Hello Hermanus! A new week and another round of local stories that reflect the heart of our town. 🐋

The year is properly underway, routines are settling in, and there’s a sense of steady momentum across our community, in business, in family life and in the spaces we share.

This week, we turn our attention to growth, guidance and the people building meaningful impact right here in Hermanus. From global storytellers now rooted locally, to practical legal advice for navigating our competitive property market, to a coffee shop changing lives one cup at a time. It’s another reminder that Hermanus is more than just a beautiful place. It’s a community in motion.

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

🎬 Business of the Week: Rockpool Media – From international film sets and wildlife documentaries to elevating local brands, Anton and Jasmine’s journey to Hermanus is a story of place, purpose and powerful storytelling.

🚀 Hermanus’s Quiet Connection to Space – A closer look at SANSA’s local facility and how our town plays a role in global space science and technology monitoring.

⚖️ Legal Piece of the Week (with STBB): Negotiating the Sale Agreement – Top Tips for First-Time Purchasers – Practical guidance on voetstoots clauses, latent defects, affordability and the importance of properly reviewing your sale agreement before signing.

🆕 New in Town: Only Specials Lunchroom & Coffee Shop – A beautiful training initiative linked to Camphill School, now open in its brand new space. Pop in for a coffee and support a local project empowering intellectually challenged students in a real-world hospitality environment.

📆 What’s On in Hermanus – Markets, music and gatherings around town.

🌤️ Your Weather – A quick look ahead for planning your week.

Here’s to steady progress, informed decisions and the local people shaping Hermanus in meaningful 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

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.

Old World Charm - Gracious Manor

This Iconic Once in a Lifetime to Own property and keep in the Family for Generations to come is situated on a ± 1861m² plot.

From your first step experience the “Grand Stature” she has to offer with a Well-Manicured Garden, Classic Slate Roof, set against the Majestic Mountain Range.

This exceptional home Exudes Warmth and Charm on entering the foyer with High Ceilings and Large Windows, allowing in an Abundance of Natural Sunlight.

👉 View the property here.

Business Of The Week:
Rockpool Media - From Global Film Sets to Life in Hermanus

Sometimes a business story doesn’t actually start with the business. It starts with a place.

For Anton and Jasmine, that place ended up being Hermanus.

Before settling here, they’d spent years working all over the world making documentaries and storytelling projects across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, America, and Australasia. Their work often focused on major global causes, like wildlife conservation, moving from one country to the next as productions demanded.

But somewhere along the way, Hermanus stopped being just another location on the map. It became the place they realised they actually wanted to stay.

As they put it, “We really fell in love with Hermanus and decided that, anywhere in the world, this was the place we would like to have our life.”

So they moved. And Rockpool Media grew from there.

Their company wasn’t always called Rockpool Media.

Before the move, it operated under the name Clawed Hat Films. Which, as it turns out, came from a close encounter with a lion that left Anton with a scratch on his hat. Not exactly your average branding story.

But once they settled in Hermanus and began building their life here, it felt like the right time for a name that reflected that new chapter.

The inspiration came from somewhere calmer- Mermaid’s Pool, the natural rock pool along the Westcliff cliff path that many locals know well. After spending time there and falling in love with that particular stretch of coastline, the decision was made to rename the company Rockpool Media as a nod to the place they now call home and expand their offerings from global film and television to also elevate local brands and their communication.

These days, Rockpool Media focuses on helping organisations, both locally and further afield, communicate their work clearly and professionally. At the centre of what they do is premium video production. That includes everything from business storytelling videos and promotional content to documentaries, feature-length films and television projects. But their work doesn’t stop at filming.

They also assist clients with the bigger picture: shaping messaging, helping structure campaigns, and guiding how organisations present themselves to the public. With years of international production experience behind them, they understand how to translate complex ideas into stories people actually connect with.

And for them, the heart of the work is really about connection.

As they explain:

“What sets us apart is the focus on emotion and human connection, and speaking to people in a way that makes sense. Genuinely and authentically. We love taking people’s stories or brands and translating that with energy, and sometimes a little drama, to create a real emotional connection.”

And increasingly, they’re bringing that experience to Hermanus.

Supporting the Growth of Hermanus

Since settling here, Anton and Jasmine have made it a priority to work with local businesses, sustainable tourism operators and organisations who want to raise their profile and present their work in a professional, high-quality format.

For a growing town like Hermanus, where sustainable tourism and small business development are becoming more important each year, having access to international-level production and communications support locally can make a real difference.

For Rockpool Media, it’s about more than creating content. It’s about helping showcase the people, projects and ideas that are shaping the community.

Get in Touch
🌐 rockpool.media
📧 [email protected]
📞 063 383 6038

Hermanus’s Quiet Connection to Space

Most people in Hermanus have their own routine.

Morning walks up Fernkloof, quick swims at Grotto, maybe stopping to watch the whales when they’re in season. But just outside town, there’s another part of Hermanus life that most residents drive past without really thinking about. A research facility quietly connected to scientific work happening across the globe.

It’s the local site of the South African National Space Agency, better known as SANSA. And while it might not look dramatic from the outside, the work happening there reaches far beyond the Overberg.

It’s one of those local stories that’s easy to overlook… until you realise just how important it is.

What SANSA Actually Is

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is the country’s government space agency, created to coordinate South Africa’s space science, research and technology programmes and to promote cooperation in space-related activities.

Its work spans several areas including:

• space science

• satellite data and Earth observation

• engineering and operations

• national services based on space technology
  

Together, these programmes help support research, national development, environmental monitoring and scientific innovation.

Why the Hermanus Facility Matters

The SANSA Hermanus facility is celebrating its 85th anniversary on 1 April, while SANSA itself marks its 15th anniversary.

Before the facility was incorporated into SANSA, it was known as the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, and it continues to operate as a magnetic observatory today.

The site will soon also expand its capabilities with a new solar observatory. A solar telescope has already been acquired, and construction of the observatory on site is planned, with completion expected around October this year. The Hermanus site forms part of SANSA’s Space Science programme, where researchers study the near-Earth space environment and monitor space weather conditions.

At the heart of the facility is Africa’s only 24-hour operational Space Weather Centre, which tracks solar activity and provides forecasts, warnings and data to help protect systems affected by space weather. The 24/7 operations were officially launched in 2022 by Professor Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.

That includes technology many people rely on daily, such as:

• communication systems

• GPS navigation

• satellites

• aviation systems

• power infrastructure
  

The information generated here helps organisations understand and reduce the risks that solar activity can pose to modern technology.

Part of a Global Scientific Network

The Hermanus facility is not working in isolation.

SANSA participates in international monitoring networks and contributes data used by research institutions and global scientific partners.

Its Space Weather Centre also operates as part of the international space-environment monitoring system, helping share alerts and scientific information worldwide.

In practical terms, this means data collected from Hermanus forms part of a worldwide effort to understand how solar activity interacts with Earth.

A Scientific Legacy in Hermanus

Long before SANSA itself was formally established in 2011, the Hermanus site already had a long history of scientific research.

The facility originated as the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, which has monitored variations in Earth’s magnetic field and contributed to international research networks for decades.

Today, that legacy continues under SANSA’s Space Science directorate, combining long-standing research with modern monitoring technology.

More Than Just Research

Beyond scientific observation, SANSA also contributes to education, research training and skills development in space science and engineering, supporting the growth of South Africa’s space sector and scientific workforce.

SANSA Hermanus also has an accredited science centre and regularly hosts students on site.

This broader mandate reflects the agency’s role not only as a research body, but as part of the country’s long-term science and technology development strategy.

A Hidden Point of Pride for Hermanus

For most residents, the SANSA facility is simply part of the landscape. A quiet research campus just outside town.

But behind the scenes, it connects Hermanus to international scientific systems monitoring the Sun, Earth’s magnetic environment and the space conditions that influence modern technology.

It’s a reminder that alongside the coastline, the mountains and the whales, Hermanus also plays a small but very real role in the global scientific community.

And that’s not something every town can say.

New in town: Only Specials Lunchroom & Coffee Shop

Only Specials Lunchroom & Coffee Shop, a beautiful training initiative linked to Camphill School, has officially opened the doors to its brand new home in Hermanus today. After moving from their previous spot next to Daan’s, the team now welcomes the community into a fresh, dedicated space created with one purpose in mind: to train and empower intellectually challenged students in a supportive, real-world hospitality environment.

The journey to this opening has been fuelled by the unwavering belief and kindness of the Hermanus community — and that spirit is woven into every corner of the new space.

Pop in for a coffee, enjoy a light lunch, and most importantly, support a local initiative that’s building confidence, skills and opportunity — one cup at a time.

🎥 Watch their opening video here:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2530329187369549

Visit Only Specials here: 14 Aberdeen Street, Hermanus, South Africa, 7200

Legal Piece of the Week: Negotiating the Sale Agreement: Top Tips for First-Time Purchasers

In a competitive coastal market such as Hermanus, finalising a property purchase is an exciting milestone for first-time purchasers and seasoned investors alike. However, STBB’s property law attorneys often find that many buyers rush through this significant step without fully understanding its legal implications. With expert guidance and the assistance of an experienced property lawyer, purchasers can confidently negotiate any sale agreement.

Before submitting an offer, it is essential to research the property’s location, age, history, condition and market value to gain a clear understanding of the investment being made. Defects discovered after signature are not uncommon, which is why most agreements include a voetstoots clause, meaning the property is sold “as is”. A seller will generally not be liable for patent defects (visible defects such as cracked windows or broken tiles) once the agreement has been finalised. However, a seller may be held liable for latent defects (hidden defects such as mould or roof leaks) if it can be shown that they were aware of the defect and intentionally failed to disclose it.

Purchasers should also have a sound understanding of affordability before making an offer. Bond pre-qualification provides insight into your credit profile and a realistic estimate of the bond amount and monthly repayments you may qualify for. While it does not guarantee approval, it helps ensure you negotiate within a responsible price range.

The sale agreement forms the legal foundation of the transaction. It is crucial that the agreement is properly drafted or reviewed so that all rights and obligations are clearly defined before signature. An attorney can also assist in reviewing title deeds, identifying restrictive conditions, verifying approved building plans and confirming municipal compliance requirements prior to transfer.

Any special conditions must be clearly recorded in writing. Agreed repairs should be described in detail in the agreement, and any movable items included in the sale must be listed in a written inventory annexed to the contract to avoid future disputes.

Suspensive conditions, such as bond approval or the sale of an existing property, temporarily suspend the operation of the agreement until the specified event occurs. These should include clear timeframes and provisions for extensions where necessary.

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

🌿 Events in Hermanus 🌿

There’s a lot on the go in Hermanus to help you make the most of your days this week…

The Cookbook & Supper Club
🗓 26 February 2026 · 17:30
📍 CanD's Kitchen
🎟️ Whatsapp Bookings: 079 833 8811
💰 R380 per person

An evening inspired by Iris Murdoch, The Sea, The Sea and the curious tale of the lost pork pie.

Watershed at Fick's Pool - An Intimate Live Experience
🗓 27 & 28 February 2026 · 18:00
📍 Fick’s Pool Restaurant
🎟️ Tickets: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/348125-watershed-at-ficks-pool-an-intimate-live-experience-friday/
💰 R300 per person

For two nights only, Watershed brings their music to one of the most unique natural venues in the country.

Set against rock and water, with the ocean below and the sky above, Fick’s Pool becomes the backdrop for a rare, up-close Watershed performance — designed for feeling, not spectacle.

Free Bodyboarding Clinic at Voëlklip

The crew from Cape Winelands Bodyboarding are heading to Voëlklip and everyone’s invited.

🌊 Got a bodyboard? Come boogie!
🇿🇦 No board? No problem — come learn!

They’re hosting FREE bodyboard clinic open to all ages. 

📍 Voëlklip Beach, Hermanus
📅 28 February 2026
💬 For more info, contact The Boogie Shack via Instagram:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/theboogieshackza/

and don’t forget….

🌿 The Usuals

Mikro Coffee 6am Run Friday Run Club
🗓 Every Friday · 06:00
📍 Plato Coffee, Onrus

Hermanus Country Market🗓 Every Saturday · 09:00 – 14:00
📍 Hermanus Cricket Club

Artisan stalls, live music, great food, fresh produce, local crafts and a warm, family-friendly vibe - a staple Saturday tradition for both locals and visitors.

Saturday | Hermanus ParkRun 🏃
🗓 Every Saturday · 08:00
📍 Hermanus Forest, Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Start your weekend with a scenic 5km trail run (or walk). Free to join.

Saturday | Benguela Cove ParkRun 🏃 
🗓 Saturday · 08:00
📍 Benguela Cove, R43, Botriver Lagoon, Hermanus Another beautiful 5km trail run (or walk) along the lagoon. Free to join - just register online at parkrun.co.za.

^{Coming up soon…}

Dementia Support Workshop – 10–12 March 2026 🧠💚
Join a meaningful two-day workshop focused on “Dementia - the person behind the diagnosis.” Hosted at Grobbelaars Hall, this practical and compassionate session is designed to equip families, caregivers and community members with deeper understanding and support tools. Presented by Hermanus Senior Centre and partners, with leading speakers in the field

🌤️ Weather Forecast for Hermanus

After last week’s late-summer heat, Hermanus is stepping into a cooler, more changeable stretch as February gives way to March. The next few days bring a noticeable dip in temperatures, a return of scattered showers, and gentler coastal conditions overall - a softer, slightly moodier version of summer.

Wednesday starts warm and bright, but by Thursday and Friday temperatures ease back to around 20°C, with cloud cover increasing and light rain moving through. The weekend carries a mixed bag: some sunshine, some showers, and a definite autumn hint in the air. By early next week, clearer skies return, although temperatures remain comfortably in the low 20s rather than peak-summer highs.

It’s a week for light layers, flexible plans, and watching the skies - Hermanus style.

⸻

Thursday 26 February
Cooler and cloudier, with light rain expected during the day. 🌦️
20°C / 16°C Winds 6 / 3 m/s Rain 1 mm 

Friday 27 February
Bright but noticeably cooler, with crisp morning air and sunshine returning. ☀️
20°C / 13°C Winds 5 / 2 m/s 

Saturday 28 February
A mixed day with sunshine and passing showers — keep an eye on the forecast. 🌦️
22°C / 14°C Winds 9 / 1 m/s Rain 3.1 mm 

Sunday 1 March
Mostly cloudy with showers around, and a cooler coastal breeze. 🌧️
18°C / 15°C Winds 9 / 5 m/s Rain 1.6 mm 

Monday 2 March
Sunshine returns, bringing a brighter and more settled start to the week. ☀️
22°C / 13°C Winds 7 / 1 m/s 

Tuesday 3 March
Mild and mostly sunny with some passing cloud. 🌤️
21°C / 13°C Winds 4 / 1 m/s 

Wednesday 4 March
Partly cloudy with just a light chance of rain. 🌤️
22°C / 14°C Winds 6 / 3 m/s Rain 0.4 mm 

Overall, it’s a warm, sunny Hermanus week with peak summer energy through the weekend, followed by a slightly cooler, wetter turn midweek. Enjoy the heat while it lasts - and keep a light layer (and umbrella) handy by Tuesday.

🐋 One Last Splash

Yesterday, the life-sized Southern Right Whale that has stood proudly in front of the Old Harbour Museum in Hermanus was carefully removed, beginning its journey to Gansbaai where it will find a new home. A big thank you to Wilfred Chivell of Marine Dynamics for giving this iconic whale its next chapter in Gansbaai.

Originally created as one of three whale props for a film production, the sculptures were later donated to the Overstrand Municipality. Today, one whale can be found at De Kelders, another at Southern Right Charters in the New Harbour, and the third had been standing on Market Square in Hermanus.

In March 2022, Tertius van Dyk and René Hartlief lovingly restored the weather-worn whale, giving it a fresh lease on life. Over time, however, the coastal elements once again took their toll, and it was decided that relocation would ensure its preservation.

Issued by: Office of the Municipal Manager

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.

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