Leading through wellness: Small actions with big impacts

👋 Hello Hermanus – a new week and another round of local stories that reflect the heart of our town.

While the festive rush may be behind us, Hermanus still feels wonderfully alive. The pace has softened slightly, but the energy remains - from locals easing back into routine to visitors still discovering what makes this place so special. It’s that steady rhythm of everyday life, mixed with moments of purpose, that really defines this time of year.

This week, we’re spotlighting stories that speak to care, community and conscious choices. From a local wellness brand rooted in Southern Africa’s natural abundance, to a community walk in support of cancer awareness, and an important reminder about looking after our water use, these are the kinds of small but meaningful actions that quietly shape our town.

They may be very different stories, but together they highlight something Hermanus does exceptionally well – showing up. For each other, for local business, and for the environment we all depend on.

In this week’s edition, we’re dishing up:

💧 Water Watch: A timely reminder on mindful water use and why saving every drop continues to be a shared responsibility.

🌿 Business of the Week: We meet Amahle Roots, a Hermanus-based wellness brand inspired by nature, culture and conscious living.

🚶 Walking for a Cause: A local community comes together to step up for Overstrand Hospice, proving that every step really does matter.

📆 What’s On in Hermanus: Your go-to guide for local events, markets, live music and community happenings around town this week.

🌤️ Your Weather: A quick look at what’s ahead, so you can plan walks, meet-ups or time outdoors accordingly.

Here’s to local stories, small actions and the people who keep Hermanus moving in the right direction.

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.

💧 Let’s Look After Our Water, Overstrand

The De Bos Dam is currently sitting at 75.6%, down 1.8% from last week and significantly lower than this time last year (90.1% in late January 2025). With only 2 mm of rainfall recorded in the past week and little rain expected in the week ahead pressure on our water supply is starting to show.

Looking at the bigger picture, 2025 saw just 482 mm of rainfall, a sharp drop from 746 mm in 2024, and well below Hermanus’ long-term annual average of 640 mm. As a result, the Municipality is monitoring dam levels and usage very closely. Adding to this, water consumption increased between December 2024 and December 2025, driven by peak summer demand.

February is typically a dry month, so this is a moment for the community to rally together. Simple actions go a long way: cover swimming pools, fix leaks quickly, take shorter showers, and water gardens during the cooler parts of the day to reduce evaporation.

If everyone does their bit now, we can help protect our water supply for the months ahead. 💙

🌿 Business of the week: Amahle Roots

When Ilana van der Merwe arrived in Hermanus from Pretoria in 2017 with little more than a suitcase and a laptop, she had no idea the move would plant the seeds for a business so deeply rooted in nature, culture, and place. Nearly a decade later, she’s still here - and wouldn’t change a thing.

After falling in love with the Overstrand on her very first visit, Ilana followed a long-held dream of living in the Cape. Hermanus quickly became home, offering not just natural beauty but the space to reconnect with creativity, wellness, and a slower, more intentional way of living.

That reconnection eventually led to Amahle Roots, a natural health and beauty brand inspired by Southern Africa’s rich botanical heritage. The idea emerged while Ilana was exploring ways to create a meaningful side business, drawing on her background as a trained massage therapist. Aromatherapy had always been a central part of her practice, and she found herself returning to her love for blending oils and studying their benefits for skin, hair, and overall wellbeing.

As she experimented, one thing became clear: South Africa’s natural resources are extraordinary. From indigenous oils to traditional knowledge passed down through generations, the abundance felt too special not to share - particularly from a town like Hermanus, where locals and international visitors intersect daily.

The name Amahle Roots reflects that philosophy. “Amahle” means the beautiful ones in both Zulu and Xhosa, while “Roots” speaks to a deep connection with the land, culture, and natural wealth of Southern Africa.

What sets Amahle Roots apart in Hermanus is its inclusivity and authenticity. The brand is designed for everyone - locals, South Africans from elsewhere, and travellers looking for something meaningful to take home. More than a beauty range, Amahle Roots is a celebration of culture, tradition, and nature, expressed through products that are completely natural and consciously made.

The business contributes to the local economy by prioritising small-batch production, sustainable sourcing, and mindful use of local resources. For visitors, it offers an alternative to mass-produced souvenirs - something genuine, handcrafted, and proudly African. For locals, it’s a reminder of the richness of the land we live on and the creative potential within our community. Ilana also hopes the brand will continue to open doors for collaboration with other Hermanus-based businesses.

Amahle Roots has just launched its tissue oil collection, featuring a carefully curated selection of cold-pressed oils suitable for all skin and hair types. Each oil is bottled in small batches to preserve potency and quality, and is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. The products are vegan-friendly and completely free from additives, colourants, fragrances, and preservatives - 100% natural, exactly as nature intended. Even the packaging reflects this ethos, with each box hand-crafted.

Looking ahead, Amahle Roots plans to expand into additional body products, perfumes, herbs, teas, and more - all staying true to its roots.

For Ilana, running a business in Hermanus is about more than commerce. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery and a diverse, inspiring community, she’s found the freedom to build something meaningful while fully embracing the rhythm and energy of the town she calls home.

Website: www.amahleroots.com

👣 Walking for a cause

Twin brothers Bouwer and Laurentius Schoonwinkel, together with their support team, recently completed a 104 km Walk for Cancer from L’Agulhas to Danger Point, Gansbaai, in aid of Overstrand Hospice. Completed over four days, the walk raised an incredible R60 167, which was received by Sister Susan van Sittert and Sister Ralie Dicks on behalf of the hospice. A truly inspiring example of community spirit and generosity right here in the Overstrand. The team from Overstrand Hospice personally received the donation, with hospice staff expressing deep appreciation for the effort and funds raised.

🌿 Events in Hermanus 🌿

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

🎨 Art in the Park
When: Sunday, 1 February 2026 | 10:00 – 14:00
Where: Jose Burman Drive, Eastcliff, Hermanus
Spend a relaxed Sunday morning browsing local art in a beautiful outdoor setting. Art in the Park brings together talented local artists, creatives, and makers - perfect for a stroll, a bit of inspiration, and supporting the local art scene.

🎬 Free Film Screening: Unruly: The Film

Residents of Kleinmond and Hermanus are invited to a free screening of Unruly: The Film, a thought-provoking production exploring the realities and tensions of living alongside wildlife in the Western Cape. Based on academic research from Stockholm University and Stellenbosch University, the film looks at human experiences of living with baboons - a topic very close to home for many Overstrand residents. Originally created as a stage production, Unruly was later filmed to make the work accessible to wider audiences.

Set in the fictional coastal town of Skemerbaai, the story follows the fallout after the matriarch of a local baboon troop disappears. Using humour and sharp insight, the film explores human–animal relationships, community conflict, and the very different opinions that emerge when wildlife and people share space.

🎥 The film is in English, suitable for ages 13 and up, and each screening is followed by a facilitated discussion with members of the research team.

Screening dates & venues:
• Kleinmond: Thursday, 29 January 2026 | 19:30
📍 Kleinmond Town Hall
• Hermanus: Friday, 30 January 2026 | 19:00
📍 Hermanus Civic Auditorium
🎟️ Free entry
For more information, visit www.unrulynatures.com

🎷 Jazz Night at Dutchies – First of the Year
When: Friday, 30 January | From 18:00
📍 Where: Dutchies, Hermanus

The first Jazz Night of the year is here! Settle in for an evening of soulful melodies and smooth rhythms while enjoying good food, drinks, and that classic coastal breeze.
These evenings are a firm local favourite, and space is limited - so bookings are essential to secure your table.

📞 Bookings: 028 314 1392
📧 Email: [email protected]
See you Friday for great music, good company, and proper summer vibes. 🎶


🌟 Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Twilight Walk – Bringing LIGHT to the Overstrand
Date: Friday, 30 January 2026
Registration: 18:00
Start time: 18:30
📍 Starting & finishing point: Hermanus Parkrun (Hemel & Aarde)

Join this special family-friendly twilight walk through some of the Overstrand’s most beautiful farm and forest trails - all in support of local charities. The route is a scenic 7 km loop, with special permission to follow the Hermanus MTB Trails’ Blue Route. Walkers will pass through and alongside farms including Bona Dea, Camphill, Volmoed, Vrede, and reach the halfway point at Die Plaaskombuis. From there, the trail winds back via Bouchard Finlayson, Hamilton Russell, and Southern Right, before returning through Bona Dea and the forest to the Parkrun area.

Expect mostly single-track MTB trails, with a few technical sections - so keep an eye out for roots and branches along the way.

💡 What to bring & know:

• Headlamps or torches essential
• Family-friendly (fit children welcome)
• Wear something NEON and stand a chance to win prizes
• Open to everyone - friends, families, community members, male or female

This walk forms part of the Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Back-2-Back (B2B) training weekend:

• Fri 30 Jan: Twilight Walk – ±7 km
• Sat 31 Jan: Voëlklip to Grotto – ±10 km
• Sun 1 Feb: Betty’s Bay – ±15 km

💛 Why it matters:

Proceeds from these walks support Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Ladies, who raise funds for carefully selected charities in the Overstrand. Every walker’s contribution - big or small - helps make a meaningful difference in our local communities.


🦩 Floatie Fun at Ficks Pool
When: Saturday | 12:00 – 20:00
📍 Where: Ficks Pool, Hermanus
🎧 Music by: DJ Vibez Cartel

It’s all happening at Ficks Pool this Saturday with a full day of sun, sound, and floating fun at one of Hermanus’ most iconic tidal pools. Expect summer vibes, great music, and an electric atmosphere as DJ Vibez Cartel spins from midday through to sunset.

🎟️ Free entry
🛟 Bring your own floatie
☀️ Arrive early to secure a good spot

Grab the crew, bring the inflatables, and make the most of peak summer - we’ll see you at the pool. 🌊

🎬 Movie Night Reminder
Remember, Tuesdays are 35% off on all movies at Road House Cinema. If you’re keen to see what’s showing over the next week, click here to view the full schedule



⚡ Diary This One: Full-Day Power Outage (You’ve Been Warned)
When: Thursday, 12 February 2026 | 06:00 – 18:00
What: Planned full-day power outage for essential maintenance on the Hermanus Substation. Eskom has scheduled a full-day electricity interruption affecting parts of Hermanus and surrounds. If you’re planning to work from home, host a lunch, or rely on that coffee machine - plan accordingly.

Areas affected:
Voëlklip to Sandbaai, Hemel-en-Aarde Village, Hemel-en-Aarde Estate, Chanteclair, Kidbrooke, Onrus Manor, Kingswood Park, and Bosplasie.

Not affected:
Hawston, Fisherhaven, Onrus, Vermont, Stanford, and Gansbaai.
Charge the devices, dust off the gas braai, and maybe schedule that beach walk or long lunch. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. 😉


🎶 Funky Jazz Evening
Date: Saturday, 31 January
Time: 18:00 till late
📍 Venue: Moffat Hall, Hermanus

Get ready for a night of funky jazz and smooth beats featuring Jemaine Julies & Mr Moody, with DJs Tayo.SA, DJ Gino, DJ Wano, and DJ AM keeping the vibes flowing into the night.

🎟️ Tickets: R100 per person
🧊 Cooler box: R30

A great option if you’re looking for a lively Saturday night with good music and a local crowd.

🌿 The Usuals

Mikro Coffee 6am Run Friday Run Club

🗓 Every Friday · 06:00
📍 Mikro Coffee, Aberdeen Street

Join us every Friday at 6am for a relaxed 5KM fun run

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.

🌤️ Weather Forecast for Hermanus

Hermanus heads into a more changeable summer stretch this week, with warmer highs, noticeable winds at times, and a few pockets of cloud and light rain breaking up the sunshine. It’s a week that feels very coastal - bright and hot one day, softer and slightly unsettled the next - keeping things interesting if you’re planning time outdoors.

Daytime temperatures climb quickly midweek before easing back, while evenings remain comfortably mild. It’s still very much summer, just with a reminder that the Cape likes to keep us on our toes.

⸻

Thursday 29 January
Hot and sunny, with temperatures pushing close to 30°C and stronger winds later in the day - a proper summer scorcher. ☀️
29°C / 17°C Winds up to 13 / 6 m/s

Friday 30 January
A little cooler and calmer, with sunshine and a touch of cloud - a good breather after Thursday’s heat. 🌤️
24°C / 19°C Winds 6 / 5 m/s Rain 0.2 mm

Saturday 31 January
Partly cloudy with warm temperatures and a moderate breeze - ideal for flexible plans and coastal walks. 🌤️
24°C / 19°C Winds 9 / 4 m/s

Sunday 1 February
Mostly settled with a mix of sun and cloud and a light shower possible - relaxed summer energy returns. 🌤️
24°C / 19°C Winds 6 / 3 m/s Rain 0.6 mm

Monday 2 February
Cloudier and slightly cooler, with mild temperatures and a chance of light rain - a softer start to the week. ☁️
22°C / 20°C Winds 6 / 4 m/s Rain 0.5 mm

Tuesday 3 February
Warming up again, with brighter spells and summer heat building back in. 🌤️
28°C / 20°C Winds 6 / 3 m/s Rain 0.1 mm

Wednesday 4 February
Cooler with more cloud around and a higher chance of showers - a brief pause before clearer skies return. 🌦️
23°C / 19°C Winds 7 / 2 m/s Rain 2.7 mm

Overall, the week brings classic Hermanus variety: bursts of heat, cooling breezes, and the occasional reminder to pack a light layer. A good one for early beach visits, flexible plans, and keeping an eye on the sky before committing.

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 festive and 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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