Hello Hermanus!

A new week, a fresh edition, and plenty happening across town as Autumn starts to make its presence properly felt. 🐋

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

🏡 Property of the Week (with Greeff Properties) - A spacious 4-bedroom home in sought-after Tambali Village, offering tranquil estate living with a beautiful green outlook.

👓 Business of the Week: Execuspecs Hermanus - Meet Julie and Henry Alexander, the husband-and-wife optometrists bringing a personalised, premium approach to eye care in town.

💡 Legal piece of the week - STBB unpacks when a seller is legally required to provide approved building plans - and where things can get complicated.

🏊‍♂️ Race2Hermanus Triathlon - A look back at a weekend where the town showed up, as athletes, visitors, and locals came together for one of Hermanus’ standout sporting events.

📆 What’s On in Hermanus & Local Events - From markets and Parkrun to a self-defence workshop, river race, quiz nights, and a lively dinner party at The Wineglass.

🎒 Community & Schools - Highlights from the Race2Hermanus Triathlon and a look at how events like this continue to shape our town.

🌤️ Your Weather - A mild, settled start gives way to a wetter, windier spell, with a properly blustery Monday before things clear midweek.

📷 Spotted in the Overberg - This week’s Photo of the Week comes from Mandy Mountjoy, capturing blue skies over the harbour.

Here’s to a week of good food, local stories, and the small moments that make Hermanus what it is.

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.

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: A Fresh Vision for Hermanus

There’s something quietly reassuring about a small-town story that comes full circle. For Julie and Henry Alexander, that story begins in Pietermaritzburg and Kimberley, and now continues right here in Hermanus.

Both qualified optometrists, Julie and Henry have recently taken over three local practices, Execuspecs at The Station, as well as Spec-Savers branches on Main Road and at Whale Coast Mall. It’s a bold move, especially with a newborn in the mix, but one rooted in a very intentional life choice.

Julie, who has spent the past decade in practice and most recently worked alongside an ophthalmologist in Cape Town, describes the transition as both exciting and deeply personal. “We wanted our boys to grow up with that same sense of small-town community we experienced growing up,” she explains. “When the opportunity in Hermanus came up, we came through for the day and that was it. We were sold.”

Their second son, Harry, arrived in October, and not long after, so did the decision to plant roots in this coastal town.

At the heart of their offering is Execuspecs, a brand that leans into what they call “optometry for the unordinary.” It’s a philosophy that goes beyond simply testing eyes. Here, the experience is intentionally unhurried, highly personalised, and built around understanding each client’s individual needs.

“We really take our time with people,” says Julie. “It’s about making sure every person leaves feeling confident, comfortable, and completely happy with their vision and their look.”

That “look” is an important part of the equation. Alongside comprehensive eye testing and contact lens fittings, the practice offers a curated selection of premium, fashion-forward frames paired with high-quality lenses, blending performance with style.

But beyond the technical and aesthetic, there’s a broader vision at play. The Alexanders see eye care as a vital part of a thriving community. “If people can see well, they can work well, live well and contribute fully,” Julie notes. “It’s a small thing that has a big impact.”

Since arriving, they’ve been struck by the warmth of Hermanus. “The kindness and support we’ve experienced already has been incredible,” she says. “It’s made us feel very at home, very quickly.”

For a town built on connection, that feels like a perfect fit.

Find them at:
📍 Execuspecs, Shop 5 & 6 Hermanus Station Mall, Cnr Royal & Lord Roberts Streets
📍 Spec-Savers, 38 Main Road, Hermanus
📍 Spec-Savers, Shop 31 Whale Coast Mall, Sandbaai
📞 028 302 0980
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.execuspecs.co.za

💡 Legal piece of the week: Property sales and building plans: When is a seller legally obligated to provide approved plans?

At STBB, we are often tasked with determining whether a seller is legally obliged to provide a purchaser with approved building plans.

The statutory framework

Under section 4(1) of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, obtaining building plan approval from the local authority in writing before proceeding with any building, renovation, or home extension is mandatory. The underlying purpose of this legal requirement is to ensure a building’s structure has integrity and is safe.

Section 2 of the Alienation of Land Act sets out the statutory requirements for a property sale agreement, namely it must be in writing and signed by the parties or their duly authorised representatives. However, this Act makes no mention of building plans. It is accordingly not a legislative requirement for the conclusion of a valid sale agreement.

A contractual requirement

Depending on the terms of the sale agreement, the seller may nevertheless be contractually obligated to provide the purchaser with approved plans. In this case, the purchaser may include a clause that requires the seller to supply the purchaser with Council-approved building plans prior to transfer. Alternatively, the agreement may be subject to the suspensive condition that the seller provides the purchaser with approved plans – at their own cost – within a defined period, failing which the agreement will lapse.

Approved building plans: A condition of mortgage bond approval

Often, a sale agreement is subject to the purchaser obtaining finance from a bank or other financial institution. Some financial institutions will typically make it a condition of mortgage bond approval that approved building plans are obtained before the mortgage bond is registered. As immovable property is a significant financial asset, this requirement is aimed at mitigating risk and ensuring legal compliance.

Does the Immovable Property Condition Report require building plan approval?

Section 67 of the Property Practitioners Act obliges an estate agent marketing a property to procure a signed and completed Immovable Property Condition Report (‘the report’) – also known as a disclosure form – from the seller. Intended to discourage fraudulent or misleading representations by the seller or agent, the report must be provided to an interested purchaser before the parties conclude the sale agreement.

A clause in the report prompts the seller to disclose whether they are aware of any additions and/or improvements or erections made on the property and, if so, whether they have obtained the requisite approval to do so. The seller is obligated to answer this question honestly. If they are unaware of any qualifying changes to the property or did not secure approved plans, the lack of such approved plans will be deemed a latent defect, i.e. a defect not easily discoverable on a reasonable inspection of the property. In this instance, ‘the property is sold voetstoots or “as is”, with all patent and latent defects included.

However, if the seller confirms that approved plans were obtained, and it later transpires that there were unauthorised additions or improvements to the property, a damages claim may arise. This will ultimately depend on whether the seller was aware of such additions or improvements, and they deliberately failed to disclose this fact to the purchaser. As such, the voetstoots clause will not protect them from liability for losses suffered by the purchaser.

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 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.

BUT! Before we get into everything happening in and around town please don’t forget to plan for Mothers day. Mother's Day - Sunday, 10 May 🌸 Treating Mom this Sunday?

Mother's Day falls this Sunday, 10 May, and restaurants across Hermanus are expected to be doing special lunches and set menus for the occasion. If you're planning to take Mom out, booking ahead is strongly recommended - tables fill up fast on the day. Call your favourite spot early to avoid disappointment!

Ok, back into it…

Every Friday | 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 ☕

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 →

tomorrow night:

Personal Safety and Self-Defence Workshop 📅 Saturday, 9 May 2026 | 9am - 11am 📍 Sandbaai Hall

Love the cliff paths, hiking trails, and nature reserves around Hermanus? This practical personal safety workshop is designed specifically for walkers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts - and for anyone who values their safety and that of their loved ones. Presented by Des Brown of Elite Defence Academy International, the workshop covers safe, smart, and effective self-defence techniques suited to anyone aged 14 and up. 100% practical, no experience needed.

Discounted rate: R350 per person (usual price R750) 📞 076 533 9715 | ✉️ [email protected] 

Dinner Dance Party – The Wineglass 📅 Saturday, 9 May 2026 📍 The Wineglass, Hermanus

A fab evening out - a proper sit-down meal, top wines, and their resident vinyl DJ spinning the night away. At R295 per person, it's a great deal. Booking is essential, so don't leave it too late.

📞 082 082 0007

Stanford River Race – Klein River 📅 Saturday, 9 May 2026 | Registration from 8:30am | Race Start: 10am 📍 Bottom of King Street, Stanford

Join the annual Stanford River Race down the beautiful Klein River! Choose your distance - 5km (Guppy Race), 12km, or 20km - whether you're training for a SA marathon, keen for a relaxed paddle, or just there to cheer. Last day to enter: Friday, 9 May at 8pm. PFD compulsory for all paddlers. No unregistered paddlers will be allowed on the water.

👉 Enter online here

Wednesday Quiz Nights – Milk on the Beach, Onrus 📅 Every Wednesday from 13 May 2026 | Quiz starts 6:30pm 📍 Milk on the Beach, Onrus

The popular winter quiz nights are back at Milk on the Beach - and this season they've paired it with a brand new winter menu. Quiz master Pieter van Aswegen is back at the helm, so expect a good mix of fun and friendly competition. Groups of 4 to 8, at R210 per person which includes your meal. Booking is essential.

📞 028 316 1516

For the pensioners:

Chess Night – Mr. Write Café 📅 Thursday, 14 May 2026 | 6pm 📍 Mr. Write, 26 High Street, Hermanus

Think you've got what it takes? Join the chess night at Mr. Write Café — beginners are welcome, and there's a prize for whoever outplays the room. Tickets are R100 and booking is by DM.

And on the horizon:

🎒 Schools

Hermanus High School is currently busy with their musical show and here are some snippets from their first night:

Generation Hermanus Golf Afternoon

Race2Hermanus Triathlon - A Town That Showed Up

Sunday 3 May brought something a little different to the streets of Hermanus. Wetsuits, road bikes, and running shoes replaced the usual weekend crowd as the annual Race2Hermanus Triathlon rolled through town and by all accounts, the weather gods were firmly on the athletes' side.

The event, which forms part of the SA Triathlon Series, drew competitors across multiple distances - from the Sprint (750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run) to the gruelling Ultra (2km swim, 80km cycle, 17km run) - all starting and finishing at the New Harbour. Athletes were treated to breathtaking ocean views, challenging hills, and the support of an enthusiastic local crowd cheering them on every step of the way.

Yes, the road closures caused some inconvenience for residents - that's unavoidable when a race of this scale moves through town. But those same closed roads served a bigger purpose: they put Hermanus front and centre as a world-class sporting destination, drawing visitors, athletes, and supporters from across the country who spent the weekend - and their rands - right here in our town.

Which raises a question worth asking: should Hermanus be hosting more of these events throughout the year?

We have a genuinely extraordinary setting. A harbour. Cliff paths. Mountain backdrops. Open coastal roads. A town that knows how to welcome people. The ingredients are all here - and events like Race2Hermanus prove that when sport meets scenery, the result is something special. More events on the calendar could mean more visitors, more beds filled, more tables turned, and more reason for people to discover - and keep coming back to - the town we're lucky enough to call home.

👉 Find out more about Race2Hermanus

Photos: @oakpics

🌤️ Weather Forecast for Hermanus

Hermanus starts the week on a relatively calm and mild note, before slipping into a wetter, more unsettled pattern as autumn begins to assert itself more fully.

Thursday and Friday bring gentle, easy conditions - mild temperatures, light winds, and only the slightest chance of rain. It’s a quiet, in-between moment before the shift. Saturday still holds onto some warmth, but cloud thickens and the first signs of rain begin to appear.

By Sunday, the change is underway. Cooler air moves in, rain becomes more consistent, and winds pick up, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Monday is the clear turning point - the wettest and wildest day of the week. Heavy rain and strong winds dominate, making for a properly blustery autumn day along the coast.

From Tuesday, conditions begin to ease slightly, though showers linger and winds remain noticeable. By Wednesday and Thursday, the system clears, returning to drier, calmer conditions with a mix of sun and cloud.

⸻

Thursday 7 May
Mild and mostly clear with light winds. 🌤️
17°C / 12°C Winds 7 / 2 m/s

Friday 8 May
Calm and mild with some cloud. 🌤️
16°C / 9°C Winds 5 / 2 m/s

Saturday 9 May
Slightly warmer with increasing cloud and a chance of rain. ☁️🌦️
18°C / 9°C Rain ~6.7 mm Winds 6 / 3 m/s

Sunday 10 May
Cooler with steady rain and fresh winds. 🌧️
14°C / 10°C Rain ~11 mm Winds 10 / 6 m/s

Monday 11 May
Heavy rain and strong winds — the wildest day of the week. 🌧️💨
17°C / 11°C Rain ~70 mm Winds 12 / 6 m/s

Tuesday 12 May
Showers continue but begin to ease. 🌦️
17°C / 13°C Rain ~15 mm Winds 11 / 7 m/s

Wednesday 13 May
Mostly dry with some cloud and lighter winds. 🌥️
15°C / 10°C Winds 9 / 1 m/s
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Overall, it’s a week that starts mild and settled, turns increasingly wet through the weekend, peaks with heavy rain and wind on Monday, and then gradually clears into calmer, drier conditions toward midweek.

📷 Spotted in the Overberg:

Photo of the Week: Mandy Mountjoy

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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