Alignments, Autumn & Appetite 🍂 🩺 🍽️

Hello Hermanus!

it’s a new week to experience everything good Hermanus has to offer as we dive into yet another new edition of the Hermanus Scoop. 🐋

💧 Important note: If you forgot about today’s water shutdown affecting key areas in town you can get water from a water truck at the old tennis courts in town from 8:30 until 16:00.

In this week’s edition, we’re sharing:

🩺 Business of the Week: Dr William Fogwell - From a background in agriculture to becoming one of Hermanus's most trusted chiropractors, Dr William Fogwell brings a grounded, diagnostic-first approach to musculoskeletal health - and from 1 May, he'll be part of an exciting new integrated medical space at Swallow Park De Waterkant Medical Centre.

⚖️ Legal Piece of the Week (with STBB) - Life changes, and sometimes a lease needs to change with it. Director Tiaan Esterhuyse unpacks what the law says when a tenant or landlord wants out of a fixed-term lease early - and why the notice period, the contract wording, and the CPA all matter more than you might think.

🍽️ New In Town - StillFresh is tackling one of Hermanus’ quiet contradictions: good food going to waste. This new local platform connects businesses with surplus to residents looking for quality meals at reduced prices - turning waste into opportunity, and inviting the community to help bring more local spots on board.

📆 What’s On in Hermanus & Local Events - From markets and live music to bodyboarding trials and a special Easter choral service, there’s a great mix of things to do around town.

🌤️ Your Weather - A warm and sunny start gives way to slightly cooler, mixed conditions midweek, before settling back into a mild autumn rhythm.

Here’s to a week of good decisions, local discoveries, and the people quietly shaping life in Hermanus every day.

The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Love local stories? Share The Scoop with a friend at hermanusscoop.co.za. It’s free and it’s lekker. 💛

🏡Property of the Week - Presented by Greeff Properties

Looking for ocean views or a mountainside retreat?

Each week, we spotlight a standout listing that captures the unique charm and lifestyle of the Overberg. From ocean-view escapes to tucked-away treasures, these are the homes that inspire imagination - and maybe even your next move. Brought to you by Greeff Properties, trusted specialists in exceptional real estate across the Overberg.

We are pleased to present a meticulously maintained home within the prestigious Berghof Estate, a gated community featuring 63 exquisite houses surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.

This residence boasts an open-plan layout encompassing the lounge, dining area, and kitchen, all centered around a cozy fireplace. The lower ground floor includes a flatlet with a private entrance, ideal for generating passive income.

View the full property here.

Business Of The Week: Dr William Fogwell

If you’ve lived in Hermanus long enough, you’ll know that aches, injuries, and the occasional stubborn niggle come with an active, outdoor lifestyle. That’s where Dr William Fogwell has quietly built a reputation as one of the town’s go-to practitioners for musculoskeletal health.

Based in Hermanus since 2015, William’s journey into chiropractic care wasn’t exactly conventional. He originally studied Agriculture and Animal & Wildlife Science, spending four years in that world before shifting direction toward human health. That pivot led him to complete his Master’s in Chiropractic in Durban in 2007 and ultimately to a career focused on helping people move, function, and live better.

His move to Hermanus was intentional. Like many of us, he was drawn by the lifestyle, great schools, a safe environment, and a strong outdoor culture. But he also recognised something else: a growing community in need of quality musculoskeletal care.

Over time, his clinical approach has evolved. While early work focused heavily on acute pain and sports injuries, his practice today leans more toward long-term functional health - helping patients maintain mobility, independence, and physical capability as they age.

A big part of what sets William apart is his focus on getting the diagnosis right first. Many patients arrive after trying multiple avenues without success, often with chronic or unresolved issues. His approach is to identify the root cause rather than just treating symptoms and where needed, he’ll refer patients to the right specialist to ensure they get the best possible outcome.

Treatment-wise, there’s no one-size-fits-all. William uses a mix of chiropractic techniques, soft tissue work, and rehabilitation strategies tailored to each individual. He’s also introduced radial shockwave therapy, particularly effective for chronic injuries and tendinopathies.

Collaboration is another key pillar of his model. From 1 May, he’ll be part of a new integrated medical space: Swallow Park De Waterkant Medical Centre alongside a team that includes biokineticists, physiotherapists, and a neurosurgeon. The new practice will be located at 38 Main Road, Hermanus (next to the clicks), offering a more holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to patient care.

Beyond the practice, William has a growing interest in metabolic health and its impact on long-term wellbeing - an area he’s increasingly exploring alongside his musculoskeletal work.

And in true Hermanus fashion, life doesn’t stop at the practice door. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him outdoors: fishing, camping, or training. He’s particularly passionate about strength training and powerlifting, which feeds directly into his philosophy of maintaining physical capability over the long term.

🍷 A lesser-known side note: William is also an avid winemaker. In partnership with Alheit Vineyards, he produces his own Syrah right here in the valley, a project that reflects the same precision and passion he brings to his clinical work.

Whether you’re dealing with a long-standing injury, looking to stay active as you age, or simply want a clearer understanding of what’s going on in your body, William’s approach is grounded, thoughtful, and refreshingly thorough.

🔗 Practice: https://hermanuschiro.co.za/Home/
📞 Book an appointment: 028 312 1864
🍷 Wine brand: https://fogwellwine.co.za/

Legal Piece of the Week: Moving on: Can a tenant or landlord terminate a lease agreement early?

An essential aspect of the rental market, a lease agreement expressly regulates the legal relationship between a landlord and tenant by specifying the terms and conditions of the leasing arrangement. A fixed-term lease stipulates the agreed date on which a lease terminates. As circumstances change, however, one party may wish to terminate the lease early. This article briefly explores the legal framework regulating the early termination of lease agreements.

There are innumerable scenarios in which one party may elect to cancel a lease before the agreed date of termination. The landlord may have received an irresistible offer to purchase from a third party. Alternatively, the tenant may have opted to relocate. In either scenario, the notice period will depend on whether the lease expressly incorporates an early termination clause.

Designed to encourage flexibility, an early termination clause - or cancellation policy - enables either party to cancel the lease by notifying the other of their intention to terminate in writing. In practice, the notice period varies between one and two months, and the parties may agree on a longer period. Where the lease makes provision for early termination but does not specify a notice period, the common law applies. Typically, the party seeking to terminate the lease must provide one (calendar) months’ notice, namely on the first day of the succeeding month.

If the lease does not include an early termination clause, or it has already expired, the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act (‘the CPA’) or Rental Housing Act (‘the RHA’) may apply to the lease.

Section 14 of the CPA permits the early cancellation of a lease - defined as a fixed-term agreement not exceeding 24 months - by a tenant who is required to give the landlord 20 business days’ notice in writing. Importantly, the tenant remains liable for any payments owing to the landlord under the lease up until the date of cancellation. As a security measure against lost revenue, the landlord may impose a reasonable cancellation penalty.

The CPA, however, will not apply if the lease was concluded between a landlord and juristic entity, such as a company, close corporation, or trust, or in instances where the landlord is not leasing the property in the ordinary course of business.

Importantly, section 5 of RHA covers scenarios where leases have expired and the parties have not formalised the extension. Accordingly, if a fixed-term lease has expired and the tenant continues to occupy the property with the landlord’s express or tacit consent, the agreement will continue on a month-to-month basis, unless the tenant expressly agrees to its renewal. In this instance, section 5(5) of the RHA enables either party to cancel the lease by providing one month’s notice.

For further information or expert legal support, contact Director Tiaan Esterhuyse at [email protected] or the STBB Hermanus office on 028 753 0033.

🥦 New in Town: StillFresh

There’s a quiet contradiction in a place like Hermanus. Surrounded by natural beauty, with a strong sense of community and an ever-growing food culture - yet every day, perfectly good food goes to waste.

That’s exactly the problem StillFresh.co.za is stepping in to solve.

New to town and built with a simple but powerful idea, StillFresh connects local businesses with people who are happy to enjoy surplus food at a reduced price. It’s not just a marketplace - it’s a small shift in behaviour that could make a big difference, both economically and environmentally.

The platform is in its early days, which means things might feel a little light at first. But that’s part of the opportunity. StillFresh is being built from the ground up, and it relies on locals - both businesses and residents - to bring it to life.

For businesses, it’s a smarter way to handle surplus: instead of writing it off, they can recover value while getting their food into the hands of the community. For residents, it’s a chance to discover great local offerings at a fraction of the price.

More than anything, it’s a collective effort. Locals are encouraged to spread the word and nudge their favourite cafés, bakeries, and restaurants to get involved - because the more businesses that join, the more the whole system works.

It’s early days, but the idea is simple: less waste, more access, and a stronger connection between the people who make food and the people who enjoy it.

👉 StillFresh.co.za

No more “what a waste” - just good food, finding its way to the right tables.

📅 What's On This Week

A good mix of things to do this week - from markets and a free Parkrun to an intimate sensory wine experience rounding out the weekend.

Every Saturday | Hermanus Country Market 📍 Hermanus Cricket Club, corner of Fairways Ave & Jose Burman Drive 🕘 9:00am - 2:00pm | Free entry

The Saturday morning ritual. Fresh produce, local crafts, food stalls, and a relaxed community atmosphere - a great way to ease into the weekend. The first Sunday of every month also hosts Art in the Park, with 50 local artists exhibiting alongside the market. More info →

Every Saturday | Hermanus Parkrun 📍 Hermanus Forest, Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 🕗 8:00am | Free

A free, timed 5km run through the Hemel-en-Aarde — open to all ages and fitness levels. Just register once on the Parkrun website and bring a printed or digital barcode. A wonderful way to meet locals and start your Saturday morning right. Register & more info →

Thursday & Friday, 16–17 April | Shop The Pop Pop-Up Market 📍 The Marine Hotel, Hermanus 🕙 Times TBC | Free entry

A two-day curated shopping experience comes to one of Hermanus's most iconic venues. Shop The Pop brings together a carefully selected lineup of local and visiting vendors spanning fashion, jewellery, artisanal goods, and more - including Lynda Marion Jewellery, SugarTongTong Clothing, Stil Luxury, Ashworks Artisanal, Kate Jordan Clothing, Eco Threads, and several others. Fresh coffee, snacks and treats on offer. No entrance fee.

Saturday, 18 April | Beyond the Surface: An Immersive Sensory Tasting Experience 📍 Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, R43, Bot River Lagoon 🕙 10:30 - 14:00 | Limited to 20 guests

This is not a standard wine tasting - it is a curated exploration into the world of the "Sixth Sense": that intuitive connection between memory, emotion, and flavour. Set on the estate's ocean-facing lagoon, the experience pairs a five-course journey with a wine flight in a sensory setting designed to awaken the senses through sight, smell, taste, and touch. Strictly limited to 20 guests for an intimate, personal experience.

📞 087 357 0637 | 👉 benguelacove.co.za

Saturday, 1-30 April | Atelier Collective Art Exhibition 🎨
📍 Kostelijk Restaurant, Bona Dea Farm, Hemel and Aarde Valley
🕙 Daily, 09:00 - 15:00 | Open to the public

A rotating showcase of contemporary local talent, this exhibition brings together a diverse collection of works from the Atelier Collective. Expect everything from intimate portrait studies and sweeping landscapes to botanical pieces, charcoal sketches, and bold abstract paintings - alongside striking, expressive jewellery by local artisan Milena Barkhuizen.

Set within the scenic surrounds of Bona Dea Farm, the exhibition offers a relaxed, immersive art experience, often with one of the artists present to engage with visitors. Many guests pair their visit with breakfast or lunch at Kostelijk, making it a perfect cultural stop in the valley.

An initiative rooted in community, Bona Dea continues to support local artists by providing a platform to exhibit and sell their work in a beautiful, accessible setting.

📞 Book a table at Kostelijk Restaurant 👉 028 050 0371

Saturday, 18 April | Harvest Family & Fine Wine Feast 📍 Hasher Family Wines, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus 🕑 14:00 - 18:00

The quarterly Family & Fine Wine Feasts have become a cherished tradition in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, where adults savour exceptional wines and children enjoy a warm, family-friendly atmosphere - celebrations of good food, great wine, and moments shared together. This autumn edition marks the close of harvest season, with a feast table of local and seasonal plates, fresh cheeses, warm mosbolletjies, and cool-climate wines from one of the valley's most beloved family estates.

📞 071 477 8728 | 👉 hasherfamilywines.co.za

Friday, 24 April | Pensioners Lunch Special 📍 De Vette Mossel, Hermanus 🕛 12:00 | R199 per person (60+)

A special sit-down lunch put on exclusively for pensioners, featuring a hearty spread of classic South African flavours: pot bread with farm butter and jam, mussel meat with onions, garlic and butter, West Coast snoek with traditional sweet potatoes, meat potjie, flavoured rice, and coffee or tea with koeksisters to finish.

Bookings essential - by WhatsApp or email only. 📞 064 552 6627 | 📧 [email protected]

Friday, 24 April | Songs of the Soul: A Tribute to Cat Stevens & Rodriguez 📍 Two Chefs at Hermanus Golf Club 🕕 Dinner 18:00 | Show 20:00 | Tickets from R260

An evening of timeless music performed by international award-winning singer-songwriter Gareth James. The show celebrates the legacies of two extraordinary artists - Cat Stevens, whose poetic ballads like Father and Son and Wild World blended storytelling with spiritual reflection, and Rodriguez, whose tracks like Sugar Man became unlikely anthems in South Africa during a pivotal era of social change. Together, their music weaves themes of love, loss, hope, and freedom that remain as resonant as ever.

👉 Book on Quicket

Coming Up | Saturday 25 April - Chris Chameleon: Hartloop | Sandbaai Saal Keep an eye on next week's edition - beloved South African artist Chris Chameleon performs live at the Sandbaai Saal on 25 April. Tickets available on Quicket. Get tickets →

🎒 Schools

Hermanus High School Music Spectacular:

Hermanus Primary School still have a table or 2 available at their quiz night:

🌤️ Weather Forecast for Hermanus

Hermanus leans into a cooler, moodier autumn stretch this week, with a mix of sunshine and scattered rain shaping a more changeable coastal pattern. 

Thursday starts off bright and mild, but conditions shift quickly as Friday and the weekend bring increased cloud cover, stronger winds, and periods of rain. Saturday and Sunday carry the wettest conditions, giving the coastline a distinctly autumnal feel.

By Monday, the weather begins to stabilise, though lingering showers remain possible. From Tuesday, clearer skies return with lighter winds and drier air, leading into a more settled midweek. Wednesday and Thursday see a noticeable lift in temperatures, with sunshine re-establishing a calmer, more balanced rhythm.

Overall, it’s a week that starts mild, turns wet and windy through the weekend, and gradually clears into a brighter, more settled autumn pattern.

⸻

Thursday 16 April
Mild with good spells of sunshine. ☀️
19°C / 11°C Winds 7 / 1 m/s

Friday 17 April
Cooler with rain developing and breezy conditions. 🌧️
17°C / 13°C Rain ~16 mm Winds 12 / 5 m/s

Saturday 18 April
Overcast with intermittent rain and stronger winds. 🌧️
16°C / 13°C Rain ~1.7 mm Winds 12 / 9 m/s

Sunday 19 April
Cloudy with showers and gusty coastal winds. 🌧️
17°C / 11°C Rain ~14 mm Winds 10 / 5 m/s

Monday 20 April
Mostly cloudy with a few lingering showers. 🌦️
16°C / 11°C Rain ~4.5 mm Winds 9 / 3 m/s

Tuesday 21 April
Clearing skies with sunshine returning. ☀️
17°C / 10°C Rain ~0.4 mm Winds 3 / 2 m/s

Wednesday 22 April
Warmer with a mix of sun and light cloud. 🌤️
21°C / 12°C Winds 5 / 3 m/s

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Overall, it’s a week that turns unsettled and wet through the weekend, before gradually clearing into brighter, calmer autumn days.

Spotted in the Overberg: Photo of the Week

Each week, we feature one special snap submitted by someone who calls this place home. From misty morning walks to playful pups on the beach - we want to see what you see.

And here’s the perk: every featured photographer gets a free flat white on us - in partnership with Molo Coffee. So send in your best shot to [email protected], and you might just sip your way to local fame.

That’s a wrap for this week’s Scoop!

Stay cool, have a great day and we’ll see you next week!

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Want to be featured in the Scoop? Drop us a mail at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you.

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