotasies van private busdienste op die oomblik verkry word om beamptes by
Winkel maak hart oop
House of Hope in Caledon is ’n veilige hawe waar vroue en kinders wat aan gesins- of geslagsgebaseerde geweld blootgestel is, tydelike skuiling kry. Ons Winkel Caledon dra altyd die gemeenskap se belange op die hart en het ’n baie welkome Kersskenking aan House of Hope oorhandig. Retha Beukes van Ons Winkel Caledon oorhandig die skenking aan Edith Wilson, een van die huismoeders van House of Hope. Foto: Mitzi Buys
HPP team’s vigilance leads to multiple apprehensions
Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) officers had their hands full during the 2025 festive season, successfully assisting in 11 separate arrests spanning everything from drug possession to armed robbery and illegal marine harvesting.
The arrests, which took place between 6 and 27 December 2025, highlight the effectiveness of the collaborative approach between HPP and the South African Police in maintaining community safety during one of the busiest periods of the year.
Three separate drug-related incidents resulted in multiple arrests throughout December. The first occurred on 9 December when an HPP foot patroller spotted suspicious activity near a CBD pub. “A HPP foot patroller was conducting his normal patrol in the CBD when he noticed a male selling something suspicious to a group of people near a pub in town,” said Marius Boshoff, Hermanus Branch Manager for Fidelity ADT, which supports and manages the HPP.
The officer called for back-up and, on confirmation that drugs were being sold, the police were notified and the suspect arrested.
CCTV technology proves crucial
The CCTV monitoring system operated by HPP played a pivotal role in multiple arrests. On 20 December a control room operator spotted two males robbing a couple in Still Street in real-time. “The HPP field officers were immediately dispatched,” Boshoff related. “On arrival they managed to detain one suspect immediately and then managed to find and detain the second suspect shortly afterwards.”
HPP
Holiday crime levels dropped
Hermanus experienced its lowest December crime rate on record, with an overall reduction of 16,3% compared to the same period in 2024, despite tourist numbers doubling during the peak festive season.
2025 festive season.
While the victims chose not to press charges for the robbery, both suspects were arrested after drugs were found during their search.
Perhaps the most serious incident occurred on 6 December when HPP’s rapid-response capabilities were put to the test. Following a knife-point robbery report to the police HPP CCTV controllers quickly located the suspect. “HPP directed SAPS to the exact location of the suspect, and he was detained and searched,” related Boshoff. “The wallet, knife and drugs were found in his possession.”
The string of arrests demonstrates the effectiveness of the partnership between HPP and the police, the former’s street presence and surveillance capabilities complementing law-enforcement authority. “We are incredibly proud of all our HPP members, and I would like to thank them for their hard work and efforts over this period,” Boshoff concluded.
staan Kleinmond by ná
talle misdade oor feestyd
Kleinmond is ’n stil kusdorpie, maar deur die feestyd is dié omgewing ook deur misdrywe geteiken. Danksy die goeie samewerking tussen die Kleinmond-polisie en Fidelity ADT-reaksiebeamptes en ander veiligheidspersoneel, is van die misdadigers gou gevang. Volgens Marius Boshoff, Fidelity ADT se takbestuurder, het die Kleinmond-polisie hulp versoek met die opsporing van ’n verdagte wat kwaadwillige skade aan ’n eiendom in Bettysbaai aangerig het. “Die verdagte is deur die Fidelity ADT- en ander veiligheidsbeamptes vasgekeer en aan die polisie
oorhandig,” het Boshoff gesê.
Die dag ná Kersfees is die beheerkamer omstreeks 10:00 in kennis gestel van ’n seun wat mense in Kleinmond op straat beroof. Volgens Boshoff is ’n Fidelity ADT-reaksievoertuig onmiddellik na die omgewing waar die misdryf plaagevind het, gestuur en die verdagte is in hegtenis geneem en aam die polisie oorhandig.
“Die suksesverhale is ’n voorbeeld van wat gedoen kan word as die polisie en sekerheidsmaatskappye saamwerk. Dankie aan almal wat saamgewerk het om Kleinmond veilig te hou,” sê Boshoff.
First time buyers: your guide to property transfers
Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone, but the property transfer process can be confusing. At Vorster & Steyn in alliance with Strauss Daly, we specialise in making the legal aspects of property transfers as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Four key things you need to know about property transfers:
1. The Conveyancing Process – Once you’ve signed the offer to purchase, your conveyancer will handle the legal aspects, including drafting and registering documents with the deeds office. This ensures the property’s ownership is legally transferred to you.
2. Understanding Additional Costs – In addition to the purchase price, there are other costs involved, such as transfer duty, registration fees, and conveyancing charges. We’ll help you plan for these expenses and provide clarity on what to expect.
3. Legal Compliance and Registration –Ensuring all legal requirements are met is essential for a successful property transfer. Our team will manage this process to guar-
antee everything is in order for the transfer of ownership. 4. Timelines and Communication – While property transfers typically take a few weeks, we will keep you updated at each stage, ensuring there are no unexpected delays and that you are well informed throughout. Contact us to begin your property transfer process with confidence: www. vorsteyn.co.za/ 0283130033
The latest crime statistics released by Col Gustaf Tamboer of Hermanus Police Station show dramatic improvements across most categories during what is traditionally the town’s busiest and most challenging month for crime prevention. Contact crimes – including assault, robbery and sexual offences – dropped by 23,6%, while property-related crimes fell by 28,1%. Contact-related crimes decreased by 26,3% and dangerous-weapons offences by 22,7%.
“The most significant improvement was recorded in trio crimes, which plummeted by 50%,” Tamboer stated. “Trio crimes typically include house robbery, business robbery and hijacking.”
However, not all categories showed improvement. Other serious crimes increased by 2,1%, while crimes heavily dependent on police action rose by 35,6%. Dealing in liquor without a licence also increased by 33,3%.
Local authorities attributed the success
to coordinated action plans implemented across all law-enforcement entities and social sectors throughout the region.
“This was the best crime picture ever recorded for a December in Hermanus,” said Tamboer. “The results show that our action plans to prevent crime had their desired outcome.
“The achievement is particularly notable given the significant challenges facing the area during the festive season. Tourist numbers doubled compared to previous years, creating heavy traffic congestion entering and exiting the broader Hermanus station precinct.”
Authorities also praised emergency response teams for their effectiveness in handling lost children and parents on beaches, with minimal incidents reported despite the increased visitor numbers. However, the festive period was marred by several drowning incidents, which officials described as “the only sad part” of an otherwise successful crime prevention operation.
The positive crime statistics represent a significant victory for the collaborative efforts of police, municipal services and community crime-prevention initiatives in the popular coastal destination.
Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) officers had their hands full during the
The latest crime statistics was released by Col Gustaf Tamboer of the Hermanus Police Station.
Overgberg Fires
Wat om te doen as jy op beseerde diere afkom
Brande is ’n werklikheid en baie mense het teruggedink aan die Bettysbaai-brande in 2019 en in 2024 wat nie net lewens gekos het nie, maar ook mense se huise in puin gelê het. Die afgelope maande se brande waarin Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary by Stanford ook in die slag gebly het, het die fokus op die wilde diere geplaas wat ook in die verwoestende brande beseer is. CapeNature het ’n beroep op inwoners gedoen om verantwoordelik en ingevolge die wet op te tree as hulle in kontak kom met wilde diere wat in brande beseer is. “Ons moet onthou dat ons unieke fynbos-ekostelsel by brande aanpas en dit is ’n natuurlike en noodsaaklike ekologiese proses vir fynbos. Sonder brande sou hierdie plante eenvoudig oud word, ophou voortplant en doodgaan. Selfs die diere pas aan in die brande, skilpaaie
grawe diep in die grond as hulle rook ruik en die Kaapse dwergverkleurmannetjie teel ook vinniger aan ná brande,” het ’n woordvoerder van CapeNature gesê. “Mense moet ook nie die wilde diere onnodig verwyder, vang of voed nie. Al lyk baie van die diere gedisoriënteer, herstel hulle tog en onnodige hantering kan tot verdere stres lei.” Hulle beklemtoon ook dat as jy op beseerde of verwilderde diere afkom, jy dadelik kenners in kennis moet stel sodat hulle verder met die dier kan werk.
Wat moet jy doen?
• Hou ’n afstand tussen jou en die dier;
• As die dier nie in direkte gevaar is nie, moet hom nie verwyder nie;
• Kyk na die dier se ligging sodat jy vir die nodige amptenare die presiese ligging kan gee;
• Meld die voorval dadelik aan by 087 087 3841 / 071 999 5348.
Thank you for the support
We are incredibly grateful...
After several of our water tanks were damaged in the wildfire, this generous donation of two 2 500l water tanks from Yulia and Jannie Schoeman of Epic Tanks in Stanford means more to us than we can put into words.
At a time when everything feels uncertain, this support lifts a huge weight off our shoulders and makes a real difference for our team and the animals on the farm. Knowing we have this water security in place brings such relief. Thank you for your kindness and for stepping in when we need it most. We truly appreciate all the support you have shown us. - Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
Animals happy, but help needed
Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary in Stanford has successfully relocated the majority of its 26 animals to safety following the devastating wildfire that swept through the facility on 8 January, but the beloved tiger Rays succumbed to severe smoke inhalation despite rescue efforts.
The sanctuary's quick-thinking staff managed to evacuate animals directly under threat, distributing them across multiple wildlife facilities throughout the country. However, the extensive damage to infrastructure has left the sanctuary facing an uncertain financial future.
Despite the evacuation success, the sanctuary lost Rays, a tiger who suffered massive smoke inhalation during the rescue operation. The darting process necessary for his evacuation caused severe lung edema and cardio-respiratory compromise.
treatment is uncertain."
"He went into a coma and passed away peacefully on Saturday, 10 January," sanctuary officials said. "There are no words to capture the grief we all feel."
NEW HOMES
The remaining animals have been distributed across specialised facilities:
Gabriel the leopard and Pardus the black leopard were relocated to Ashia Cheetah Conservation in Paarl, while two BornFree Foundation servals, Lekanya and Kamagelo, found temporary homes at Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay.
Lionesses Zakara and Jade moved to The Lions Foundation in Bela-Bela, and white lionesses Lei-ah and Elsa were taken to ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in the Free State.
Seven animals remain at the damaged sanctuary: Skillie the tortoise, jackals Lucky and Love, bonded pair Jasper and Tammy (a serval and cat), caracals Amy and Gigi, plus domestic animals. These smaller animals can be quickly evacuated if fire threatens again.
Sanctuary officials report that most relocated animals are adapting well to their new environments and caregivers, though all remain under close monitoring.
FINANCIAL CRISIS
The wildfire has devastated the sanctuary's income sources. Educational visits and volunteer programs remain suspended, while curio shop sales – previously a significant income source – have ceased entirely.
Five lions – Chaka, Oliver, Neptune, and special needs lions Ivana and Karlos – were relocated to Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, operated by Four Paws. BornFree Foundation animals Balozi, Mahaba, and Lancelot the lion found sanctuary at Shamwari in the Eastern Cape.
CRITICAL CARE CONTINUES
Two animals require intensive ongoing treatment. Tigress Arabella and lioness Baguira are receiving specialised daily care from a big cat veterinarian in Pretoria, having suffered severe injuries and burns during the evacuation.
"They require ongoing specialised daily care for the next few weeks or months," officials said. "At this stage, the duration of
"Everything changed in an instant," officials said. The sanctuary faces mounting costs including emergency firefighting response, urgent veterinary care, animal evacuation expenses, and ongoing intensive treatment for the two critically injured animals. Continued staff salaries, daily operating costs, and fire monitoring expenses add to the financial burden as flare-ups continue on the property.
PUBLIC SUPPORT NEEDED Panthera Africa is appealing for public support to cover disaster-related costs and ongoing animal care. The sanctuary emphasizes that public donations are vital for maintaining the intensive veterinary care required for Arabella and Baguira.
Banking DetailsPanthera Africa NPC; First National Bank; A/N: 62459961142; B/C: 250655; Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Seven animals remain at the damaged sanctuary. Here is one of the caracals, Amy. Photo: Panthera
Overgberg Fires
Survey launched to assess beehive losses
The Western Cape Beekeeping Association has launched an urgent survey to assess the full extent of beehive losses following devastating wildfires earlier this month.
The fires, which affected areas including Gansbaai, Pearly Beach, Stanford and Elim, destroyed numerous commercial and residential hives while destroying critical Overstrand forage areas. Early reports indicate at least 19 hives destroyed.
“The impact has been devastating on local beekeeping livelihoods,” said a spokesperson for the association, which is collecting damage reports through an online survey that does not require beekeepers to reveal exact hive locations for security reasons.
Beyond direct hive destruction the fires have created what experts describe as a “green drought”, a situation where surviving hives face starvation due to the loss of natural food sources. Large areas of fynbos, the region’s indigenous vegetation that provides essential nectar and pollen, were destroyed in the blazes.
Honeybee Heroes, a conservation organisation that has operated in the Overberg for
to
six years, was forced to make emergency relocations of hundreds of hives to prevent further losses - training people from low-income communities as beekeepers while protecting the endangered Cape honeybee, it managed close to 1 000 hives before the fires struck.
“Keeping the hives in the area was no longer an option,” the organisation stated, describing urgent evacuation efforts for saving their colonies.
“The Overstrand Municipality is working alongside the Western Cape Beekeeping Association to assess total damages and coordinate recovery efforts,” said the Municipal Manager of the Overstrand Municipality Dr Dean O’ Neill. “Affected beekeepers are seeking urgent assistance to replace lost equipment and rebuild their operations. Beekeepers throughout the Western Cape who suffered fire-related losses are encouraged to submit their information to help authorities understand the full scope of the disaster and plan appropriate support measures.
The survey collecting loss information can be accessed at: https://forms.gle/ajy359oD2yqTdFCEA
Joint effort saves vines
The Overberg is experiencing its most intense fire season in years, with local farmers demonstrating remarkable solidarity in the face of advancing flames that threatened to devastate agricultural properties across the area.
Raka winery emerged from the recent fires with minimal damage, thanks to a coordinated firefighting effort that prevented the blaze from crossing the critical R326 highway at Akkedisberg Pass. With harvest just ten days away, the estate remains cautiously optimistic that any potential smoke taint will have dissipated by the time grapes are picked.
The success of the firefighting operation hinged on unprecedented cooperation between local agricultural communities. When Stanford farmers found themselves battling fires on their own properties, farmers from Caledon stepped up to fill the gap, providing crucial support on the fire line.
The rapid response and coordinated efforts helped contain the fire at several critical junctures during the four-day operation.
The firefighting effort became increasingly difficult as the operation progressed, with days three and four presenting the greatest challenges. Shifting wind patterns worked against firefighting efforts, forcing teams to implement controlled back-burning strategies to protect properties and secure vulnerable areas.
The fire line moved steadily down the mountain, requiring constant vigilance and tactical adjustments. Teams successfully contained the blaze on Sunday, 11 January, but the victory marked only the beginning of ongoing monitoring efforts.
"The real work only began after the fire had burnt through," organisers noted, emphasising that teams remained on high alert to protect firebreaks and prevent dangerous hotspots from reigniting. While the blackened landscape presents a sobering sight, fire experts point to the ecological benefits of the burn. The northern slopes had not experienced fire since January 2006, making this recent burn part of the essential natural fire cycle that promotes long-term ecological health and reduces future fire risk.
extended appreciation to all farmers who provided assistance, as well as fire services who offered advisory support throughout the operation.
"Their experience, guidance, and willingness to assist formed part of a well-coordinated collective effort that proved vital in containing the fire," the winery stated.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Raka's tasting room remains open to visi-
tors. The winery encourages travelers along the R326 to stop by and witness firsthand the landscape that was preserved through the combined efforts of local farmers and fire services. As the fire season continues across the Overberg, the successful cooperation demonstrated during this operation serves as a model for communities facing similar challenges in the weeks ahead.
Contact Caledonsurrounds- Mitzi076543 0261 or Hermanussurrounds- Mariëtte0824432184
Raka
Raka winery emerged from the recent fires with minimal damage, thanks to a coordinated firefighting effort that prevented the blaze from crossing the critical R326 highway at Akkedisberg Pass.
A beehive destroyed in the recent fires.
Olifantrob geniet strand
Dit raak al hoe meer algemeen – olifantrobbe wat hulle op die strande van die Ovestrand kom tuis maak.
Met Buffel wat by Onrus was en nog ander olifantrobbe wat gereeld in die Overstrand te sien is, het inwoners uitgesien na waar nog ’n olifantrob hom of haar tydelik gaan nesskop.
Die inwoners en besoekers van Palmietstrand was Sondagaand (25 Januarie) opgewonde toe hulle ’n olifantrob op Palmietstrand gewaar en video’s en foto’s op sosiale media het die welkome besoeker se koms bevestig. ’n Video van Annel Strydom wat op verskeie sosialemediaplatforms gedeel is waar die olifantrob teen skemer uit die water kom, het baie reaksie ontlok. Baie het gewonder of dit dalk Buffel kan wees, maar kenners meen Buffel was ’n koei terwyl die olifantrob wat tans in Palmietstrand is, ’n bul is.
Die munisipale bestuurder van die Overstrand-munisipaliteit, dr. Dean O’Neill, maan inwoners om hul afstand te hou en nie die dier te steur nie. “Die olifantrob kan vir ’n paar dae bly as dit ongestoord gelaat word, of dit kan ná ’n kort rukkie verder beweeg. Die Overstrand- munisipale omgewings- en bewaringsbestuurspan sal sy bewegings monitor en, indien nodig, versperrings om die gebied oprig om sy veiligheid en dié van die publiek te verseker.”
Hy het mense verder gevra om hul afstand te hou. “Hierdie is ’n wilde olifantrob wat kan byt. Inwoners word versoek om die dier te respekteer en te verhoed dat hulle tussen hom en die water of tussen die water en sy rusplek kom. Hou asseblief honde aan ’n leiband, hou toesig oor kinders, bly stil en bly ten minste 20 meter weg.”
De Bos Dam falls to 75,6%
The Overberg region is facing mounting water security concerns as dam levels continue their steep decline, with authorities warning of a potential repeat of the devastating 2017 water crisis that brought parts of the Western Cape to the brink of "Day Zero."
De Bos Dam, a critical water source for the region, currently stands at 75,6% capacity – a significant drop from the 91,9% recorded on the same time last year on 18 January. The alarming 14,5 percentage point decline in just one year has prompted urgent appeals from municipal authorities for residents, businesses, and institutions to implement immediate water conservation measures.
Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O'Neill issued a stark warning about the deteriorating situation, emphasising that the region could not afford to ignore the warning signs that preceded the 2017 crisis.
Water restrictions are already in effect across the Theewaterskloof Municipal Area as authorities scramble to manage dwindling supplies.
"We are once again appealing to all residents, businesses, and institutions to take water saving seriously and to fix and report any water leaks," O'Neill said. "While each household's water usage may seem insignificant on its own, together it makes a big difference."
He stressed that responsible water use now could help keep dams stable for longer periods, potentially preventing the severe shortages that characterized the 2017 crisis when many areas faced imminent water supply cutoffs. Theewaterskloof Dam is currently on 60,2% and in January 2025 it was on 83,7%.
Authorities have outlined specific conservation measures residents can implement immediately:
• Report leaks via the Overstrand Citizen App or by calling 028 313 8111 (available 24/7);
• Fix household leaks promptly;
• Keep showers short and turn off taps while brushing teeth
• Cover swimming pools to prevent evaporation;
• Use greywater for garden irrigation;
• Avoid hosing down paved areas;
• Water gardens only before 09:00 or after 17:00;
• Check irrigation connections regularly for leaks.
The 2017 water crisis brought widespread dam levels below 20% and forced severe water restrictions across the Western Cape, with Cape Town nearly becoming the first major city in the world to run out of water completely. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely for the dry summer months when water consumption typically peaks due to increased agricultural irrigation and tourism activity. The current dam level decline comes amid concerns about erratic rainfall patterns and increasing demand on water resources in the popular coastal region.
The Theewaterskloof Dam is currently on 60,2%.
An American in Agulhas vineyards
Lise Beyers
GANSBAAI – American Trevor
Deruisé didn't plan to become a winemaker. He certainly didn’t plan to end up making award-winning wines at the southern tip of Africa. But sometimes the best journeys begin with a fall.
When Deruisé’s mountain bike went down hard in California, taking his professional cycling career with it, he had no idea the accident would ultimately lead him to a roofless winery three hours from Cape Town and eventually creating some of South Africa’s most unconventional wines. “My plan at that stage was always to get back to cycling. Unfortunately, that never became a reality due to injury.”
The injury happened right before harvest season near his home in southern California. With nothing but time on his hands and a desire to stay useful Deruisé decided to help out at local wineries. What started as a way to pass time during recovery became six vintages of hands-on learning.
At 24 Deruisé was looking at killing time between harvests. He wanted to immerse himself deeper into winemaking, and scoured the web to find a location where he could work in a wine cellar in his off-months, January to April.
“Where in the world does a harvest take place during a one small window of the year?” The answer: South Africa.
“I didn’t know anything about South Africa or its wines,” he admitted. That evening, Deruisé walked to a wine shop near his apartment and bought his first South African wine, a Simonsig Chenin Blanc. “It was a lovely introduction to South African wines.”
What followed was a series of applications to wine farms across the Cape that mostly led nowhere. Then Deruisé spotted an article in a California wine magazine about up-and-coming South African wine regions. It mentioned the Cape Agulhas region and a former Simonsig winemaker Hannes Meyer, who was starting a new wine cellar at Lomond just outside Baardskeerdersbos.
A MESSAGE CHANGES HIS LIFE
Deruisé sent a message and Meyer responded immediately: yes, he needed help with the harvest.
When Deruisé's driver picked him up from Cape Town International Airport, he assumed Agulhas must be a suburb of Stellenbosch. After all, wasn’t that where all South African wine came from?
“En route we’re passing a lot of signs for Stellenbosch in the first hour, so everything is making sense. But the one thing that started to concern was that we were not turning at any signs. We just kept going.
“By the third hour there were no more
HIS WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY REFLECTS HIS OWN UNIQUENESS IN THE SECTOR.
Stellenbosch signs. No vineyards. Nothing. I’m very concerned. I mean, three hours in this country and they already got me!”
What awaited Deruisé was even more alarming: a dirt lot, four walls, no roof, no doors and definitely no winemaking equipment visible inside. “I wasn't sure if I was hired to come make wine or help build the place."
Meyer, however, seemed utterly unfased. “He tells me we’re actually ahead of schedule here. Everything is going beautifully. We’re going to be bringing grapes in here in the next day or two, he said. That was really the first of many times I thought this guy is crazy. There’s no way this is going to work.”
Somehow, against all odds, that first harvest came together. But it required 20-hour days, constant improvisation with secondhand equipment that kept breaking, and making wine in what was essentially an active construction site.
“The welder is busy on the roof, and he'd tell us, ‘Sorry, guys, we need to cut the power for a couple hours.’ So now we must wait, and wait. And that in really critical times.
“There were so many nights during that first month that I would be driving home from that farm at one in the morning with the thought: I’m finished here, I’m on the first flight home.
“I’ve had my fill. No more winemaking. I still want to make wine. Just not in South Africa.”
But something unexpected was happening during those brutal weeks. “Back in the States, when you have a bad day at work everybody wants to go their separate ways, go home, watch TV, be by themselves. Here we would have a bad day pretty much seven days of the week that first month. And every single day would end the exact same way.”
Whether they finished at midnight just to start again at 04:00, every day ended with the entire farm – vineyard workers, cellar team, tractor drivers, everyone –pulling up chairs in the dirt parking lot, starting a fire and having a meal together. It was a sense of community I have never felt anywhere in my entire life. And it was just so special.”
When the time came to book his flight home Deruisé found himself staring at his laptop, unable to click “purchase”. He closed the computer. “It was very clear to me that this is where I wanted to continue.”
So he made Gansbaai his home and today continues to make wines at Lomond, but this time leasing four blocks of vineyards there and making wine under his own label, aptly named Lost Boy Wines.
WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY
Deruisé’s winemaking philosophy reflects both his unconventional entry into the industry and a deep commitment to letting the cool Agulhas climate speak for itself. All his wines are naturally fermented, with no commercial yeast or other preservatives added.
This approach demands patience. His barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc, for example, can take four months to finish fermenting during a cold winter. One barrel didn’t finish until the end of winter. But the results are transformative. Take that Fumé Blanc, the wine that changed everything Deruisé previously thought he knew about Sauvignon Blanc.
“When I came here I actually really did not like Sauvignon Blanc. I swore I would never make a Sauvignon Blanc. I thought this was one of the most boring, predictable cultivars, just with this blinding acidity.”
But his Afrikaans winemaking mentors took it personally and made it their mission to change his mind. The result is a wine that most people wouldn't identify as Sauvignon Blanc in a blind tasting, including Deruisé himself.
His unconventional manner of winemaking, using whole-bunch fermentation technique and old 500 l French oak barrels, it offers soft acidity, floral notes of elderflower and fynbos, and a richness and length he never imagined associating with the grape. “All words I never thought I would use to describe Sauvignon Blanc,” explained Deruisé.
Perhaps his most unconventional wine is his Cinsault, made entirely by means of carbonic maceration, a labour-intensive process where whole grape bunches are submerged in carbon dioxide for four to five weeks.
“I use open-top barrels. We take a barrel, put it upright, take the head off, and then we set each of these bunches into these barrels very gently.” The CO2 –generated by adding about half a liter of fermenting rosé juice – enters the berries
through the skins, creating unique flavours while breaking down tannins into soft, delicate structures.
When he opens the barrels after five weeks the grapes look freshly picked, perfectly preserved. “You can pluck them off the stems and eat them. They taste actually just like this wine. And they’re fizzy inside, which is quite cool.
The result? A Cinsault of stunning pale ruby colour – almost strawberry-hued - with surprising richness despite its delicate appearance.
“I was never a Cinsault fan either,” Deruisé admitted. “If you try to make Cinsault like a traditional red wine, I think you'll always be disappointed. Cinsault is an inherently elegant grape. I really lean into the elegant side.”
He makes wine in tiny quantities. Deruisé smallest production – the former Latigo, now Las Flores – makes between 300 and 800 bottles per vintage, all from a couple of rows of Mourvèdre. His Malbec, when conditions allow him to make it, yields about one barrel”, roughly 300 bottles. Deruisé wouldn’t have it any other way.
In an industry obsessed with scores and critic approval he has taken a radically different path. Deruisé sells every bottle directly to clients - either at tastings at his Gansbaai home or to people he meets at events.
His peers thought he was crazy. They warned it was a terrible way to grow a brand. Deruisé stuck with it anyway, until last year when everything changed in the most unexpected way. He arrived at what he thought was a casual Friday braai at Lomond. Every winemaker from Agulhas was there, which seemed unusual but fun. Then the massive doors to the barrel room closed, plunging everything into darkness. When light returned Deruisé found himself sitting alone at a long table.
Entering through the back door: World renowned prominent UK wine critic Tim Atkin, who was there to taste Lost Boy wines.
“I’m now very nervous about this whole situation. I’m trying to figure out a way out of this. I’m scanning the room for what door is probably still open. There was no way out.”
So they tasted the wines and Atkin was gracious, but nothing more.
Deruisé mostly forgot about it, until weeks later when he woke to hundreds of WhatsApp messages from around the world. His Mourvèdre rosé had been named by Atkin’s “Discovery of the Year” and everybody suddenly wanted a piece of him.
Nearly a decade into his South African journey Deruisé still lives simply in the Agulhas region he's come to love, together with his South African wife. Lost Boy. It’s the perfect name for someone who found exactly what he needed by having no idea where he was.
NOTIFICATIONOFENVIRONMENTALIMPACTASSESSMENTPROCESS DEA&DP ReferenceNo: 16/3/3/5/E2/14/1010/16 PART 2AMENDMENTPROCESS FORTHEPROPOSEDMIXED-USEDEVELOPMENT(FLAGSHIP BUSINESS PARK)ONERF3456(PREVIOUSLYPORTION6OF FARM575),HAWSTON,WESTERNCAPE.
ProjectProposal: GuillaumeNelEnvironmentalConsultants(GNEC)hasbeenappointedby AfdaksrivierProperty Developments (Pty) Ltd,herea�er referred to astheapplicant; to facilitatetheEnvironmentalImpactAssessment(EIA) requiredbytheNa�onalEnvironmentalManagementAct,1998(ActNo.107of1998)(NEMA) Part2Amendment for theApprovedMixed-UseDevelopmentonErf3456(Previously Por�on6of Farmno.575),Hawston, WesternCape.
Since EA wasgranted, construc�onhas commencedinAugustof2020.A Part2AmendmentApplica�onisnowbeing made forthe rezoningofunregisteredErven3464,3467-3496,3498,3499,3501-3530,3555and3556fromBusiness ZoneB2 to Industrial ZoneGI1,and rezoningofErf3461fromBusiness ZoneB2 to Business ZoneB3 forshops,in terms ofSec�on16(2)(a)oftheOverstrand By-LawonMunicipalLandUsePlanning(2020).
Applica�on forenvironmentalauthoriza�on to undertake the followingac�vity: EIAac�vi�es: Nonewlistedac�vi�eswillbetriggeredbytheamendments to the EA proposed.
Louisa Maria Kinniar, ’n geliefde en gerespekteerde inwoner van Caledon, is op 28 Desember in die ouderdom van 93 jaar oorlede.
Tannie Louis, soos almal haar genoem het, is op 21 Mei 1932 as ’n nooi de Waal in Riebeek-Wes gebore. Weens omstandighede moes Tannie Louis die skool vroeg verlaat, waarna sy by ’n klerefabriek in Kaapstad gewerk het. Sy het haar man, Pieter Kinniar, in Kraaifontein ontmoet en hulle is op 17 Desember 1954 getroud. Van Kraaifontein is die Kinniars na Genadendal en daarna na Caledon, waar Tannie Louis vir 56 jaar tot haar afsterwe in dieselfde huis gewoon het. Oom Pieter, ’n polisiebeampte, het haar reeds jare gelede ontval. Sewe kinders is uit die huwelik gebore, van wie twee reeds oorlede is.
“My ma was die gom wat die familie bymekaar gehou het. Sy was eintlik superglue,” sê haar dogter Sharon Cookham. “Sy was ’n diep gelowige mens en het nie net vir haar familie omgegee nie, maar ook vir die gemeenskap. Sy was tough. Dit maak nie saak wat oor haar pad gekom het nie; sy’t daaroor gebid. Sy was ’n biddende vrou met saans as haar stiltetyd. Sy het haar Christelike eienskappe werklik uitgeleef. Ook was sy baie nederig en vergewensgesind. Sy het nooit iets teen mense gehou nie en het het nie ’n geskindery verdra nie.
“Sy was ’n baie liefdevolle ma en het ons met net haar stem op ons plek gesit. Sy was ook ’n baie vrygewige mens en het graag die bietjie wat sy gehad het, met ander gedeel. Ons is nooit daar weg sonder ’n botteltjie konfyt of ingelegde vrugte nie, gemaak van produkte uit
haar tuin. Haar tuin was ’n plek waar sy kon rustig raak, selfs al het sy soms op ’n ou boomstomp gesit. Klein dingetjies het haar vreugde gegee, soos om ’n foto van ’n strelitzia te neem en vir my aan te stuur, of om te vertel hoe heerlik sy nou aan ’n soet perske uit haar tuin gesmul het,” sê Sharon.
DRAF LANGPAD MET BUS KAF
Sharon noem ook dat haar ma gereeld per bus vir haar en haar familie in Welkom kom kuier het. “Sy het op 92-jarige ouderdom nog alleen die busreis onderneem, maar die daaropvolgende jaar het sy lekker gelag en gesê as die busbestuurder haar nóú sou sien, sou hy haar gewis nie opgelaai het nie. Sy het ’n wonderlike sin vir humor gehad.”
Tannie Louis het graag oudhede op veilings gekoop. Haar geheue was vlymskerp en sy kon presies sê wat sy waar en wanneer gekoop het. Tydens gesprekke het haar sin vir humor gereeld opgevlam en het sy geskater van die lag. Sy het dikwels gesê: “Dié ou lyf wil nie meer nie, maar daar’s niks verkeerd met my mond en stem nie.”
Tydens ’n besoek aan Tannie Louis ’n paar jaar gelede het sy ’n heerlike storie aan Hermanus Times vertel: “Ons kerk het basaar gehou en ek het ’n koek vir die basaar gebak. Die koek het regtig nie goed uitgekom nie, maar ek het hom basaar toe geneem en tot my man se ergernis het ek self die koek gekoop. Ek het aan hom verduidelik dat ek regtig nie kon toelaat dat iemand daardie koek koop nie.” Tannie Louis se bakvernuf het met die jare baie verbeter – soveel so dat sy gereeld pryse vir haar gebak by skoue gewen het.
Tannie Louis het aan verskeie Christelike organisasies en groepe behoort,
waarvan veral die CAB (Christelike Afhanklikheidsbediening) haar na aan die hart gelê het. Norman Cupido, die voorsitter van die Caledon-tak van die CAB, sê: “Die Caledon-tak is in 1987 gestig en Tannie Louis was van die begin af ’n lid. Sy het in 38 jaar nooit ’n vergadering of byeenkoms gemis nie. Wanneer ons iewers heen gereis het, was Tannie Louis altyd eerste om haar reisgeld te betaal. Die afgelope paar jaar het ons die CAB-vergaderings by haar huis gehou. Kort voor haar afsterwe het sy nog daarop aangedring dat ons die afskeidsgeselligheid moet hou, wat ons toe op 22 Desember by haar aan huis gehou het. Ons het melktert – haar gunsteling – en sjokoladekoek geneem en ’n heerlike afskeidspartytjie gehad.”
Ds. Gerome Haupt, leraar van Caledon VGK, sê in sy huldeblyk: “Anty Louis, soos sy in die Verenigende Gereformeerde Kerk Caledon bekend gestaan het, was een van ons oudste lidmate in die gemeente. Slegs twee van die gemeente se lidmate, Anty Pilla Julies (100) en Anty Mattie Sepember (101), albei van Tesselaarsdal, was ouer as sy.
“Ek het Anty Louis met my en my vrou se aankoms in Caledon op 17 Julie 2004 die eerste keer ontmoet toe sy gevra is om die pastorie se sleutel aan ons te oorhandig.
GEESTELIKE REUS IN CALEDON-VGK
Anty Louis was op haar nederige beskeie manier ’n geestelike reus in die gemeente. Haar geestelike lewe herinner aan die woorde wat in Lukas 2:37 oor die profetes Anna opgeteken is – dat sy nie weggebly het van die tempel nie en God dag en nag met gebede gedien het. Met haar getrouheid aan die Here het Anty Louis aan elkeen ’n navolgenswaardige
voorbeeld gestel. Sy was lief vir die Here en haar lewe het dit bewys.
“Sy was lid van verskeie verenigings van die gemeente, onder meer die CAB, die Christelike Vrouebediening (CVB), het in haar jonger jare op die kerkraad gedien, was lid van die gemeente se getuienisbediening asook van die gebedsgroep. Haar rustige geaardheid en die wysheid waarmee sy gepraat het, was vir elkeen ’n bron van inspirasie. ’n Seder het inderdaad in die gemeente geval, soos dikwels verwys word na iemand wat ’n onmeetbare positiewe verskil in die gemeenskap en kerk gemaak het. Ons eer Anty Louis Kinniar se nagedagtenis.”
Twee jaar gelede het Tannie Louis aan Hermanus Times gesê: “Die Here was goed vir my vandat ons hier in Caledon kom woon het, maar nou leef ek op genadejare.”
Die genadejare se uurglas het nou leeggeloop. Rus in Vrede, Tannie Louis.
• Tannie Louis word oorleef deur twee seuns – Peter en Willie Kinniar – en drie dogters – Lorraine Latier, Adriana Petersen en Sharon Cookham – asook 12 kleinkinders en 21 agterkleinkinders.
Louisa Maria Kinniar, ’n geliefde en gerespekteerde inwoner van Caledon, is op 28 Desember in die ouderdom van 93 jaar oorlede.
Toppresteerders beloon vir hul harde werk in matriek
Mitzi Buys
Ter viering van hul akademiese uitnemendheid in die 2025-matriekesamen is vyf elk van die toppresteerders van die Hoërskool Overberg en Swartberg Sekondêr Vrydag 16 Januarie genooi om die opwinding van K3, die wêreld se langste glybaan, te ervaar.
Dit is die tweede jaar wat hierdie inisiatief aangebied word en volgens ’n woordvoerder van K3 sal dit ’n jaarlikse instelling word.
Clinton Lerm, die eienaar van SA Forest Adventures, sê: “Die bestuur van K3 wens hierdie leerders geluk met hul uitsonderlike prestasies en wens hulle alles van die beste toe vir die toekoms.
“Hierdie is ons manier om die
leerders te bedank vir hul harde werk, toewyding en deursettingsvermoë gedurende die jaar.”
Catelin Dickson van Swartberg Sekondêr het gesê die ondervinding was amazing . Sy het ook genoem deur die uitdagings wat 2025 ingehou het, te oorwin, het die ondervinding haar gehelp om haar vrees vir hoogtes te bowe te kom en sodoende kon sy soos ’n kampioen met die glybaan afseil.
Chriswin Hull, Ethan Heneke, JamieLee Beukman, Catelin Dickson en Roxanne Davids van Swartberg Sekondêr en Carla Whiteman, Christine Odendaal, Emily Meets, Armand Giliomee en Emri Neethling van die Hoërskool Overberg was die 10 gelukkige leerders wat hierdie unieke ervaring meegemaak het.
Double victory for young tennis star
Lukas Calitz from Hermanus Highschool delivered a commanding performance at the American Express National Club Championships in Gqeberha claiming victory in the boys u-16 singles final with a convincing 6-3, 6-1 triumph over his opponent.
The talented teenager didn't stop there, adding a doubles title to his collection when he and his partner advanced to victory in the u-16 Boys Doubles after their final opponents withdrew from the match. "Well done on this brilliant achievement Lukas, Hermanus is very proud of you," Hermanus Highschool posted on their Facebook page. Calitz's success comes at one of South Africa's most significant tennis tournaments, formerly known as the TSA Amex Super 8.
The American Express National Club Championships has become a cornerstone event on the South African sporting calendar, offering substantial prize money and providing crucial development opportunities for emerging talent. The tournament's importance extends far beyond prize money.
It serves as a vital platform for revitalising grassroots tennis, strengthening community participation, and creating pathways for young players like Calitz to advance in the sport. The American Express partnership has elevated the championships through enhanced fan experiences, including "Amex Tennis Town" fan zones and professional player
facilities.
For Calitz, this victory represents more than tournament success – it's a stepping stone in South Africa's tennis development pathway, showcasing the strength of the country's club-level competition and community tennis programs.The young champion's dominant performance signals a bright future ahead in South African tennis.
Lukas Calitz from Hermanus Highschool claiming victory in the boys u-16 singles final.
Die topleerders van Swartberg Sekondêr en die Hoërskool Overberg saam met personeel van die K3-glybaan.
Dagboek/Diary
Stuur alle dagboekinskrywings na/ Send all diary listings to mariette. strydom@ novusmedia.co.za.
DEADLINE/SPERTYD: Thursday/Donderdag 12:00. View a more extensive list of events at www.hermanustimes.co.za
WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY
ART IN THE GARDEN. This event at the Harold Porter Botanical Garden will take place until 1 February. For more information 073 428 4398.
THE MAGIC OF THE UNKNOWN – Mini Silent Retreat. Mini silent retreat to start your year with curiosity, courage and clarity. 1136 Hilton Circle, Pringle Bay. Barbara 074 061 5825.
SATURDAY 31 JANUARY
BEACH VOLLYBALL TOURNAMENT.
From 08:00 at Grotto Beach. For more information visit https://forms.gle/RUGivQNkxCjipPPJ9. Spectators welcome to join thies event.
HERMANUS-BIBLIOTEEK hou boekbekendstelling om 10:00. WOND, PLAASMOORD - DIS MY MENSE deur
Gerhard M. Pietersen. Ds. Gerhard Pietersen se skoonouers is in 2016 wreed in 'n plaasaanval by Groot-Brakrivier vermoor. Gerhard gesels oor die moorde, die ontredderdheid en die trauma vir die mense wat agterbly. Kostes R20 per persoon. Vir nog inligting: 028 313 8077 of stuur 'n e-pos na hermanuslibrary@overstrand.gov.za. Moenie die geleentheid misloop nie.
BAARDSKEEDERSBOS MARKET. 09:00 - 15:00 at Ouskool, Baardskeerdersbos. For more information 082 713 9343.
CANDLE MAKING at Wholehearted Creative Cafe in Kleinmond. R350pp (incl coffee + cake). For more information: 082 411 1217
FUNKY JAZZ EVENING. With Jemaine Julies & Mr Moody. DJ Tayo.SA-DJ Gino-DJ Wano-DJ AM. Tickets R100 per person. Coolerbox R30. Moffat Hall Hermanus. For bookings: https://www.facebook.com/ jemaine.julies.2025.
SJARRAP, EN EET JOU KOS-EEN-VROUVERTONING. Starts 19:00 at Searles Eatery, Bar & Theatre in Stanford. For more information and bookings, contact 083 241 7211.
CROWFOOT LIVE at Hangklip Hotel. Free entry. Starts at 20:00
MONDAY 16 FEBRUARY
OVERBERG QUILTERS GUILD. Demo, speaker, vendor, show and tell, tea's, visitors welcome to join!A quilt shop vendor is on hand to buy fabric. Show and Tell is held, showing us what the ladies have been piecing and quilting. Guest speakers are invited from time to time. We meet on the 3rd Monday of the month, the exception being June and December. Inquiries: Alexandra 082 480 5822; Facebook: Overberg Quilters Guild Venue: De Wet Hall, Roos Street, Onrus | 9H00 - 12:00 REGULARS
Shop for fresh organic produce, gourmet foodstuff, arts and crafts, plants and much more at the HERMANUS COUNTRY MARKET every Saturday, 09:00-14:00. It is held at the Hermanus Cricket Grounds and is child- and dog-friendly.
Buy lovely home-made goodies and en-
joy a fun-filled morning at the GANSBAAI FRIDAY MORNING MARKET held every Friday from 09:00 to 12:00 in the Pretorius Hall in Main Road.
The STANFORD SATURDAY MORNING MARKET is held every Saturday from 09:00 to 12:00 on the Stanford Hotel stoep.
The ONRUS MARKIE is held on the first Saturday of every month at the De Wet Hall in Roos Street, Onrus, from 09:00 to 12:00.
Visit the GREYTON SATURDAY MARKET every Saturday from 09:30 to 12:30 for the most delicious homemade treats, beautiful art and crafts, fresh produce and much more.
The NAPIER VILLAGE MARKET is held every Saturday, from 09:00 to 12:30, in the garden at the Napier Hotel. Treat yourself to delicious home-made food, drinks, art, plants and more.
HERMANUS DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 13:00. Enquiries: Judy Wulf on 082 775 0179.
The STIMULUS COFFEE AND CONVERSATION GROUP meets every Wednesday at 10:30 at Lizette’s restaurant. The group’s aim is to discuss serious issues with thoughtful people for fun. All are welcome. Enquiries: Trevor at base37@ gmail.com or 083 441 1721.
Join the STANFORD STRIDERS every Thursday at 17:15 for 17:30 for a weekly 5 km Time Trial that sets off from and ends on the corner of Shortmarket Street and Queen Victoria Street. Run or walk at your own pace and join everyone afterwards for a coffee or a drink at one of the local restaurants. Join the Stanford Striders Time Trials WhatsApp group to stay informed, https://chat. whatsapp. com/JQAlt7bP[1]gJSHh0KJjFB7Zm
HELPING YOU COPE
RIVER MOUNT HOPE CENTRE based in Fisherhaven offers 13 weekly Grief Share sessions for those struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. Sessions can be done either online or in person, free of charge. Call 081 556 2700 or send an email to info@rivermounthope. com for more information.
OVERSTRAND HOSPICE invites everyone who is dealing with bereavement to join their Bereavement Peer Support Group at 10:00 on every third Thursday of the month at the Hospice office at 10 Hope Street, Hermanus. It is a free informal drop-in service. Enquiries: 028 312 4679.·
PARKRUNS
Parkruns set off every Saturday at 08:00.
Meet on the corner of Hangness and George street, L'Agulhas for the Cape Agulhas parkrun.
Meet interesting people and farm animals at Groeneweide parkrun in Franskraal.
Join the Caledon Golf Course parkrun every Saturday from 08:00.
Join the Betty’s Bay parkrun in the beautiful Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.
Enjoy the breathtaking views at the Benguela Cove parkrun.
The Bredasdorp parkrun sets off from Langefontein Road next to the dam.
Opera to enchant
Music lovers are in for an extraordinary treat as FynArts presents the Old Harbour Sunset Concert on Friday 28 February featuring two of South Africa's most celebrated vocal talents against the breathtaking backdrop of Hermanus Harbour.
The evening will showcase the exceptional artistry of soprano Janelle Visagie and baritone William Berger, who will perform alongside the renowned Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of conductor Brandon Philips. This collaboration promises to deliver an unforgettable musical experience that combines world-class talent with one of the Western Cape's most picturesque venues. The carefully curated programme spans centuries of beloved musical traditions, featuring timeless works from classical giants Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Strauss, along-
side more contemporary favourites from Bernstein, Rogers and Mancini. Concert-goers can also look forward to highlights from the Broadway sensation Wicked, ensuring something magical for every musical taste.
The event is proudly supported by Pam Golding Properties - Whale Coast, demonstrating
Fliek oor mens, b’jaan
’n Fliek wat handel oor die verhouding tussen die mens en bobbejane is plaaslik te sien. Inwoners van Kleinmond en Hermanus word genooi na die gratis vertoning van Unruly: The Film, wat die uitdagings en werklikhede van die lewe saam met die natuurlewe en wild ondersoek. Die fliek, gegrond op akademiese navorsing van die universiteite van Stockholm en Stellenbosch, ondersoek die menslike ervarings van ’n lewe met bobbejane in die Wes-Kaap. Die werk is aanvanklik vir die verhoog geskep en later vir groter gehore verfilm. Unruly speel af in die fiktiewe kusdorp Skemerbaai en volg wat
gebeur nadat die matriarg van ’n plaaslike bobbejaantrop verdwyn het. Deur gebruik te maak van humor ondersoek die fliek die verhouding tussen mens en dier, die spanning wat binne gemeenskappe ontstaan en botsende menings in die gemeenskap. Die fliek is in Engels, geskik vir ouderdomme 13 en ouer, en elke vertoning word gevolg deur ’n bespreking met die navorsingspan. Gratis vertonings sal in die Overstrand plaasvind: Kleinmond: Donderdag 29 Januarie om 19:30 in die Kleinmond-gemeenskapsaal; Hermanus: Vrydag 30 Januarie om 19:00 in die ouditorium. Besoek www.unrulynatures.com
strong local business commitment to bringing world-class cultural events to the region. While the concert has generated significant interest, FynArts organisers are accommodating music enthusiasts who may have missed the initial ticket release.
To secure seats reach out via WhatsApp: 060 957 5371
Die fliek wat handel oor die verhouding tussen die mens en bobbejane is gratis te sien.
Sluit aan by Aghulhas-gholfdag
Dit is weer tyd vir die Kaap Agulhas-munisipaliteit se jaarlikse burgemeestersgholfdag. Dié jaarlikse gholfdag, wat nie net mededingend is nie, maar ook gemeenskapsgees opbou, word op 6 Maart by die Bredasdorp-gholfklub beslis. Volgens die organiseerders gaan dit in ’n Beterbal-Stableford-formaat gespeel word met die eerste afslaan reeds om 06:30.
Hiermee word kennis gegeeingevolge Ar�kel34(1) vandieInsolvensiewet –no24van1936 geskied datdiebesigheid wa tbedryf word onderdienaamen styl vanJDTBurgers (Pty) Ltd, registrasie nommer2009/195877/23 van voornemeisomSteersHermanus, geleë te 137HoofStraat,Hermanus, 7200,enSteersWhaleCoastMall, geleë te ShopG23CWhaleCoastMall,Sandbaai,Hermanus, gehou indieen�teitJDTBurgers (Pty) Ltdmetal sy batesenhandelsaangewendheid verkoop word aan Micky's Food(Pty) Ltd, registrasienommer2016/501777/07ingang van1 Februarie2026.
All kontrakte, verplig�ngeen verantwoordelikhede vandiebesigheidsal vanafbogenoemdedatum deurdie koper gehanteer word Balanghebbendepartye,insluitendkrediteure, word versoekomenigeeiseofnavraemetbetrekking totdie verkoopbinne30dae vanafdiedatum vanhierdie kennisgewingskri�elikin te dienby:
Gedateer te Hermanusophierdie23ste dag vanJanuarie2026
Geteken:Stevan Byleveld
Spelers kan inskryf teen R600 per speler of R2 400 per vierbal. Jou inskrywingsfooi is alles ingesluit en dek ’n heerlike ontbyt wat tot 09:00 bedien word, ’n halfpad-versnapering om jou energie op die baan op peil te hou, en ’n volledige aandete om die geleentheid af te sluit.
Die stylvolste spelers op die baan kan spesiale pryse wen vir die bes geklede Beterbal-span! Vir sakeondernemings wat
hul sigbaarheid wil uitbrei en hierdie inisiatief wil ondersteun, bied ons geborgde putjies vir R5 000 aan. ’n Reeks ander borgskappakkette is ook beskikbaar, wat elk verskeie handelsmerk- en deelnamevoordele bied om aan jou behoeftes te voldoen. • Die sluitingsdatum vir alle inskrywings is eers Vrydag 20 Februarie – maak dus seker dat jy jou plek verseker voordat die veld volbespreek is.
�o�ceisherebygiventhatthebusiness conductedunderthenameand styleofJDTBurgers t/asSteersHermanusandSteersWhaleCoastMall,situated at 137Main Road,Hermanus, 7200, togetherwithallitsassetsand goodwill,hasbeensold to Mickys Foods(Pty) Ltd,with effectfrom1 February2026
All contracts,obliga�ons,and responsibili�esofthebusinesswillbeassumedbythe purchaserfromtheabovemen�oned effec�vedate
Interestedpar�es,includingcreditors,are requested to submitanyclaimsorenquiries rela�ng to thesaleinwri�ngwithin30days fromthedate ofthisno�ce to:
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ANIMALWELFAR E CONTAC T DE TA IL S
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PURPOSE: To implementprojects, tasks,andac��i�esofthelocal/municipal electoralofficerinaccordancewiththeprescribedIEC guidelinesandbudgets ofthe regionaloffice.Theposi�on reports to the RegionalAssistant Manager.
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Applicationsare hereby inv itedfrom qu alifie d pe rs onstobe ap pointedinthe undermentioned v acancies:
MANAGER:ELECTRICAL (2POSTS)
Directorate: InfrastructureServices
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The Overberg remains a favorite destination for the Cape Epic. And this year this prestigious race makes its seventh visit to the Overberg.
Greyton is preparing to roll out the red carpet once again as the world's most gruelling mountain bike stage race, the 2026 Absa Cape Epic, confirmed the town as a key destination. From 15-22 March, elite international mountain bikers will tackle 692 km of unforgiving South African terrain with a lung-burning 15 900 meters of climbing.
For Greyton, this marks the seventh time the town has hosted stages of cycling's most prestigious event, having previously welcomed riders in 2004, 2006, 2009, 2014, 2017, and 2022. Greyton will play host to not just one, but three crucial stages of the eight-day epic – serving as the ven -
ue for Stages 3 and 4, before sending riders off on Stage 5. This extended stay promises to transform the usually tranquil hamlet into a bustling hub of international sporting activity.
"Few places embody the comfort and chaos of trail riding quite like Greyton," race organisers note. The Greyton trail network offers a masterful combination of technical challenge and natural splendour that has made it a favourite return destination for Cape Epic route planners.
"The climbs are wicked, the descents exhilarating and the scenery distractingly beautiful," organisers warn. "It's a place that rewards rhythm and punishes hesitation – a true test of both legs and nerve."
Local mountain biking enthusiasts can get more information about Greyton's trail network at www.greytonmtb. co.za, while those planning to attend the 2026 Cape Epic can expect route de -
wat
tails and accommodation information to be released in the coming months.
The 2026 Absa Cape Epic is presented by Toyota and forms the pinnacle event of the global Epic Series.
Die rugbyliga het nog nie eens begin nie, maar spanne in die Overberg is al hard besig om te oefen om vanjaar die beste in hul streek te wees.
Saterdag 28 Februarie lei alle paaie na die Caledon-sportterrein wanneer die vierde Overberg Challenge weer plaasvind. Volgens die organiseerders, Nissen Holdings, gaan hierdie gebeurtenis net van krag tot krag. “In 2023 was daar 3 000 toeskouers wat die unieke sportgebeurtenis bygewoon het. Verlede jaar het meer as 6 000 toeskouers na die sportveld gestroom,” se die organiseerders.
Wat die sportgebeurtenis so uniek maak, is dat spanne van die Overberg om die beker meeding. Safcol van Grabouw
het al twee jaar agtereenvolgens as die wenner uit die stryd getree. Vanjaar is dit Botrivier, Safcol, Hawston en Stanford Universals wat om die beker gaan meeding. Vier uitnodigingspanne gaan in die voorwedstryde speel.
“Ons doel met die Overberg Challenge is nie net om Overberg-klubs die geleentheid te gee om hul talente voordat die seisoen begin, bloot te stel nie, maar ook vir jong rugbyliefhebbers om hul plaaslike helde in aksie te sien,” sê die organiseerders.
• Nog 'n reeks waar twee plaaslike spanne gaan deelneem, is die tweede Ebrahim Patel-gemeenskapsbeker, wat in George gaan plaasvind. Die toernooi,
Cape Epic visits Greyton
To experience the Wines2Whales vibe in 2026, save the date for the 17th edition now. The event will take place from the 6-15 November with entries opening on 29 January.
Spanne deel van toptoernooie
wat van 2 tot 6 April plaasvind en waar agt spanne teen mekaar gaan meeding, is verlede jaar vir die eerste keer gehou en volgens die organiseerders was dit so suksesvol dat dit nou 'n jaarlikse instelling gaan wees.
Die twee spanne van die Overberg wat aan die toernooi gaan deelneem, is Safcol van Grabouw en Botla Fire, wat verlede jaar ook die wenners van die Overberg-streek was. Die ander spanne wat om die beker gaan meeding, is die Heidelberg-rugblyklub, die Bridgton-rugbyklub van Oudtshoorn, die Robertson-rugbyklub, die verdedigende kampioen PE Harlequins, die Kruisfonteinrugbyklub en die Crusaders-rugbyklub – ook van Port Elizabeth.
Benjamin Dwayi van Safcol is gereed vir die Ebrahim Patel-gemeenskapsbeker
oor die Paasnaweek in George gespeel word. Foto: Facebook
