Keeping Hermanus Safe and Sound - Meet the Guardians of Our Town

👋 Hello Hermanus - it’s time for another round of local heroes, good news and small-town pride!

In this week’s edition, we’re shining a light on:

🦺 Business of the Week: Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) – meet the team keeping our town clean, safe and welcoming, from dawn patrols to late-night watch. Discover how they help make Hermanus a place we can all feel proud to call home.

📆 What’s On in Hermanus – your go-to guide for weekend markets, live music, and community happenings around the bay.

🌤️Your weather – a quick check so you’re ready for whatever the week brings.

Here’s to the people, passion and purpose that keep Hermanus running beautifully.


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.

Exceptional Coastal Masterpiece – No Transfer Duties

Experience refined coastal living in this architect-designed Sandbaai home, where luxury meets innovation. Perfectly located just 500 m walking distance from the Onrus Blue Flag Beach, this contemporary sanctuary offers seamless open-plan living with top-tier finishes and modern sustainability.

Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms (of which 3 have garden access), 5 bathrooms, a sleek open-plan kitchen and living area, PJ lounge, study, and an entertainer’s braai room. The showpiece is a 10 m heated indoor pool with skylight — perfect for daytime light or stargazing nights.

View the full property here.

🔐 Business of the Week: HPP - Keeping Hermanus Safe This Festive Season

 As the summer holidays draw near, Hermanus prepares for its busiest time of the year. One of the organisations stepping up for the season is Hermanus Public Protection (HPP), which has been active in the town’s public spaces for more than 20 years. 

HPP is funded by property owners in the Hermanus Special Rating Area and works alongside the municipality, SAPS, law enforcement and neighbourhood watches. Its annual festive plan for 2025/26 will run from 8 December 2025 to 16 January 2026, with extra patrols, longer shifts and strengthened surveillance.

Growing Role in Public Safety

Since starting in 2002 with just four patrollers, HPP has grown to a team of 45, including foot and bicycle patrollers covering the 12 km Cliff Path and the CBD, which receives round-the-clock attention, a fleet of three response vehicles, and control room operators who staff a 24/7 emergency line and keep watch over cameras across town.

The Cliff Path, a key draw for visitors, will see patrol hours increase from 12 to up to 15 hours a day over peak season. Officers also respond to minor crimes, medical needs, lost children and other public assistance requests.

According to Executive Officer Marcia Bown, quick reporting by the public, visible patrols, CCTV coverage and collaboration with enforcement agencies all contribute to preventing crime and speeding up response.

Surveillance and Technology

HPP’s control room keeps watch over more than 130 cameras across 74 sites, operating 24/7. Each shift includes three CCTV operators and a team leader. Cameras include licence plate recognition and PTZ units, which help identify unusual movement and guide response vehicles.

SAPS joins the control room for major incidents, and drones are brought in when needed. All personnel and vehicles are GPS-tracked to improve deployment and record movement.

Patrols and Presence Over the Holidays

Foot patrols will take place daily along the Cliff Path and Hoy’s Koppie from dawn to dusk. Officers will also be visible in the CBD and busy public nodes to deter petty crime and assist the public.

Control room operators dispatch help or coordinate with emergency services when required, keeping surveillance at full strength over the festive peak.

Keeping Public Spaces Clean

HPP is also responsible for day-to-day cleansing in public areas and will maintain services on public holidays. Extra attention is given to the Cliff Path, where litter and waste increase significantly over summer.

Working Within the Law

Although HPP officers do not issue fines, they support law enforcement by monitoring repeat offences and addressing issues such as illegal dumping, unmanaged dogs, loitering and minor theft. Officers are trained to act lawfully and respectfully, especially when interacting with vulnerable individuals. 

Simple Safety Reminders 

Residents and visitors can assist by:

• Locking homes and switching on alarms, even when out briefly

• Staying alert in busy public areas

• Reporting suspicious activity promptly and clearly 

With patrols, cameras and rapid response, HPP keeps Hermanus safe, clean and cared for year-round, festive season included.

Over the next month we will do a small feature each week on HPP’s advice on keeping things safe this Festive Season.

HPP 24/7 Emergency Number: 087 550 5295

For more information visit: www.hpp.org.za

🚴‍♀️ Hermanus Named Flagship for Safer, Greener Mobility

Hermanus has been selected as the flagship “Non-Motorised Transport Demonstration Town” for the Overstrand - an initiative launched by Minister Ricardo Sileku on 21 October.

The project promotes walking and cycling as safe, accessible, and sustainable ways to get around. It forms part of the Western Cape Department of Mobility’s vision to create inclusive, low-carbon transport systems across the province.

With eight construction-ready NMT projects and strong community support, Hermanus will serve as a model for future developments in safer routes, traffic calming, and pedestrian-friendly design.

Mayor Archie Klaas said the initiative marks “a major step towards towns that work for people - where walking and cycling are safe, reliable, and part of everyday life.”

📆 What’s On in Hermanus

🐾 Panthera Africa: Local is Lekka 50% Off Educational Visits
📅 Until 31 October · ⏰ 09:00 & 10:00
📍 Panthera Africa, Stanford
☎️ 072 196 0889 | ✉️ [email protected]
💸 Adults R195 | Kids <13 R105 | Pensioners R160
Pre-booking essential. Closed Tuesdays.
👉 A perfect family outing - meet the big cats and learn about their conservation journey!

🎶 Classical Rendezvous
📅 Wednesday, 23 October · ⏰ 18:00
📍 Hermanus High School
🎟 Tickets at the school’s Financial Office | Annemarie 083 290 7692
💸 Adults R100 | Learners R80
An elegant evening of music showcasing the school’s talented performers.

🎤 Piet Smit Sing!
📅 Thursday, 24 October · ⏰ 19:00
📍 NG Kerksaal, Onrus
🎟 Tickets: R100 (Kerk kantoor) | R110 (on Quicket)
🔗 www.quicket.co.za
An evening of heartfelt Afrikaans music and community spirit.

🎨 Exhibition Opening: Interwind
📅 Friday, 25 October · ⏰ 11:00
📍 FynArts Gallery, Hermanus
Featuring works by Laurette de Jager, Talitha Deetlefs, Ilse Nieman, and Marike Kleynscheldt
🗣 Opened by Donavan Mynhardt (Rust and Vrede Gallery)
Experience the harmony between artists and nature in this new group exhibition.

🌭 Huis Lettie Theron Bazaar
📅 Friday, 25 October · ⏰ 9:00
📍 De Goede Street, Hermanus
Enjoy lots to eat and drink! Pancakes, Curry & Rice, Vetkoeke, Handmade Items, Books & so much more!

🐋 Talk by Dr Els Vermeulen: Right & Bryde’s Whales - Sentinels from Local Waters to Distant Oceans
📅 Tuesday, 29 October · ⏰ 17:30
📍 Walker Bay Boat Club, Hermanus
📱 Robbie Lapping 076 063 4961 (WhatsApp)
💸 R150 pp (includes scrumptious hamburgers 🍔)
Join marine biologist Dr Els Vermeulen for fascinating insights into our local whale populations.

Launch of HBC’s “Local is Lekker” Initiative 🇿🇦
📅 Thursday, 23 October 2025 · 18:00
📍 Hermanus Golf Club

Join the Hermanus Business Chamber for the exciting launch of Local is Lekker - an initiative to inspire residents, visitors, business owners, and local government to support and promote local businesses and talent.

🎤 Hear from guest speakers: Mayor Archie Klaas, Carolyn Martin (Creation Wines ) and Frieda Lloyd (Overberg Economic Development & Tourism)

Let’s celebrate and champion our local community together!
💰 R200 Members | R250 Non-Members (includes drinks & canapés)
📞 Book today: 071 673 5637
🌐 hermanuschamber.com – Local is Lekker Event

Theo’s Taverna - 3rd Birthday Celebration 🎉
📅 Sunday, 26 October
📍 10 Harbour Road, Hermanus

Join Theo’s Taverna for a special Souvla Sunday in collaboration with Gabriëlskloof Wines as they celebrate their 3rd birthday in true Greek style! Expect great food, wine, and festive vibes - it’s going to be a good one!

☎️ Book early: 072 787 2505

🎭 On Stage Soon: Time Will Tell
📅 1 November, 15:00
📍 Hermanus Auditorium
💰 R100 per ticket

Step into a world of time travel, mystery and a touch of Victorian mischief! Time Will Tell follows Jane’s sudden disappearance - and her sister’s daring journey back to 1862 to find her. Expect “old dresses,” a sleazy salesman, and a plot twist that might just involve the end of the world…

Written and directed by Marhette van Huyssteen, this original production by her drama students promises an afternoon of imagination, humour and suspense right here in Hermanus.

🎟 Don’t miss it: Book via WhatsApp: 082 786 3966

Hermanus Round Table - Annual Charity Wine Auction
📅 7 November
📍 Hermanus Golf Club
💰 R575 pp includes: Welcome drink, Three-course meal, Table wine, Premium wine and other items on auction.

All the proceeds will be used in our ongoing projects in and around Hermanus, uplifting the community.

🎟 Click here for more information.

Around the corner

🏕 Outdoor & Adventure Expo – Grabouw

📅 7–9 November 2025
📍 Elgin Grabouw Sports Club, next to Eikenhoff Dam

Get ready for the ultimate outdoor lifestyle weekend! The Outdoor & Adventure Expo returns to Grabouw, bringing together everything from camping gear, 4x4s, hiking and cycling equipment to e-bikes, caravans, outdoor clothing, braais, and more - all in one beautiful setting. Enjoy live demos, delicious food stalls, a beer tent, kids’ play area, and plenty of space to explore nature. Access to Eikenhof Dam means kayaking, water biking, and other non-motorised water sports are all part of the fun.

🎟 Tickets:
- Friday: R80 (children under 7 free)
- Saturday & Sunday: R80 (pensioners & children 7–18) | R150 (adults)
Parking is free.
Get tickets via www.ticketpro.co.za
🕓 Gate Times:
Fri 12:00–18:00 | Sat 08:00–18:00 | Sun 08:00–15:00

📣 “Nicest venue ever!”, “Fantastic show!”, “Lekker grass, no dust!” - just some of the rave reviews from last year’s visitors. Don’t miss this year’s bigger and better edition, featuring a new Outdoor Destinations Hall showcasing top adventure and leisure spots across SA.

🌿 The Usuals

Saturday | Hermanus Country Market
🗓 Every Saturday · 09:00 - 14:00
📍 Hermanus Cricket Club
Artisan stalls, live music, food, fresh produce and a family-friendly vibe - a staple Saturday outing for locals and visitors alike.

Local Thrift Market 🛍️
🗓 Saturday, 09:00 - 13:00
📍 De Wet Saal / De Wet Hall

Browse a variety of stalls and discover unique pre-loved treasures at the Local Thrift Market. Bring your fur-friend along (on a leash) and enjoy a relaxed, community market day.

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.

💬 Scoop pick for a Sunday lunch!

If you’re looking for a Sunday lunch winner in the Overstrand, Madre in Stanford ticks all the boxes. Their food is authentic, unpretentious and grounded in local produce. The kind of place where you can taste that every ingredient has been chosen with care. A perfect way to indulge this week: start with the waterblommetjie and anchovy risotto (it’s waterblommetjie season, after all), move on to the pork belly for the main, and finish strong with a chocolate fondant and coffee ice cream. What really sets Madre apart is these little touches - using a local coffee roastery such as Mikro from Hermanus shows how they support local, and the relaxed, country-kitchen atmosphere makes you feel right at home.

Make sure you book… Its worth every kilometre of the drive! 🍽️ madre-stanford.co.za

🌦️ Weather Forecast for Hermanus

Spring keeps shifting gears this week - think cool mornings, soft sunshine, and that trademark Hermanus sea breeze never too far away. It’s a week that teases both umbrellas and sunglasses, a gentle reminder that October still has a few surprises left.

Thursday starts off mostly cloudy with a few sunny breaks and light winds. Friday follows suit, staying calm and mild — perfect for a stroll along the cliff path or a coffee catch-up in town. Saturday brings a change of mood with light rain showers, a good excuse to linger indoors or catch a show at the Hermanus Auditorium.

Sunday clears beautifully, setting the tone for a pleasant start to next week. Monday and Tuesday hover around the high teens with a mix of sun and cloud, while midweek settles into bright, breezy weather. By Thursday, expect a proper taste of summer with sunshine and highs climbing to the mid-twenties.

⸻

Thursday 23 Oct.
Partly cloudy with sunny spells. 🌤️ 19°C / 15°C, 0.3 mm rain. Winds 8-2 m/s.

Friday 24 Oct.
Mostly cloudy, calm and mild. ☁️ 18°C / 14°C, 0.2 mm rain. Winds 6-2 m/s.

Saturday 25 Oct.
Showers developing later. 🌧️ 17°C / 12°C, 4.8 mm rain. Winds 9-3 m/s.

Sunday 26 Oct.
Clearing skies and sunshine. ☀️ 16°C / 11°C, 0.3 mm rain. Winds 4-2 m/s.

Monday 27 Oct.
Partly cloudy and warmer. 🌤️ 18°C / 11°C, 0.7 mm rain. Winds 8-3 m/s.

Tuesday 28 Oct.
Mixed sun and clouds, light breeze. 🌥️ 18°C / 13°C, 1.3 mm rain. Winds 4-3 m/s.

Wednesday 29 Oct.
Bright with a stray shower possible. 🌦️ 20°C / 15°C, 0.5 mm rain. Winds 6-2 m/s.

⸻

Stay ready for soft sun, cool winds, and the odd shower - because in Hermanus, even the weather has a little drama.

🍔 Restaurant Specials:

Here are some of the best deals from all over town for you to enjoy during the coming 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 warm, stay dry, stay curious 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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