From Hidden Leaks to Whale Legacies

Hello Hermanus!

Sometimes the best local stories aren't the loudest ones. They're the businesses built from scratch, the community projects quietly gathering momentum, and the people choosing to invest in the place we all call home.

This week, we're meeting a young plumber who started with just 200 business cards and is now bringing specialist leak detection to the Overberg. We're also celebrating an important milestone for the South African Whale Centre as the first Whale Legacy Tiles are officially installed, catching up on what's happening around town, and looking ahead to another beautiful winter week.

Let's get into it.

In this week's edition:

🏡 Property of the Week: Modern estate living in Sandbaai with Greeff Properties

🛠️ Business of the Week: How RV Plumbing grew from 200 business cards to a growing local business

⚖️ Legal Corner: STBB's latest legal insight: What happens to your property if your spouse is declared insolvent?

🌊 A milestone for Hermanus as the first Whale Legacy Tiles find their home

💆‍♀️ Winter wellness with Overstrand Aesthetics and Infra Red Light Therapy

📅 Markets, school holiday activities, local events and more in What's On

Here's to supporting local, discovering new stories, and making the most of 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.

Modern Living in a Safe and Stylish Estate:

Situated in the highly sought-after Tambali Village, this spacious 4-bedroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, security, and tranquil estate living.

Designed with family life in mind, the home is beautifully positioned with communal gardens on both sides, creating a peaceful, green outlook and a sense of space that is rare to find. The natural surroundings enhance the overall atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat from busy day-to-day living.

View the full property here.

🛠️ Business of the Week: RV Plumbing
The Business That Finds the Problem Before It Finds You

Nobody really plans to call a plumber.

It usually starts with something small.

A damp patch that wasn't there yesterday. A water bill that suddenly doubles. A geyser that decides to give up on a cold winter morning.

And sometimes, the hardest part isn't fixing the problem.

It's finding it.

That's exactly what caught Reece van Vlaanderen's attention long before he started RV Plumbing.

While working in Cape Town after completing his apprenticeship, Reece became fascinated by industrial and commercial leak detection. The idea of using specialised equipment to pinpoint hidden leaks, often before major damage had been done, was something he knew he wanted to bring to his own business one day.

But first, he had to build that business.

Originally from Caledon, Reece decided while still in matric that plumbing was the trade he wanted to pursue. After qualifying and gaining experience in Cape Town, he eventually made the move to Hermanus, drawn by the lifestyle and the opportunity to create something of his own. He spent time working for a local plumbing company before taking the leap into business at the beginning of 2025.

There was no big launch or flashy advertising.

Just one toolbox, one bucket, and 200 business cards.

"I started with the bare minimum," Reece says. "It was honestly a struggle in the beginning."

One card at a time, one customer at a time, the business slowly began to grow. As more locals trusted RV Plumbing with their homes, new opportunities followed.

Then, in March this year, Reece invested in specialised leak detection equipment, something he'd wanted to do ever since his days working in Cape Town.

The technology allows hidden plumbing leaks to be accurately located without relying on guesswork. Once the source has been identified, RV Plumbing carries out the repair, helping homeowners solve the problem before it becomes something much bigger.

Today, RV Plumbing offers everything from leak detection and repairs to geyser replacements, burst pipes, toilet repairs, bathroom renovations, drain cleaning, Certificates of Compliance and 24-hour emergency call-outs. It's a full spectrum of plumbing services built around one simple idea: doing the job properly.

Like so many businesses we've featured in Hermanus Scoop, RV Plumbing wasn't built overnight.

It was built through persistence, learning, and the willingness to start small.

Today, RV Plumbing is proof that the best local businesses aren't always built with big budgets or grand plans. They're built one satisfied customer at a time. And if Reece's journey is anything to go by, this is only the beginning.

Need a qualified plumber?

📞 Reece van Vlaanderen: ‪+27 68 073 3831
Instagram: rv_plumbing_411

📚 Legal Piece of the Week with STBB: To have and to hold
What happens to your property if your spouse is declared insolvent?

Undoubtedly, insolvency produces profound patrimonial and proprietary consequences. These consequences can be particularly devastating for married persons, irrespective of their marital regime.

In a marriage of community of property, spouses’ assets, including movable and immovable property, and liabilities are pooled under a joint estate. As such, any debts incurred by one spouse generally accrue to them both. Accordingly, if one party is declared insolvent, the joint estate is placed under sequestration, irrespective of whether the spouses’ finances were managed separately. The financial undesirability of this scenario is one reason why many couples conclude a marriage out of community of property.

Couples married out of community of property retain their separate estates and do not share profits or losses. This is achieved through the careful drafting, attestation, and registration of an antenuptial contract in the Deeds Registry. Absent a signed suretyship agreement, individuals married under this regime are thus not responsible for each other’s debts.

This marital regime, however, does not prevent the property of a solvent spouse from being attached. Section 21 of the Insolvency Act (‘the Act’) regulates the legal position of a solvent spouse – married out of community of property – during the sequestration of an insolvent spouse’s estate. Under section 21 of the Act, the property of the solvent spouse vests in the Master of the High Court, and thereafter, in the trustee of the sequestrated estate, as though it were property of the insolvent spouse. Unsurprisingly, the core objective of this provision is to discourage collusion between spouses to safeguard the rights of the creditors of the insolvent estate.

Fortunately, the solvent spouse is not without legal recourse. They may apply to court for the temporary release of their property. If successful, the solvent spouse must – within the period specified by the court – depose to an affidavit and provide the trustee with evidence to support their claim to the property. The trustee is then required to confirm, in writing, whether they will release the property. Upon application to the trustee for the permanent release of the property, the solvent spouse must prove that they owned the property before the marriage, acquired it under a marriage settlement, or purchased it during the marriage with their own earnings. If this fails, the solvent spouse may apply directly to court for release of the attached property.

✨ Overstrand Aesthetics:
Is your body taking longer to recover than it used to?

You finish a gym session, but your muscles are still sore days later.

Your shoulder has been bothering you for weeks.

Your neck always feels tight after a day at your desk.

Or maybe you've noticed your skin takes longer to heal than it used to.

Many of us simply accept these changes as part of getting older, but that doesn't mean you have to ignore them.

Overstrand Aesthetics is helping clients discover MedWave Red Light Therapy. A gentle, non-invasive treatment that supports your body's natural recovery process. By helping to reduce inflammation and support cellular repair, it can complement your overall wellness routine, whether your goal is healthier skin, improved recovery, or feeling less stiff and sore.

Like any wellness treatment, it's not a one-time fix. The best results come with consistency and a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

Curious to learn more? Book a consultation with the team at Overstrand Aesthetics, or scan watch a short video explaining how MedWave Red Light Therapy works.

 📞 073 755 5821
📍5 Dirkie Uys St, Hermanus
www.overstrandaesthetics.co.za

🐋 Hermanus Community Marks a Milestone for the South African Whale Centre

Last Friday, the first Whale Legacy Tiles were officially installed outside the Hermanus Whale Museum, marking an exciting milestone in the journey towards the South African Whale Centre.

The installation brought together local businesses, sponsors, artists, community members, and supporters who have chosen to be part of this ambitious project from the very beginning. While the tiles themselves are a visible addition to the wall, they represent something much bigger: a growing community of people who believe in making ocean science more accessible and inspiring future generations to better understand and care for our oceans.

The South African Whale Centre aims to become Africa's first dedicated whale education centre, transforming world-class marine research into engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. Through immersive exhibitions, educational programmes, and public access to ocean science, the Centre hopes to strengthen Hermanus' reputation as one of the world's leading whale and marine destinations.

Guests at Friday's event also had the opportunity to see the first section of the Legacy Wall mural created by local artist Jeandré Marinier. Her Southern Right Whale artwork marks the beginning of a larger community mural that will continue to grow over time with contributions from local artists and students, creating a public artwork that reflects Hermanus' unique connection to the ocean.

Although the Centre is still in the fundraising phase, moments like these demonstrate the growing support behind the project. The Whale Legacy Wall is one of several initiatives helping to build community involvement and awareness while the campaign continues to secure the funding needed to bring the Centre to life.

The South African Whale Centre is inviting more local businesses, organisations, families, and individuals to become part of the Whale Legacy Wall and leave a lasting mark on a project that celebrates Hermanus' rich marine heritage.

To learn more about the Whale Legacy Wall or to find out how you can get involved, visit thesawc.co.za.

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: The South African Whale Centre
Instagram: the.sawc

📅 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

Event Details

Growing Your Wealth Beyond the Stock Market
Date: 23 July 2026
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Venue: Hermanus Golf Club

Join Sterling Private Clients for an insightful afternoon exploring investment opportunities beyond traditional stock market investments. Guests will enjoy engaging investment perspectives, fine wines, and great company in the beautiful setting of Hermanus Golf Club.

Highlights include:
- Guest Speaker: Albert Coetzee from Ninety One
- Wine Tasting hosted by Bouchard Finlayson Winery
- Hors d'oeuvres served
- Networking opportunities

Admission Fee: R100 per person
All proceeds will be donated to Overstrand Hospice.

RSVP by: 15 July 2026

For bookings or enquiries:
Rochelle du Toit
086 188 8987
[email protected]

For the kids in the holidays:

🎨 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

🌤️ Weather Forecast for Hermanus

Hermanus is in for a crisp but beautiful winter week, with cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and mostly settled conditions. Apart from the chance of a few light showers early in the period, it's shaping up to be an excellent week to get outdoors, with the weekend looking particularly inviting.

⸻

Thursday 9 July 🌤️
A cool day with plenty of cloud, but sunny spells developing during the afternoon.
15°C / 10°C
Winds: 8 / 5 m/s

Friday 10 July 🌤️
Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of light rain. Cool and breezy.
14°C / 10°C
Winds: 10 / 5 m/s
Rain: ~0.4 mm

Saturday 11 July ☀️
A beautiful winter's day with sunshine, light winds, and only the slightest chance of a passing shower.
16°C / 11°C
Winds: 7 / 4 m/s
Rain: ~0.6 mm

Sunday 12 July ☀️
One of the best days of the week, with sunshine, mild temperatures, and calm conditions.
17°C / 10°C
Winds: 6 / 4 m/s

Monday 13 July 🌤️
Another lovely winter's day with sunshine, a few passing clouds, and light winds.
17°C / 8°C
Winds: 4 / 1 m/s

Tuesday 14 July ☀️
Cold to start, but bright and sunny for most of the day with very light winds.
16°C / 7°C
Winds: 3 / 0 m/s

Wednesday 15 July 🌤️
A cool winter's day with a mix of sunshine and cloud. Dry and pleasant.
14°C / 7°C
Winds: 4 / 2 m/s

Overall, it's looking like a fantastic winter week for Hermanus. After a cooler start, sunshine dominates much of the forecast, making it ideal weather for cliff path walks, mountain trails, outdoor markets, or lingering over a coffee in town. While a couple of light showers are possible on Friday and Saturday, they'll be brief, with settled conditions returning for the rest of the week. Keep an eye on the forecast beyond Wednesday, though, as a stronger cold front looks set to arrive later in the week.

📷 Spotted in the Overberg:

Photo of the Week: Andy Thompson

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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