Celebrating the Scoop's first birthday🎂

Hello Hermanus!

The days may be shorter, but there always seems to be plenty happening around town.

This week we've got a little bit of everything. Exciting new businesses, local events, practical legal advice and beautiful photographs.

Before we dive in, a small milestone worth celebrating: Hermanus Scoop officially turns one this month. Thank you for reading, sharing, contributing, and helping us tell the stories that make this community so special. 🐋🧁

As always, we've been out and about finding the stories, people, and events worth sharing.

In this week's edition:

🎂 Celebrating one year of Hermanus Scoop

🏡 Property of the Week with Greeff Properties

⚖️ Legal Corner: The pitfalls of signing a power of attorney

📅 What's On: Markets, live music, wine, AI, food, and plenty happening around town

🌊 The Marine Hotel's stunning new look

🌤️ Sunshine, rain, and a proper dose of winter weather

📷 This week's Photo of the Week and another beautiful local moment captured through your lens

Here's to good stories, good people, and another week in Hermanus.

-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.

Exclusive Coastal Living in Prime Sandbaai

Positioned just moments from the shoreline on the spectacular Whale Coast, this exceptional property offers a lifestyle where adventure, family living, and coastal luxury come together effortlessly.

Behind secure walls lies a home with character, space, and versatility. Inspired by bold Moorish architecture with subtle touches reminiscent of Dubai's timeless elegance, the residence combines striking design with the relaxed atmosphere of coastal living.

View the full property here.

🎂 Business of the Week: Celebrating One Year of the Hermanus Scoop

This month, Hermanus Scoop celebrates its first birthday.

What began as a simple idea to tell the stories of Hermanus and the Overstrand has grown into a thriving local publication dedicated to showcasing the people, businesses, events and community spirit that make this corner of the world so special.

Over the past year, Hermanus Scoop has featured hundreds of local stories, shining a spotlight on entrepreneurs, artists, restaurateurs, charities, sports clubs, community leaders and everyday residents who are making a difference. From new business openings and local events to inspiring personal journeys and hidden gems, the publication has sought to capture the heartbeat of the community.

Dreamed up and started by former neighbours Carel Strydom and Malherbe Pelser the Hermanus Scoop has grown and established itself over the course of the last year, recently adding Twané van Rensburg on social media duties.

The milestone is not just a celebration of the publication itself, but of the town and its people.

“When we launched Hermanus Scoop, our goal was simple: to create a platform that celebrates the good things happening in our community,” says co-founder Carel Strydom. “A year later, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has shared their stories, welcomed us into their businesses, attended local events and supported what we’re building.”

In an age where much of the news cycle is dominated by national headlines and global events, Hermanus Scoop chose a different path. The publication focuses on local storytelling, highlighting the people and places that residents encounter every day but may not always know the full story behind.

That approach has resonated with readers.

Over the past twelve months, Hermanus Scoop has become a trusted platform for discovering new businesses, celebrating community achievements, promoting local events and connecting residents with the stories that matter most to them.

“The support from the local community has been incredible and we’re working on exciting ways to grow our platform and build upon an exciting first year”, says co-founder Malherbe Pelser on his experience in working on the Scoop over the past 12 months.

The publication has also become a valuable platform for local businesses, providing an opportunity to share their journeys, showcase their products and services, and reach a highly engaged local audience.

Yet perhaps the greatest achievement of the past year has been the relationships built along the way.

Every interview, every photograph, every article and every event covered has contributed to a growing archive of stories that collectively tell the story of Hermanus itself, a town rich in character, creativity, entrepreneurship and community spirit.

As Hermanus Scoop enters its second year, the mission remains unchanged: to continue discovering, documenting and celebrating the people who make the Overstrand such an extraordinary place to live, work and visit.

The team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every reader, business owner, community organisation, advertiser, contributor and supporter who has been part of the journey so far.

After all, Hermanus Scoop may write the stories, but it is the people of Hermanus who make them worth telling.

Here’s to the first year, and to many more scoops to come.

Meet the Team behind the Scoop

Carel Strydom
Carel, his wife, and their two children made Hermanus their permanent home in 2020, although their connection to the town goes back much further. Both spent many childhood holidays here, and attended Sea & Sand Lifesaving courses in Hermanus during his high school years.

When the world changed during COVID and remote work became the norm, the family decided to make the move permanent. Today, Carel is the co-founder of HireJustNow, a South African Employer of Record business that helps international companies employ South African talent. When he's not working, you'll often find him on an early morning Cliff Path run, in the surf, or enjoying one of his favourite local spots, Die Plaat.

"I've always had a deep connection with Hermanus and absolutely love the town. I genuinely believe it's one of the best places in the world to live. Whether it's an early morning run on the Cliff Path, surfing, fishing, or simply spending time outdoors, we've fallen in love with the community, the nature, and the incredible beauty of this place. We feel incredibly privileged to call Hermanus home." 

Malherbe Pelser

Malherbe is a keen photographer and content creator and has been spending the best part of the last 15 years running his own marketing and content agency All These Things specifically specialising in sport content and working all over the world with renowned international sports brands and athletes including ASICS, Novak Djokovic and the Springboks. He is also known to be a keen supporter of Arsenal Football Club.

On any given day he can be spotted walking the cliff path with his black labrador Matilda. Obviously wearing ASICS shoes.

Twané van Rensburg:

Hermanus local, Twané, has a habit of saying yes to new adventures, creative projects and the occasional spontaneous road trip. As the owner of Philia Creative Media, she spends her days photographing local brands, creating content and helping businesses tell their stories online. Between her work and contributing to Hermanus Scoop, she loves supporting the people and businesses that make our town unique. She can usually be found with a camera in hand and coffee within easy reach.

🌊 The Grand Old Lady Has Had a Glow-Up and You're Invited

The Marine Hotel has reopened after a beautiful refresh of its ground-floor public spaces, and if you haven't been in a while, now is absolutely the time to pop in.

The iconic cocktail bar has been transformed. Think aged brass, sage-green velvet bar stools, grit-blasted granite, and those gorgeous arched windows still framing the sea. The Pavilion Restaurant is equally stunning: 50 glass pendant lights, lush botanical greenery, green marble accents, and curved velvet banquettes give it a brasserie-meets-greenhouse feel that's warm, elegant, and completely inviting. The passages, reception, and courtyard have all had the same thoughtful treatment. Rooted in the hotel's 120-year heritage but feeling fresh and alive.

Interior designers Dawn Dickerson and Carmel Naudé of HotCocoa Interiors drew their palette directly from the fynbos landscape surrounding Hermanus, with hand-painted murals of proteas, pincushions, aloes and the rare Hermanus Erica bringing the outside in throughout the hotel.

The best part? You don't have to be a guest to enjoy it. The Marine warmly welcomes locals. Come in for a morning coffee in the Sun Lounge overlooking Walker Bay, a lazy lunch at the Pavilion, or sundowners at the bar as the light fades over the ocean. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a glass of bubbles on the terrace, you deserve a little of this.

Go on. Treat yourself.

📍 Marine Drive, Hermanus
📞 028 313 1000
🌐 https://www.themarinehotel.co.za/

📚 Legal Piece of the week: The Pitfalls of Signing a Power of Attorney

A power of attorney can be an invaluable legal tool, but it is also one of the most misunderstood documents in South Africa. Many people sign powers of attorney believing that they have made adequate provision for future events. Whether it is a child working on a cruise ship or elsewhere overseas, a property owner spending extensive periods abroad, or an elderly parent planning ahead, a power of attorney is often viewed as the solution. There are, however, important limitations that are frequently overlooked.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is, in simple terms, a legal document that allows one person (the principal) to authorise another person (the agent) to act on their behalf.

The power of attorney and property transactions

In property transactions, powers of attorney are commonly used where the owner is unable to sign documents personally because they are overseas, travelling, working on ships, or otherwise unavailable. Documents signed outside South Africa need to comply with additional formalities before they can be accepted for registration in the Deeds Office and it is therefore particularly useful for sellers to sign a power of attorney authorising another person to sign prior to travelling abroad.

It is, however, important to note that not every power of attorney will be accepted for use in a property transaction. The Deeds Office has very strict requirements regarding the form and execution of powers of attorney.

We frequently encounter situations where a property owner has signed a general power of attorney believing it will be sufficient to sell or transfer a property, only to discover later that the document does not meet the necessary requirements. This usually results in delays, additional costs and considerable frustration.

It is accordingly imperative that anyone planning to rely on a power of attorney for a property transaction obtain legal advice from a property law attorney before signing the document.

What happens if I lose mental capacity?

A common misconception is the belief that a power of attorney remains valid if the person who granted it later loses mental capacity. It does not. A power of attorney is only valid while the principal has the legal capacity to make decisions. While it can be very valuable for an elderly person to give a power of attorney to a trusted family member, friend or professional to manage certain affairs where the elderly person has physical constraints, if the principal develops dementia, Alzheimer's disease, suffers a severe brain injury, or otherwise becomes mentally incapable of managing their affairs, the power of attorney automatically falls away. At that point, the appointed agent no longer has legal authority to act on the person's behalf, regardless of what the document says, and a formal legal process may be required to appoint a curator or administrator to act on their behalf.

Plan properly

Powers of attorney remain extremely useful legal tools when used correctly. They can simplify property transactions and allow trusted individuals to act when someone is temporarily unavailable or physically unable to sign documents. They are not a substitute for proper estate and incapacity planning. Before signing a power of attorney, particularly for property transactions or future planning purposes, it is sensible to seek professional advice to ensure the document will achieve what you intend it to achieve.

Better planning today can prevent significant complications tomorrow.

🌿 Overstrand Aesthetics: Your Summer Skin Starts in Winter

While we're all layering up against the cold, our skin is often working overtime too.

Winter can leave skin feeling dry, dull, and more sensitive than usual, which is why many skincare professionals consider it the ideal season for skin repair and rejuvenation.

This winter, Overstrand Aesthetics is offering Microneedling with Red Light Therapy for R1200 (normally R1850).

Whether you're looking to address pigmentation, acne scarring, fine lines, or simply give your skin some extra attention, now is a great time to start.

Available throughout June and July.

📍 Overstrand Aesthetics, Hermanus
www.overstrandaesthetics.co.za

📅 What's On This Week

Every Friday | Friday Run Clubs:

Friday Fun Run
📍 Mikro Coffee Co 🕕 6:00am | 3km & 5km loop
All paces welcome - the best way to start a Friday. Free coffee for first timers ☕

Onrus Run Club
📍 Starts and ends at Plato, Onrus 🕕 6:30am | Community Run
All paces welcome

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.

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 →

🛍️ The Gift Market – Hermanus

The ultimate winter shopping experience is coming to Hermanus! Browse a curated selection of jewellery, home décor, fashion, and gifts - with dedicated sections for men, pets, and children. Grab a coffee, enjoy a deli treat, and discover the best of local gifting all under one roof.
📅 27 June - 12 July 2026
⏰ 10:00 - 18:00 daily (including Sundays)
📍 Curro, Hermanus
Click here for more info

♟️ Chess Social
Whether you're a seasoned player or just learning the game, come join a relaxed evening of chess, good coffee, and great company.
📅 Wednesday, 25 June 2026
⏰ 18:00 – 20:00
📍 Mr. Write Coffee & Gift Café, Hermanus
💰 R100 per person
📞 Bookings: 072 473 4157

👗 The Thrift Ladies Are Back!
Blazers, dresses, shoes - preloved fashion finds at seriously good prices. Come see what catches your eye at one of Hermanus's favourite pop-up thrift events.
📅 Saturday, 27 June 2026
⏰ 08:00 – 12:00
📍 Mikro Coffee Roastery, Hermanus
💰 Free entry

🎪 Kids' Fun Day at Benguela Cove Wine Estate
School holidays sorted! Bring the kids for a full day of carnival-style fun at Benguela Cove's Adventure Park - balloon pop, ring toss, sack races, duck pond, and more. Food stalls serving burgers, mini donuts, candy floss, pizza cones, and slushies keep everyone fuelled. And while the little ones play, parents can unwind with estate wines, a gourmet picnic, or a scenic pontoon cruise on the lagoon.
📅 Saturday, 27 June 2026
⏰ 10:00 – 15:00
📍 Benguela Cove Wine Estate, Hermanus
💰 R150 per child | R50 per adult (ages 3–14)
🌦️ Weather-proof event - rain or shine!
🎟️ Book your spot here

🎨 Kids Holiday Programme – Hemel-en-Aarde Village
Keep the kids busy and inspired this school holidays with a morning programme running throughout the break.
📅 29 June – 16 July 2026
⏰ 10:00 – 12:00
📍 Hemel-en-Aarde Village, Hermanus
💰 Programme fees from R100 – R200
📞 Bookings: 069 315 2875

📚 Library Holiday Programme - Hermanus Library
A wonderful school holidays activity for younger readers - mornings of stories, creativity, and fun at the Hermanus Library.
📅 30 June – 18 July 2026
⏰ 10:00 – 11:00
📍 Hermanus Library, Hermanus
💰 R50 per child
📞 Bookings: 028 313 8077

🏐 Kids & Teens Beach Volleyball - Onrus Beach
Burn off that holiday energy on the sand! Beach volleyball sessions for kids and teens run twice a week throughout the holidays at Onrus Beach.
📅 Every Tuesday & Thursday
⏰ 16:00 – 17:30
📍 Onrus Beach, Hermanus
💰 R120 per child per session
👦 Ages 10 – 16 years
📞 082 800 1600

Scoop Recommendation: 

🎶 RAAF Live at Hermanus Skybar - An Intimate Evening

RAAF is coming to Hermanus for a special, intimate evening at Skybar on Thursday, 25 June! With strictly limited seating, this is a rare up-close experience with RAAF - every song, every story and every moment felt in a way only a small venue can deliver. Don't let the intimacy fool you, though - RAAF will bring all the energy, rock 'n roll and emotion they're known for.

Ticket price includes a Raafontuur wine tasting (RAAF's very own wine label), making the evening even more special. Skybar will also be selling food and drinks on the night, so arrive when doors open to get your orders in before the show kicks off.

🕔 Doors open: 17:00
🎤 Show starts: 19:00
🎫 Tickets: R350pp
🔞 No under 18s
⚠️ Strictly limited tickets — no pre-booked or allocated seating

📍 Skybar, Hermanus
🔗 Book now: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/376700-raaf-hermanus-skybar/#/

And calling all volunteers…

🌤️ Weather Forecast for Hermanus

Hermanus is set for a mixed winter week ahead, starting with sunshine and mild temperatures before a significant cold front arrives on Sunday. The latter part of the week brings cooler conditions, scattered rain and crisp winter mornings, but there will still be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, particularly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

⸻

Thursday 25 June
A pleasant winter’s day with sunshine developing through the afternoon. 🌤️
18°C / 12°C
Winds 9 / 5 m/s
Rain: ~0.1 mm

Friday 26 June
Warm and sunny with light winds. One of the best days of the week. ☀️
20°C / 11°C
Winds 5 / 2 m/s

Saturday 27 June
Another beautiful winter day with sunshine and comfortable temperatures. ☀️
21°C / 14°C
Winds 4 / 1 m/s

Sunday 28 June
Cloudy and wet as a cold front moves through the region. 🌧️
16°C / 10°C
Winds 8 / 6 m/s
Rain: ~17 mm

Monday 29 June
Cool with a chance of lingering showers early, followed by sunny breaks later in the day. 🌦️
13°C / 7°C
Winds 5 / 2 m/s
Rain: ~4.7 mm

Tuesday 30 June
Cold but bright with plenty of sunshine and very light winds. ☀️
14°C / 6°C
Winds 3 / 0 m/s
Rain: ~0.1 mm

Wednesday 1 July
A chilly winter’s day with a mix of cloud, sunshine and the possibility of a passing shower. 🌤️🌦️
13°C / 6°C
Winds 6 / 1 m/s
Rain: ~1.6 mm

Overall, Hermanus can look forward to a tale of two seasons this week. Thursday through Saturday offer classic Whale Coast winter weather, with sunshine, mild temperatures and calm conditions perfect for cliff path walks, coffee stops and outdoor adventures. Sunday brings a dramatic change as a cold front delivers meaningful rainfall, before cooler but mostly settled conditions return for the start of July. Winter enthusiasts should keep their umbrellas handy for Sunday and Monday, but there will still be plenty of sunshine to enjoy before and after the rain.

📷 Spotted in the Overberg:

Photo of the Week: Glenda Cunningham

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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