Hello Hermanus!

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

As we move further into the year, there’s a steady rhythm settling across Hermanus. Businesses are growing, new initiatives are taking shape and fresh projects are beginning to appear on the horizon. It’s the kind of momentum that reminds us why this coastal town continues to attract passionate people who want to build something meaningful here.

This week’s edition shines a light on innovation, insight and what’s coming next for Hermanus - from specialised healthcare supporting local families, to a major new marine project set to strengthen our town’s global whale reputation, to practical guidance for navigating property sales in today’s market.

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

👁️ Business of the Week: The Eye Pod - A Different Approach to Vision Care – Optometrist Luzelke van Heerden is bringing behavioural optometry to Hermanus, helping patients - especially children - improve how their eyes and brain work together through specialised assessments and vision therapy.

🐋 New in Town: The South African Whale Centre (SAWC) – A sneak peek at an exciting new project planned for the Old Harbour precinct. The centre will combine marine education, conservation and research, and will become home to the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit, strengthening Hermanus’s status as a global whale capital.

⚖️ Legal Piece of the Week (with STBB): Negotiating the Sale Agreement – Top Tips for Sellers - Director Tiaan Esterhuyse shares practical advice on pricing correctly, disclosing defects, understanding your financial position and ensuring a smoother property transfer.

📆 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.

Coastal Charm on the Edge of Nature

Wake to mountain views, birdsong and the fresh ocean air of the Whale Coast. Bordering the Whale Coast Nature Reserve and just a short stroll to the scenic cliff path, this character-filled cottage offers the kind of easy, outdoor lifestyle Hermanus is loved for.

Full of warmth and personality, the home blends natural textures with relaxed coastal charm. Upstairs balconies frame the mountains beautifully - perfect for slow morning coffees or sundowners after a beach walk. It’s a home that invites you outside and celebrates its setting.

👉 View the property here.

Business Of The Week:
The Eye Pod - A Different Approach to Vision Care

For Luzelke van Heerden, founder of The Eye Pod, living and working in Hermanus was always part of the plan.

Together with her husband, De Wet van Heerden, she had long dreamed of settling in the coastal town. Luzelke visited Hermanus regularly during holidays, while De Wet has deep roots in the Overberg - with both his grandparents and his mother having grown up in Caledon and later Hermanus.

That dream became reality in 2015, when work opportunities opened up in the area and the couple moved from Bloemfontein to Hermanus shortly after getting married. “We truly believe the Lord knows the desires of our hearts,” Luzelke says. “Everything just aligned.”

From 2016 to 2022, Luzelke owned a traditional optometry practice in Hermanus, offering routine eye care and vision correction. But after selling the practice in 2022, she decided to explore another direction within the field she had always been passionate about.

That decision led her to study behavioural optometry, a specialised area of eye care that focuses not just on eyesight, but on how the eyes and brain work together.

Luzelke completed the international OPSIS Behavioural Optometry course at Stellenbosch University between 2022 and 2023, where she trained under internationally recognised lecturers Dr Robin Lewis (USA) and Dr Caroline Hurst (UK) alongside a small group of optometrists from across South Africa.

Today, that training forms the foundation of The Eye Pod, a practice dedicated to helping patients improve the way their visual system functions.

Unlike traditional eye tests that mainly measure whether someone needs glasses, behavioural optometry looks at a wider range of visual skills - including how the eyes track across a page, how well they work together, how easily they shift focus, and how efficiently the brain processes visual information.

These visual skills play a crucial role in everyday life, particularly when it comes to reading, learning and concentration.

Many children who struggle at school - for example with reading fluency, losing their place while reading, or experiencing headaches during homework - may actually have underlying visual efficiency problems, even if their eyesight itself is perfectly clear.

The Eye Pod specialises in identifying these challenges through comprehensive visual assessments and structured vision therapy programmes.

Vision therapy involves a series of guided exercises designed to train the eyes and brain to work together more effectively. Through specialised tools, visual activities and home exercises, patients gradually develop stronger visual coordination, tracking ability, focusing skills and visual processing.

This type of therapy can be particularly beneficial for children with learning-related visual difficulties, but it is also used to help patients with conditions such as poor eye coordination, focusing problems, and certain binocular vision disorders.

Another growing focus in modern optometry - and a service offered at The Eye Pod - is myopia management, which aims to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. Slowing the development of myopia can significantly reduce the risk of more serious eye conditions later in life.

What sets behavioural optometry apart is its holistic approach to vision. Rather than treating eyesight in isolation, it looks at how vision connects with posture, coordination, attention and the brain’s ability to interpret what the eyes see.

For many families, this approach can make a meaningful difference in how children experience learning and daily activities.

With The Eye Pod, Hermanus now has access to a specialised form of eye care that goes beyond simply seeing clearly - focusing instead on helping patients use their vision more effectively in the world around them.

Get in Touch
🌐 https://theeyepod.co.za/
📧 [email protected]
📞 065 996 8721

New in town: A sneak peek at the South African Whale Centre

A major new project is on the horizon for Hermanus with the development of the South African Whale Centre (SAWC), a world-class marine education and visitor centre planned for the Old Harbour precinct. The centre will focus on whales, ocean conservation and South Africa’s unique coastal ecosystems, combining interactive exhibitions, research facilities and educational programmes. It will also become the home of the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute (MRI) Whale Unit, supporting long-term whale research in the region. Designed as a space where science, community and tourism meet, the centre aims to strengthen Hermanus’s reputation as one of the world’s premier whale-watching destinations.

The South African Whale Centre is envisioned as more than just a visitor attraction. It aims to become a hub for marine conservation, research and public engagement, offering visitors the chance to learn about the migration, behaviour and protection of whales that frequent Walker Bay each year. Through interactive displays, educational programmes and collaboration with leading scientists, the centre will help deepen understanding of the marine environment while inspiring both locals and visitors to play a role in protecting South Africa’s oceans.

Find out more here:
https://thesawc.co.za/

Legal Piece of the Week: Negotiating the Sale Agreement: Top Tips for Sellers

Selling a property is one of the most significant financial transactions you will enter into. A clear understanding of your rights, obligations and negotiating position can help you avoid unnecessary risk, delays and costly disputes.

Price realistically from the start

An inflated asking price can deter serious buyers and prolong the time your property remains on the market. Work with a reputable estate agent to assess comparable sales in the area and set a market-related price. Correct pricing is more likely to attract competitive offers.

Understand your financial position

Before setting an asking price or accepting an offer, factor in all costs linked to the sale, including:

• The outstanding balance on your bond

• Bond cancellation costs

• Estate agent’s commission

• Compliance certificates

• Rates and levy clearance figures

• Capital gains tax

Knowing your numbers upfront prevents surprises, strengthens your negotiating position and helps you avoid a shortfall on transfer.

Disclose defects

You will be required to complete a property condition report. Disclose defects honestly. While many agreements include a voetstoots clause (the property is sold 'as is' with all defects), a seller may still be held liable for defects not visible upon reasonable inspection if the seller was aware of the defect and failed to disclose it. Proper disclosure upfront reduces delays, disputes and the risk of legal claims.

Building plans

A lack of approved building plans often causes delays and unexpected costs. If you have made alterations (for example additions, boundary walls or swimming pools), it is your responsibility to ensure approved plans are in place where required. Alternatively, the purchaser must be made aware of the lack of plans, and this must be correctly addressed in the agreement of sale.

Terms of the agreement

Make sure you understand the terms and their practical impact. Key provisions include:

• Timelines for registration and occupation

• Fixtures and fittings: confirm what is included and what is excluded

• Special conditions: avoid open-ended clauses that may allow a purchaser to withdraw

• Suspensive conditions (for example bond approval or the purchaser first selling their property)

• Continued marketing clauses, which may allow you to consider alternative offers while the agreement remains subject to suspensive conditions

A carefully negotiated agreement provides clarity, reduces disputes and supports a smoother transfer. Where necessary, seek professional legal guidance before signing.

Choose the right conveyancer

The conveyancer plays a critical role in managing timelines and resolving obstacles. Importantly, the seller has the right to choose the conveyancer. An experienced conveyancer can make the difference between a smooth transfer and a stressful one, so choose wisely.

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 at the start of March to help you make the most of your days this week…

Free Improv Comedy Workshop
🗓 5 March 2026 · 19:00 - 20:00
📍 Mr Write, 28 High Street

Join us for a FREE improv comedy workshop at Mr. Write, because laughing with others is surprisingly good for you. No experience required. No pressure. Just an hour of playing games and giggling together. 😄

Experience Elvis like never before
🗓 6 March 2026 · 19:30
📍 Road House Cinema, Whale Coast Mall

Karaoke and dress-up event to celebrate the King of Rock and Roll.

First Friday Artwalk
🗓 6 March 2026 · 17:00 - 20:00
📍 Hermanus CBD

Join us this Friday for our vibrant First Fridays Artwalk. Our town’s galleries are a celebration of creativity, community, and culture, offering a unique opportunity to experience the diverse talents of local artists. This event transforms our streets into a lively hub of artistic expression, where visitors can explore paintings, sculptures, photography, and more, often engaging directly with the creators behind the work.

Art in the Park
🗓 8 March 2026 · 10:00 - 14:00
📍 Fairways Avenue / Jose Burman Drive (Country Market Venue)

Art for the Mind. Food for the Soul. Last week’s weather delay is this week’s gain!

🌿 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 next week…}

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 cooler, unsettled spell, Hermanus is heading back into a much warmer and brighter stretch as March settles in. The coming days start off fairly mild with a mix of sun and cloud and the odd passing shower, but temperatures climb steadily as the week progresses, bringing back that late-summer warmth.

Thursday begins comfortable with partial sunshine and mild temperatures, while Friday and Saturday bring some cloud and scattered showers, along with slightly stronger winds along the coast. From Sunday onward, however, the skies clear and the mercury rises quickly, with warm sunshine dominating the start of the new week.

By Tuesday and Wednesday, Hermanus looks set for proper summer heat again, with temperatures pushing into the low 30s before easing slightly later in the week.

It’s a week that starts gently and ends hot - perfect beach weather returning after a slightly mixed start.

⸻

Thursday 5 March
Partly cloudy with mild temperatures and a light coastal breeze. ⛅
22°C / 15°C Winds 5 / 1 m/s Rain 0.2 mm 

Friday 6 March
Warm with sunny spells, but showers moving through later in the day. 🌦️
24°C / 15°C Winds 12 / 2 m/s Rain 3.8 mm 

Saturday 7 March
Cooler with cloud and occasional showers. 🌦️
19°C / 15°C Winds 12 / 6 m/s Rain 1.3 mm 

Sunday 8 March
Clear skies return with warm sunshine and pleasant conditions. ☀️
26°C / 14°C Winds 6 / 4 m/s 

Monday 9 March
A warm and sunny start to the week. ☀️
28°C / 16°C Winds 6 / 4 m/s 

Tuesday 10 March
Hot and sunny, with temperatures climbing well into the 30s. ☀️🔥
32°C / 18°C Winds 6 / 5 m/s 

Wednesday 11 March
Another very warm day with clear skies and summer heat. ☀️
31°C / 19°C Winds 4 / 1 m/s 

Overall, it’s a mixed start followed by a strong return of summer, with showers early in the week giving way to clear skies and rising temperatures. By midweek, Hermanus will once again be basking in classic coastal sunshine - so keep the sunscreen handy.

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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