Hot Days, Ocean Stories ☀️🌊

Hello Hermanus!

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


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

🐚 Business of the Week: Heart of Abalone Tours – Step inside one of Hermanus’ most fascinating ocean stories. This unique experience takes visitors behind the scenes of the local abalone industry, sharing the pioneering journey that started right here in our town and offering a closer look at how this remarkable ocean delicacy is farmed, protected and celebrated.

⚖️ Legal Piece of the Week (with STBB): Tiaan Esterhuyse gives us a brief overview of legal recourse in arboreal disputes

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

🌤️ Your Weather - A quick look at the week ahead to keep you one step ahead of the coastal skies.

Here’s to another week of local progress, good decisions and the people helping Hermanus grow in thoughtful 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.

Award-winning Beachfront Guesthouse For Sale

This prestigious, award-winning, and superbly located five-bedroom guesthouse is rated four stars and is positioned right on the coast of Walker Bay. The meticulous and hands-on owners have built this thriving business with an occupancy rate consistently exceeding 80% throughout the year. A large proportion of the well-heeled patrons are foreign repeat visitors who view the guesthouse as their yearly retreat to recharge and re-energize. It is not surprising, as one steps into the light-filled, elevated lobby/lounge area, the expansive uninterrupted sea views will soothe your senses into holiday and relax mode. The atmosphere of the establishment is light-filled, unhurried, personalized, and efficient.

👉 View the property here.

🐚 Business Of The Week: Heart of Abalone Tours

In Hermanus, the ocean has always been part of our story. From the famous Southern Right whales that visit our bays each year to the marine life hidden in the rock pools along our coastline, the sea continues to shape our town’s identity. One of the most fascinating stories to come out of these waters is the story of abalone, or perlemoen, and the people who helped pioneer the industry right here in Hermanus.

This week we sat down with Kürt, Tourist Guide, and Marené, Admin Manager at Heart of Abalone Tours to learn more about the story behind this unique local experience.

Once upon a time abalone was as common along the South African coastline as sheep in the Karoo. Recreational divers would spend weekends collecting their quota from the rock pools and preparing it in delicious meals at home. The local species, Haliotis midae, became famous for its exceptional taste and its beautiful mother of pearl shell, which gave rise to the Afrikaans name perlemoen.

Over time global demand began to exceed supply. In many Asian cultures abalone is regarded as a luxury delicacy, often served at weddings and celebrations. Unfortunately the growing demand also led to widespread poaching, which became one of the biggest threats to the sustainability of the species along our coastline.

But Hermanus also became the birthplace of one of the solutions.

In 1984 local veterinarian Dr Pierre Hugo began experimenting with breeding abalone in tanks on land. What started as a small home experiment using fish tanks and buckets of seawater carried by his young sons soon grew into something much bigger. Feed was even mixed using his wife’s kitchen mixer and their boys’ potato guns.

What Dr Hugo did not realise at the time was that these small experiments were pioneering work for what would later become South Africa’s commercial abalone farming industry.

In 1995 he founded Abagold, which today operates one of the largest abalone farms in the country at the Hermanus New Harbour and exports more than 1,000 tonnes of abalone to international markets every year.

The tourism side of this story came later through Heart of Abalone, founded by the late Johan Hugo, the eldest son of Dr Pierre Hugo. Johan had a passion for tourism, innovation and people, and wanted to create a way for visitors to experience and understand the remarkable journey of abalone farming in Hermanus.

Sadly Johan passed away, but his wife Anneline Hugo now carries that passion forward, ensuring that his vision and legacy continue through this remarkable project.

Today Heart of Abalone Tours gives visitors the opportunity to step behind the scenes and learn about the abalone industry, its conservation challenges and the innovative aquaculture practices that help protect this valuable marine resource.

But as Kürt and Marené explained to us, the experience is about more than just abalone. It is about reconnecting people with the ocean, bringing cultures together and sharing a story that started in a Hermanus family home and grew into an internationally recognised industry.

Visitors get the chance to see how abalone is farmed, learn about its cultural and economic importance and even taste it along the way. Whether you are a local curious about the industry or a visitor discovering Hermanus for the first time, it offers a fascinating look into one of the town’s most unique ocean stories.

You will most likely also be welcomed by Adel, the General Manager, who has been part of the Heart of Abalone journey since the beginning and has been working there for the past nine years. Her passion for the experience and for sharing the story with visitors is something guests often remember long after the tour.

If you would like to book a tour or find out more, you can contact the team directly at
[email protected]
+27 64 940 9255

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/heartofabalone/?hl=en

Heart of Abalone is truly one of those experiences that reminds us just how closely Hermanus is connected to the sea. 🌊🐚

Legal Piece of the Week: Encroaching branches make bad neighbours: A brief overview of legal recourse in arboreal disputes

Consider the following hypothetical scenario: Ten years ago, your neighbour planted several trees along the wall bordering your properties. Today, the branches hang over your wall, the leaves litter your yard and clog your gutter, and the roots appear to have lifted some of your paving. What, if any, legal recourse is available?

Under South African law, disputes between adjoining landowners are primarily governed by the principle of reasonableness. It is trite that landowners have the right to the uninterrupted use and enjoyment of their property, subject to any limitations imposed by the common law and legislation. At the same time, every landowner bears a reciprocal duty to refrain from conduct that may unreasonably interfere with their neighbour’s right to use and enjoy their property.

Consequently, a landowner is entitled to plant trees on their property, subject to any statutory restrictions contained under environmental legislation such as a prohibition on planting alien vegetation. However, a property owner also bears a corresponding duty to ensure that their trees do not cause a nuisance. To that end, a specific use of property will constitute an actionable nuisance if it ‘exceeds the level of what neighbours could reasonably be expected… to tolerate.’

Generally, it is not reasonable to expect your neighbour to prevent falling leaves – irrespective of how inconvenient this may be. Given increasing rates of urbanisation and population growth, neighbouring landowners and occupants are expected to endure activities which constitute a reasonable and lawful use of property. Planting trees for shade, privacy, fruit, or aesthetic purposes is a presumptively reasonable use of one’s property. Ultimately, any potential damage to gutters or drains caused by falling leaves may be prevented through regular sweeping - and is thus not actionable.

Overhanging branches, however, may constitute a nuisance. To avoid needless conflict, you are advised to approach your neighbour and request that they trim the branches encroaching on your property. If they fail to do so within a reasonable timeframe, you have two possible options: Prune the branches yourself and claim the cost of removal from the landowner, or apply to court for a mandatory interdict compelling removal. Depending on the severity of the encroachment, you may also apply for a prohibitory interdict to prevent future encroachments. Predictably, these instances are rare.

To mitigate any damage to your paving or piping caused by encroaching roots, you may legally remove the roots encroaching on your property. If this fails, you could approach a court to order your neighbour to cut down the offending tree(s) and simultaneously request compensation for any damages incurred. In adjudicating the matter, the court will consider whether a reasonable person in your position would be expected to tolerate the interference by balancing your interests against those of your neighbour. Importantly, the courts are usually reluctant to order the removal of trees where less drastic measures, such as the appointment of a specialist arborist, are available.

For further information or expert legal support, 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 in the middle of March to help you make the most of your days this week…

Dinner Under the Stars Fundraiser ✨
🗓 13 March 2026 · 18:30
📍 Hermanus Golf Club

Enjoy a beautiful evening of alfresco dining on the fairway under the stars while being serenaded by Duane Genders on guitar. The evening includes a delicious 3-course dinner, complimentary wines and a lively auction, all in support of the Hermanus Animal Welfare Society.

Some fabulous auction prizes include:
• 2 nights’ stay and spa experience at The Caledon Hotel & Spa (worth R4,500)
• A 3L bottle of Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2020 from Bouchard Finlayson (valued at R4,000)

💰 R680 per person

Tickets and enquiries:
📞 082 442 6545
✉️ [email protected]

Meet the Winemaker – Bartho Eksteen 🍷

🗓 14 March 2026 · 12:00 - 15:00
📍 Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

Join us for an intimate “Meet the Winemaker” experience with Bartho Eksteen from Hermanus in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of wine tasting, great conversation and a delicious lunch while learning the stories behind the bottles.

💰 R300 per person

Seats are limited, so bookings are essential.

📞 072 323 5060

Come sip, learn and spend the afternoon with the winemaker himself. 🍇🍷

Piano Recital with Amit Yahav 🎹
🗓 Sunday · 15 March 2026
📍 Hermanus Dutch Reformed Church

Internationally acclaimed pianist Amit Yahav returns to South Africa with a special recital programme that reflects the composers who have shaped his musical journey.

The evening features beautiful works by Bach, Schumann and Chopin, including Schumann’s powerful Fantasy in C Major and Chopin’s dramatic Sonata in B Minor, alongside some of Chopin’s most lyrical nocturnes and Bach pieces reimagined by early 20th-century pianists.

Programme highlights include:
• Bach-Hess – Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
• Bach-Petri – Sheep May Safely Graze
• Schumann – Fantasy in C Major, Op.17

INTERMISSION

• Chopin – Nocturne in C-sharp Minor, Op.27 No.1
• Chopin – Nocturne in D-flat Major, Op.27 No.2
• Chopin – Barcarolle, Op.60
• Chopin – Sonata in B Minor, Op.58

An evening of world-class classical piano music in an intimate Hermanus setting.

Granaatsap Live in Hermanus 🎶
🗓 Date & Time: 14 March
📍 Hermanus

South African music duo Granaatsap brings their unique sound and energy to Hermanus for a special live performance. Known for their soulful Afrikaans lyrics and fresh musical style, their shows are intimate, vibrant and full of heart.

Expect an evening of great music, storytelling and connection as the band performs some of their favourite songs live.

🎟 Tickets available here:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/338301-granaatsap#/

Harold Porter National Botanical Garden - Free National Garden Week

Celebrate Free National Garden Week with us at Harold Porter National Botanical Garden from 9–15 March!

This is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature, breathe in the fresh mountain air, explore our beautiful indigenous plant collections, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of one of South Africa’s most scenic botanical gardens. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing walk, a family outing, or simply time to reset in nature, this week is for you.

Free access is applicable only to South African citizens and permanent residents.

Visitors are required to provide valid proof of residency to gain free entry. Accepted forms of identification include:

South African ID document or Smart ID card
Valid South African driver’s licence
Permanent residency certificate

Come and experience the beauty, tranquility, and natural heritage of our garden — we look forward to welcoming you!

and..

🌿 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.

Add to the calendar:

🎾 Hermanus Primary Shines on the Sports Field

Athletics:

Two athletes from Hermanus Primary School competed in the Western Cape Championships on Saturday, 7 March. They participated with great determination and gave their best against strong competition. 💪

Olvido performed exceptionally well, finishing 5th in the girls’ U11 hurdles final. She also achieved an excellent 4th place in the girls’ U11 long jump.

Khulun also competed strongly and finished 6th in the girls’ U12 hurdles final.

Martial Arts:

Several Hermanus Primary learners represented Legacy Martial Arts Academy at the 2026 Kazuko Cup held in Melkbosstrand on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

Our young fighters achieved the following results:

• Zius Brand - 3 Gold medals

• Johan Breugem - 1 Gold, 1 Bronze

• Werner Enslin-Roux - 1 Gold, 2 Silver

• Emily Geyer - 1 Gold, 1 Silver

• Namika Pieterse - 1 Gold, 1 Silver

• Zian Rossouw - 1 Gold

• Luan Rust - 2 Silver, 1 Bronze

• Liam Botma - 2 Silver, 1 Bronze

These results reflect the dedication, discipline and commitment of the learners, both in their training and in balancing their academic responsibilities. Competing at this level takes courage and focus, and they carried themselves with pride throughout the tournament.

We now turn our focus to the SA Championships taking place in Outshoorn from 24 to 28 April, where all of the above fighters, with the exception of Liam Botma, will compete and represent Hermanus on a national stage.

We are also proud to announce that both Namika Pieterse and Zius Brand were once again recognised at provincial level.

• Namika Pieterse won Western Cape School Sportswoman of the Year and Youth Star of the Year

• Zius Brand won Western Cape School Sportsman of the Year

These achievements reflect years of hard work, discipline and dedication. To be recognised first at district level and then at provincial level is a significant milestone for any young athlete.

We are incredibly proud of these two fighters as they continue to represent their club, their community and their school with excellence.

Karate

Four Hermanus Primary learners competed in the JKA Junior Selection for the Western Cape Karate Tournament in Cape Town on 7 March. Cristiano van der Merwe (Groen gordel, 0/7-8) het 'n goue en 'n silwer medalje gewen. Enzo van der Merwe (Bruin gordel, 0/11-12) het goud vir kata en brons vir kumite verower. Lumé van Tonder (Green belt, u/10-11) and Shavian Wylbach (Blue belt, u/9-11) both received bronze medals for kata.

Tennis

The following Hermanus Primary tennis players competed in the annual Synergy Cup Tennis Tournament, representing the Western Cape Cavaliers (formerly Boland) against Eden (Western Province and Northern Cape) on 28 February and 1 March. Hulle kwalifiseer dus vir half-erekleure en volle erekleure balkies: Henri van Rensburg (0/12 seuns Kavaliers B-span), Mia Bernhardt en Lara Bishop (0/13 Dogters Kavaliers B-span).

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We are incredibly proud of your hard work, perseverance and sportsmanship. You make Hermanus proud!

🌤️ Weather Forecast for Hermanus

Hermanus heads into a slightly more mixed week, with warm coastal temperatures, occasional cloud cover, and a brief cooler spell before sunshine returns again.

Thursday starts off very warm and humid, with temperatures climbing close to 30°C and light winds along the coast. Friday cools slightly but remains pleasant with a mix of sun and cloud. By Saturday and Sunday, conditions stay comfortably warm, although winds may pick up a little along the coastline. Early next week brings another warm day on Monday before a cooler change arrives on Tuesday and Wednesday, with lower temperatures and a small chance of rain. By Thursday, the sunshine returns and temperatures begin climbing again, bringing back classic late-summer weather for Hermanus.

It’s a week of warm coastal conditions with a short midweek cool-down before the sunshine settles back in.

⸻

Thursday 12 March
Very warm with periods of sunshine and light winds. ☀️
29°C / 22°C Winds 6 / 1 m/s

Friday 13 March
Slightly cooler with a mix of sun and cloud. ⛅
25°C / 20°C Winds 4 / 2 m/s

Saturday 14 March
Warm with sunshine and stronger coastal winds at times. ☀️
27°C / 20°C Winds 12 / 7 m/s

Sunday 15 March
Pleasant and partly sunny with mild coastal breezes. 🌤️
26°C / 21°C Winds 5 / 4 m/s

Monday 16 March
Another warm day with plenty of sunshine. ☀️
29°C / 20°C Winds 5 / 2 m/s

Tuesday 17 March
Cooler with cloud and a small chance of rain. 🌦️
20°C / 16°C Rain ~1.5 mm Winds 5 / 3 m/s

Wednesday 18 March
Mostly cloudy and cool with light winds. ☁️
21°C / 16°C Rain ~0.5 mm Winds 7 / 1 m/s

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Overall, it’s a warm and mostly pleasant coastal week, with sunshine dominating the early days before a brief cooler spell arrives midweek. Temperatures dip slightly with a touch of cloud and the chance of light rain, but warmer, sunnier conditions are expected to return toward the end of the week.

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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