🐾 From Paws to Patients: Bergview Takes Centre Stage

Hello Hermanus!

A new week and another round of local stories, developments and people shaping life in our town. 🐋

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

🏡 Property of the Week (with Greeff Properties): Two exciting new developments to have on your radar - from the lifestyle-focused De Zandt Estate to the boutique Chanteclaire retirement offering in Onrusrivier.

🐾 Business of the Week: Bergview Veterinary Hospital - A trusted name in local animal care, built on international expertise and a deep commitment to the Hermanus community.

⚖️ Legal Piece of the Week (with STBB): Tiaan Esterhuyse unpacks the newly increased R3 million primary residence CGT exclusion and what it means for homeowners.

📆 What’s On in Hermanus & Local Events - Markets, music and standout events to help you plan your week.

🌤️ Your Weather - A quick look at the week ahead as conditions shift from cooler coastal days to a warm midweek peak.

Here’s to another week of steady progress, smart decisions and the people helping Hermanus grow in all the right ways.

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 - Two New Developments Worth Knowing About:

De Zandt Lifestyle Estate – Birdsong | From R3,790,000

Hermanus's most anticipated new lifestyle estate is taking shape, and the first phase - Birdsong - is now available. Set within an indigenous fynbos landscape on the edge of town, this thoughtfully designed development offers 157 architect-designed homes in partnership with Boogertman & Partners, reimagining modern Cape vernacular living.

The 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes offer light-filled interiors, quality finishes, private outdoor spaces and mountain views - all designed for low-maintenance living. Planned estate amenities include 24-hour security, walking paths, padel and tennis courts, a children's play area, and a convenience hub with a supermarket and coffee shop.

Prices from R3,790,000 to R5,195,000. No transfer duty payable. Monthly levy R2,150.

👉 View listing on Greeff

Chanteclaire Estate, Onrusrivier | From R4,870,000

Something truly special is coming to Onrusrivier - the first boutique retirement estate in the Overberg, with a small on-site healthcare facility included. Chanteclaire Estate offers just 10 single-level homes, each designed in classic Cape Vernacular style with double-pitched roofs, generous stoep areas and quality finishes throughout.

Homes range from 177.5 m² to 182 m² and come fitted with a SMEG gas stove, wood-burning fireplace, solar geyser and double garage. The estate is fully secured with electric fencing and a guard house, while sustainability is woven into the design through water-wise fynbos landscaping.

Prices from R4,870,000. No transfer duty payable. Exclusively mandated through Greeff.

👉 View listing on Greeff

🐾 Business Of The Week: Bergview Veterinary Hospital

Tucked into the heart of Hermanus, Bergview Veterinary Hospital is more than just a place to take your pets when something goes wrong. It’s a practice built on international expertise, deep local roots, and a genuine love for animals.

Founded in December 2013 by husband-and-wife team Dr. Maarten and Dr. Sherry van Dalsen, Bergview’s story begins far from the Overstrand. The two met in England while working at a specialist emergency veterinary hospital group, an environment known for its intensity, precision, and high standards of care.

Both brought impressive credentials to the table. Dr. Sherry qualified at the University of Georgia in the United States, while Dr. Maarten trained at South Africa’s renowned Onderstepoort Faculty of Veterinary Science. Their early careers were shaped by exposure to world-class veterinary medicine, something that continues to define Bergview’s approach today.

In 2013, shortly after the birth of their son Jack, the couple made a life-changing decision to relocate to South Africa and build something of their own. They chose Hermanus, and it didn’t take long for that vision to take shape.

After a short stint at a local practice, they opened Bergview Veterinary Hospital later that same year. From day one, Sister Melani has been a cornerstone of the team, helping to establish the practice’s culture of care and consistency.

In the early years, Dr. Sherry also played a key role in developing veterinary services at Hermanus Animal Welfare Services (HAWS), helping set up what had previously been an outsourced function. This hands- on involvement across disciplines reflects the practice’s broader philosophy, combining versatility with excellence.

A major milestone came in 2016, when Dr. Sherry took over the Onrus Veterinary Clinic. Since then, Bergview and Onrus have operated as a collaborative unit, blending fresh knowledge with years of experience. The result is a dynamic team that stays at the forefront of veterinary care while maintaining a deeply personal approach with clients.
Today, the practice has grown to include four veterinarians and four nurses, all working together to deliver high-quality, compassionate care. Whether it is routine check-ups, emergency treatment, or specialised procedures, Bergview’s strength lies in its ability to combine global best practice with a strong sense of community.

What truly sets Bergview apart is this balance. International expertise is grounded in local commitment. It is a place where knowledge is shared, experience is valued, and every patient is treated with the attention they deserve.
And they are not slowing down.

With plans underway for a new, purpose-built veterinary hospital on recently acquired premises, Bergview is preparing for its next chapter. This next step promises even greater capacity, innovation, and care for the animals of Hermanus and beyond.
In a town known for its natural beauty and strong sense of community, Bergview Veterinary Hospital fits right in. It is a business built not just on skill, but on heart.

For more information:
🌐 https://bergviewvet.co.za/
📍 1 College St, Hermanus, 7200
📞 028 312 1390

Legal Piece of the Week: The R3 Million Tax Break Every Homeowner Should Know About

What the R3 million primary residence CGT exclusion means for South African homeowners

The 2026/27 Budget brings welcome news for property owners: the primary residence capital gains tax (CGT) exclusion has increased from R2 million to R3 million, effective 1 March 2026.

A tax win for property owners

The first R3 million of any capital gain realised on the sale of your primary residence will now be disregarded for CGT purposes. National Treasury framed the change as part of broader relief measures aimed at easing financial pressure on households - acknowledging that rising property values had gradually eroded the real value of the existing R2 million threshold. The Budget also increased the annual CGT exclusion for individuals from R40 000 to R50 000, and the death exclusion from R300 000 to R440 000.

How CGT on property works

CGT applies to the difference between what you sell your home for and its base cost. Base cost includes the original purchase price, transfer costs, transfer duty, professional fees, qualifying improvements and renovations, and disposal costs such as agent's commission.

Once the capital gain is determined, only 40% is included in your taxable income, taxed at your marginal rate. At the top marginal rate of 45%, the maximum effective CGT rate is 18%.

The primary residence exclusion

To qualify, the property must be your main residence, only one property may qualify at a time, and the exclusion applies to a maximum of two hectares used for domestic purposes. Any gain above R3 million remains subject to CGT.

Where spouses are married in community of property, the gain is split equally and each spouse applies the exclusion proportionately to their share.

Practical considerations

• Only one property qualifies as a primary residence at a time

• Non-residents do not qualify

• Properties held in companies or trusts generally do not benefit

• If part of your home has been rented out or used for business, the gain must be apportioned

While the increased threshold is meaningful relief, CGT calculations can be complex. Homeowners are encouraged to keep detailed records of all property expenditure and seek professional tax or legal advice before selling, particularly where substantial gains are involved.

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

🗓️ WHAT'S ON IN HERMANUS

EVERY SATURDAY 🛒 Hermanus Country Market | 9am – 2pm | Hermanus Cricket Club, corner Fairways Avenue & Jose Burman Drive Browse fresh produce, crafts, food stalls and more at this beloved weekly gathering for locals and visitors alike.

🏃 Hermanus Parkrun | 8am | Hermanus Forest, Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley A free, timed 5km run - every Saturday, no matter the weather. All fitness levels welcome. Register once at parkrun.co.za before your first run.

EVERY SUNDAY (ongoing until April) 🎵 Sunday Serenade: Live Music at Benguela Cove | 12pm - 3pm | Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, Walker Bay Enjoy complimentary live music over Sunday lunch at Moody Lagoon Restaurant. Reservations recommended.

THURSDAY, 19 MARCH 📖 The Cookbook & Supper Club – March 2026 | From 6pm | 5 High Street, Hermanus An intimate supper club evening for food and book lovers. A cosy, sociable night out.

Pick of the week:

SATURDAY, 21 MARCH ✈️ 2026 SA Air Force Tech Show | Air Force Base Overberg, Overberg A landmark event featuring South Africa's first legal drone light show, plus a breathtaking Air Force display, hands-on tech exhibits, robotics demonstrations, advanced simulation experiences, and street & gourmet food. A brilliant family day out for aviation, tech and aerospace enthusiasts. 🎟️ Tickets: R60 – R250 via Computicket

FRIDAY, 27 MARCH 🎷 Jazz Night at Dutchies | From 6pm | Grotto Street, Voelklip, Hermanus A relaxed jazz evening at one of Hermanus's favourite local spots. Great vibes, good music.

SATURDAY, 28 MARCH 🍷 BotFest 2026 | 12:30pm - 9pm | Gabrielskloof Wine Estate, Bot River Road A celebration of the Bot River wine region featuring 20+ local producers, walkabout tastings, gourmet food, and live music by Sons of Selassi. Tickets: R800 per person via Quicket.

SUNDAY, 29 MARCH 🥂 Cap Classique Brunch at Benguela Cove | 11am - 2pm | Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, Walker Bay An intimate Sunday brunch limited to 30 guests, celebrating Cap Classique wines paired with a three-course menu. Tickets: R750 per person (fully inclusive). Book directly via Benguela Cove.

ONGOING THROUGH MARCH 🍂 Autumn Arrives Early at Moody Lagoon | Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate A seasonal autumn menu celebrating harvest flavours - available throughout March and April.

🧘 IMD Breathwork Weekly Sessions | Wholeness Haven, 325 Main Road, Hermanus Weekly breathwork and nervous system reset sessions. A wonderful way to slow down.

Remember this one for April:

Schools

Punt High School from Mossel Bay is here. Friday evening it starts with Hockey at the Astro and Saturday at the school:

Hermanus primary event:

🌤️ Weather Forecast for Hermanus

Hermanus heads into a slightly cooler and more changeable stretch, with cloudier skies, a touch of rain, and a late burst of warmth before settling back into mild coastal conditions.

Thursday starts off mild with cloud cover and light winds along the coast. Friday brings a noticeable shift, with cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain moving through the area. By Saturday, conditions brighten again with sunshine returning and a crisp, cooler feel in the air. Sunday and Monday remain fairly stable and mild, with a mix of sun and cloud and comfortable temperatures.

The standout arrives on Tuesday, with a surge of heat pushing temperatures close to 30°C. This brief spike is followed by a gentle cooldown into Wednesday, where conditions return to more typical, mild coastal weather with a mix of sunshine and cloud.

It’s a week of shifting moods, with a cooler, cloudier start, a warm midweek peak, and a steady return to balance by the end.

⸻

Thursday 19 March
Mild with cloud cover and light coastal winds. ☁️
22°C / 18°C Winds 11 / 1 m/s

Friday 20 March
Cooler with rain developing through the day. 🌧️
20°C / 17°C Rain ~4.2 mm Winds 11 / 4 m/s

Saturday 21 March
Cool and bright with plenty of sunshine. ☀️
22°C / 15°C Winds 9 / 3 m/s

Sunday 22 March
Partly cloudy and mild with gentle breezes. ⛅
21°C / 17°C Winds 8 / 3 m/s

Monday 23 March
Comfortable with a mix of sun and cloud. 🌤️
23°C / 18°C Winds 8 / 5 m/s

Tuesday 24 March
Hot and sunny with a clear spike in temperature. ☀️
29°C / 20°C Winds 6 / 3 m/s

Wednesday 25 March
Warm with sunshine and a few passing clouds. 🌤️
25°C / 18°C Winds 8 / 1 m/s

-

Overall, it’s a mixed coastal week with cooler, cloudier conditions upfront, a warm midweek surge, and a return to mild, settled weather as Hermanus eases back into its late-summer rhythm.

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 powered-up, dry and we’ll catch 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.

1 

2