Hello Hermanus!

There’s something inspiring about people who choose to invest in our community. Whether it’s helping local children thrive, chasing national sporting success, sharing Hermanus stories with the world, or building businesses that bring people together, it’s these stories that make our town such a special place to call home.

This week, we’re introducing paediatric occupational therapist Julia Hutton, whose work is helping young children build confidence and strong foundations for life. We’re celebrating Hermanus boxer Robert Carlisle’s remarkable rise to a national silver medal, and we’re taking a look at Shark Town, the locally produced documentary that’s putting the Cape Whale Coast on the international stage. Alongside that, we’ve rounded up plenty of events to fill your diary and another classic winter forecast for the week ahead.

Let’s get into it.

In this week’s edition:

🏡 Property of the Week: A peaceful family home in Vermont with Greeff Properties

🧩 Business of the Week: Julia Hutton Occupational Therapy

⚖️ Legal Corner: STBB explains the landmark court ruling that modernises South Africa’s matrimonial property law

🥊 Local Feature: Hermanus boxer Robert Carlisle’s journey to a national silver medal

🦈 Shark Town: Local documentary premieres in the UK, showcasing the Cape Whale Coast to the world

📅 What’s On: Live music, business talks, markets, family activities and more

Here’s to supporting local, celebrating community achievements, and making the most of another beautiful week in Hermanus.

The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Love local stories? Share The Hermanus Scoop with a friend at www.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.

A Peaceful Gem in Vermont:

In the tranquil, established suburb of Vermont in a quiet cul-de-sac, this well-kept property is a rare find. It offers the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and peace for your family. The interior is bright and airy, featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a convenient main en-suite. The heart of the home is the open plan lounge with an indoor braai room, open plan dining-room and kitchen with a small scullery.
Externally, this property features a generous, well-maintained backyard with plenty of space for outdoor living . The focal point of the garden is a pristine, sparkling swimming pool , perfectly maintained and ready for immediate enjoyment.


View the full property here.

🧩 Business of the Week: Julia Hutton Occupational Therapy

There’s something special about helping a child overcome a challenge that once felt impossible. Whether it’s building confidence, improving focus, developing motor skills or simply making school a happier place, early intervention can have a lifelong impact. That’s exactly what drives Julia Hutton Occupational Therapy, this week’s Hermanus Scoop Business of the Week.

Julia’s connection to Hermanus goes back much further than her practice. Although born in KwaZulu-Natal, she moved to Hermanus in Grade 2, attended Hermanus Primary and Hermanus High School, and matriculated in 2009. After studying in Cape Town and working across Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal and even Vietnam, she returned home in 2023 while preparing to relocate to the UK.

That move never happened.

“Coming back to Hermanus reminded me how much I loved living here,” says Julia. “Being close to family again, combined with seeing the need for another paediatric occupational therapist, inspired me to start my own practice. I’ve never looked back.”

Today, Julia works primarily with preschool and young primary school children, helping them develop the foundational skills they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. She has specialised training in Sensory Integration, an approach that focuses on how children process sensory information, laying the groundwork for learning, movement, emotional regulation and everyday life.

Her practice supports children experiencing challenges with:

• Attention and concentration

• Gross and fine motor skills

• Handwriting readiness

• Emotional regulation

• Sensory processing

• Self-care skills

• Confidence and learning

Because every child is different, therapy is carefully tailored to each child’s individual strengths and needs.

For Julia, the greatest reward comes from seeing children discover confidence in themselves.

“My goal is to help every child reach their full potential by building the skills and confidence they need to thrive at home, at school and in everyday life.”

Her work extends well beyond the therapy room. By working closely with local schools, teachers and parents, Julia helps create a strong support network around every child. Seeing children during the school day allows her to observe them in their natural learning environment, collaborate directly with teachers and make therapy more convenient for busy families.

She believes this close collaboration is one of the biggest advantages of practising in a town like Hermanus.

“What I love most is the sense of community. You build genuine, long-term relationships with families. Even after therapy has finished, I’ll bump into children at the beach or in the shops and get to see how they’ve grown and flourished. Those moments are incredibly special.”

By helping children build strong developmental foundations early in life, Julia is not only supporting individual families but also strengthening classrooms, empowering teachers and giving young learners the best possible start.

Contact Julia Hutton Occupational Therapy

📧 [email protected]
📞 083 259 3712

📚 Legal Piece of the Week with STBB
‘Husband’s domicile’ rule declared unconstitutional: A turning point for matrimonial property law

In a significant victory for gender equality and the rights of same-sex couples and non-binary persons, the Western Cape High Court has decisively struck down one of the last vestiges of a historically patriarchal approach to matrimonial property law in South Africa. In N.P. v Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, the court declared the long-standing common law principle of lex domicilii matrimonii, which determines the matrimonial property regime of spouses solely by reference to the husband’s domicile at the time of marriage, unconstitutional. Developing the common law, the court replaced the rule with a gender-neutral choice-of-law framework applicable to all marriages.

The facts of the case

The applicant and her husband married in England during the late 1990s and lived in several jurisdictions during their marriage, including Hong Kong, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Following the breakdown of their marriage, she instituted divorce proceedings in the Western Cape High Court.

The husband raised a special plea by contending that the matrimonial property consequences of the marriage were governed by Zimbabwean law as Zimbabwe was his domicile when the parties married. Disputing this claim, the applicant argued they had both been domiciled in England at the time of the marriage. Rather than merely contesting the special plea, she launched a constitutional challenge to the common law lex domicilii matrimonii rule itself on the basis that it unjustifiably discriminated against persons on the grounds of sex, gender, and sexual orientation.

Why the rule could not survive constitutional scrutiny

For legal purposes, a ‘domicile’ refers to a particular place the law presumes an individual to be present at all times. For more than a century, South African law has determined the matrimonial property regime of spouses by reference to the husband’s domicile at the date of the marriage. Correspondingly, the wife’s domicile was legally irrelevant to identifying the applicable legal system.

On analysis, the High Court held that this distinction is incompatible with section 9 of the Constitution. By privileging the husband’s legal status over that of his spouse, the rule treats one spouse’s legal identity as inherently more significant than the other’s and accordingly perpetuates a historically patriarchal assumption that a husband’s legal position is determinative of the marriage.

Noting the abolition of a wife’s dependent domicile via an amendment to the Domicile Act more than three decades ago and the judiciary’s consistent acknowledgement of the rule’s discriminatory nature, the court held that there is no rational justification for such unequal treatment in contemporary South Africa.

Accordingly, the court declared the prevailing domicile rule inconsistent with the Constitution and invalid. Exercising its remedial powers under sections 8(3) and 172 of the Constitution, it developed the common law by substituting a new, gender-neutral choice-of-law framework that better aligns with constitutional values and norms.

Enhanced recognition of same-sex marriages

Beyond gender equality in respect of heterosexual marriages, equally significant is the position of same-sex spouses and non-binary persons. The traditional rule unfairly assumes every marriage involves a husband and a wife, that is man and woman. As a result, it offered no coherent connecting factor for determining the applicable matrimonial property law where a marriage consists of gay, lesbian, and/or non-binary spouses. Accordingly, two couples with otherwise identical factual circumstances could therefore be treated differently solely on the basis of gender, sex, or sexual orientation.

By adopting a framework based on neutral connecting factors rather than gender, the court has ensured that the same legal principles apply equally to all marriages. In doing so, the ruling gives practical effect to constitutional commitments to both equality and dignity.

A new way of determining domicile

Under the gender-neutral choice-of-law approach, the court has introduced a new hierarchy for determining the law governing the proprietary consequences of a marriage. Critically, the novel framework replaces a rigid and gender-based connecting factor with one founded upon objective links between the spouses and relevant legal system.

• The spouses may, before or at the time of the marriage, designate the legal system that will govern the proprietary consequences of their marriage, provided there is evidence of a substantial link or connection between the chosen legal system and one or both spouses.

• In the absence of a valid agreement (or where there is no substantial link), the applicable law is that of the spouses’ common domicile at the time of the marriage.

• If there is no common domicile, the applicable law is that of the spouses’ common habitual residence at the time of the marriage.

• If neither of the above applies, the applicable law is that of the spouses’ common nationality at the time of the marriage.

• If none of the preceding factors applies, the applicable law is that of the country to which the spouses were jointly and most closely connected at the time of the marriage.

Conclusion

N.P. v Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development demonstrates that even long-established common law rules must yield where they perpetuate inequality. By replacing an outdated, gender-based connecting factor with a principled and inclusive framework, the High Court has modernised this component of the law and will likely become the leading authority on the determination of matrimonial property regimes in international marriages.

🥊 Local Feature: Hermanus's Robert Carlisle Is Rewriting His Story One Round at a Time

Two years ago, Robert Carlisle wasn't a boxer. He was a Krav Maga practitioner from Johannesburg, training under Wayne Strydom at Gendai Ryu in Randburg, with no idea that a family move to Hermanus would set him on a path to a national silver medal.

"When we relocated, Krav Maga was no longer an option," Carlisle recalls. "So I decided to pursue boxing." It wasn't a consolation prize - it was a calling. "Boxing demands exceptional fitness, technical skill, and discipline. I knew it would push me beyond my limits, and that's exactly what appealed to me."

A quick search led him to Hermanus Boxing and Grappling, and a message to coach Jacques Breedt asking, in essence, whether he had what it takes. The answer came in the form of an open door.

"From my very first session, Jacques was welcoming, professional, and passionate about the sport," Carlisle says. "He creates an environment where everyone is supported and encouraged to grow." Under Breedt's guidance, what started as a search for a new outlet became something deeper. A genuine passion, and a daily pursuit of becoming better than he was the day before.

Building Toward a National Dream

About a year ago, Carlisle and Breedt set an ambitious target: the South African National Amateur Boxing Championship. What followed was a season most amateur boxers only dream of.

He finished runner-up at the Overberg Championships - a signal that the hard yards were paying off. He followed it up by claiming the Western Province Super Heavyweight Championship. And most recently, Carlisle stood on the podium at the South African National Amateur Boxing Championship with a silver medal around his neck.

"It was an incredible experience," he says. "I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me along the way."

The Discipline Behind the Medals

Ask Carlisle what it took to get there, and the answer isn't glamorous. It's relentless. Every 5 a.m. training session. Every run. Every strength workout. Every round on the bags and pads, approached with purpose.

"I believe anything worth achieving requires dedication and commitment," he says. "Boxing reminds you of that every single day."

But for all the discipline, Carlisle is quick to credit his coach with keeping him grounded. "Coach always reminded me of something even more important: never forget why you started - to enjoy the journey and have fun. Life is short, so don't be too hard on yourself."

A Team Effort

Carlisle is quick to point out that no fighter earns a national medal alone. He credits Mathew Browne and ProActive Fitness for providing a world-class training facility that kept him in peak condition throughout his campaign, and thanks Sheldon Smith and BoxRAW for outfitting him with top-tier gear. "The work you're doing for boxing is exceptional," he says, "and proves the sport has an incredibly bright future."

He extends that gratitude to his training partners, friends, and family who backed him at every turn. "Your encouragement has meant more than words can express."

And at the centre of it all: his wife, Nicole, his daughter, Nova, and coaches Jacques and Lizeri. "You are my foundation," Carlisle says. "I would not be where I am today without your love, wisdom, and unwavering support. You give me the strength to keep going, and I will always fight for you."

What's Next

From a Krav Maga dojo in Randburg to a national podium finish out of a small gym in Hermanus, Robert Carlisle's rise is a reminder of what's possible when a fresh start meets the right guidance and a whole lot of 5 a.m. mornings.

"I can't wait to see what the future has in store," he says.

If Hermanus's newest boxing story is anything to go by, the best rounds may still be ahead.

🦈 Shark Town film brings Cape Whale Coast to the UK

“Shark Town” UK premiere an Overstrand success story

BRISTOL, United Kingdom, 15 July 2026: Fifty years after Jaws made the arrival of a great white shark the stuff of cinematic terror, the Shark Town documentary premier in Bristol tells the opposite story: what happens when the great white sharks Gansbaai depends on for it’s prosperity vanish from a bay known for having the densest population of this incredible apex predator.

The collaboration brings together Gansbaai-based Marine Dynamics’ decades of marine research, conservation and ecotourism expertise with Hermanus-based Rockpool Media’s international documentary filmmaking experience, creating a film grounded equally in science and cinematic storytelling.

Rockpool Media and Marine Dynamics extraordinary shark story reached UK audiences with the premiere of Shark Town at the Bristol Megascreen, Bristol Aquarium. The documentary explores the disappearance of great white sharks from the South African fishing village once known as the Great White Shark Capital of the World. The arrival of orcas and environmental pressures transformed the marine ecosystem and the community built around it.

The Bristol audience was drawn into a story that reverses the familiar Jaws premise. Here, it is not the arrival of a shark that threatens a seaside town, but its absence. The screening was followed by a Q&A with Peirce and The Shark Trust CEO Paul Cox, exploring the science, conservation questions and human consequences behind the film. The premiere raised funds for The Shark Trust, the UK-based charity working to safeguard sharks, skates and rays through science, policy and public engagement.

Presented by British author and conservationist Richard Peirce, and inspired by his book ‘Orca’, the one-hour documentary follows four British shark experts and selected “Shark Towners” as they examine the forces behind the disappearance and the effort to secure the future of the town, its community and its marine life. With international distribution by Limonero Films, Shark Town combines striking natural history footage with rigorous research and first-hand accounts from the people whose lives were uplifted by great white sharks.

Communicating science through world-class filmmaking has become an increasingly important part of protecting marine ecosystems. For Marine Dynamics, the film forms part of a broader commitment to conservation through education, research and responsible marine tourism, recognising that powerful storytelling is increasingly important in building public understanding and support for ocean conservation.

For the Cape Whale Coast, the UK Shark Town premiere brings positive international attention to a region whose identity and economy are closely tied to the ocean. The film moves beyond the spectacle of sharks to examine the ecological changes, livelihoods and conservation questions reshaping one of world’s best-known marine destinations and how the Bronze Whalers have stepped in to the great whites former habitat to continue attracting shark fans from all over the world.

The UK premiere builds on the growing international interest to share this Overstrand showcase with audiences worldwide as distributor Limonero Films brings the authentic Shark Town story to the international market. The film represents years of collaboration between filmmakers, tourism stakeholders, scientists, conservationists and local community members, bringing together perspectives that are seldom seen in a single production. The partnership also highlights the growing role filmmakers are playing in producing globally relevant conservation case studies, connecting local environmental stories with global audiences and stakeholders.

Media contact

Anton Leach | Rockpool Media
[email protected] | +27 63 021 6457 | +27 63 383 6038

📅 What's On This Week

Every Friday | Friday Run Clubs:

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 ☕

Onrus Run Club
📍 Starts and ends at Plato, Onrus 🕕 6:30am | Community Run
All paces welcome

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 →

Richard Pryor’s “Women Who Rock” Show
Date: 17 July 2026
Time: 20:00 - 23:00
Venue: Hermanus Golf Club

Get ready for an electrifying evening of classic rock as Richard Pryor’s acclaimed Women Who Rock show comes to Hermanus. Featuring powerhouse vocalists Lucy Tops and Amelia Hoffman, backed by the Gin Wizard Band, the show celebrates legendary artists including Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Pink, Janis Joplin, The Cranberries, AC/DC, Jefferson Airplane and many more. Dinner will be available from the à la carte menu from 18:00, with a full bar service throughout the evening.  

Admission Fee: From R250 per person
Book here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/368025-richard-pryors-women-who-rock-show-hermanus-golf-club/

Klawer | Musiek en Stories with Rocco de Villiers
Date: 19 July 2026
Time: 16:00 – 18:00
Venue: Hermanus Municipal Auditorium

Join acclaimed pianist, composer and author Rocco de Villiers for an intimate afternoon of music and storytelling as he presents Klawer. Accompanied by guitarist Hansie Roodt, Rocco shares beloved piano compositions alongside stories from his travels through South Africa, celebrating the people, places and memories that have shaped his remarkable 27-year career. Guests can also enjoy a warm bowl of soup and a glass of sherry.  

Admission Fee: R220 per person
Book here: https://tickets.tixsa.co.za/event/klawer

Building a Business That Lasts
Date: 21 July 2026
Time: from 17:30
Venue: Mr. Write, 26 High Street, Hermanus

Thinking of starting your own business, or already building one? Join entrepreneur Afsana Khan for an honest and practical evening as she shares the lessons she’s learned from launching her business at just 23 years old and growing it into a successful company over the past 16 years. Expect practical advice on navigating challenges, attracting clients, managing growth and building a resilient business that stands the test of time. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs, students, side-hustlers and young business owners.  

Admission Fee: R150 per person
Book here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/383873-building-a-business-that-lasts/

Event Details

Growing Your Wealth Beyond the Stock Market
Date: 23 July 2026
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Venue: Hermanus Golf Club

Join Sterling Private Clients for an insightful afternoon exploring investment opportunities beyond traditional stock market investments. Guests will enjoy engaging investment perspectives, fine wines, and great company in the beautiful setting of Hermanus Golf Club.

Highlights include:
- Guest Speaker: Albert Coetzee from Ninety One
- Wine Tasting hosted by Bouchard Finlayson Winery
- Hors d'oeuvres served
- Networking opportunities

Admission Fee: R100 per person
All proceeds will be donated to Overstrand Hospice.

RSVP by: 15 July 2026

For bookings or enquiries:
Rochelle du Toit
086 188 8987
[email protected]

For the kids in the holidays:

The holiday is almost done so make sure to attend the last two events available at Hermanus Library before the schools start again…

📚 Library Holiday Programme - Hermanus Library
A wonderful school holidays activity for younger readers - mornings of stories, creativity, and fun at the Hermanus Library.
📅 30 June – 18 July 2026
⏰ 10:00 – 11:00
📍 Hermanus Library, Hermanus
💰 R50 per child
📞 Bookings: 028 313 8077

🌤️ Weather Forecast for Hermanus

Hermanus is set for another classic winter week, with crisp mornings, cool afternoons and plenty of dry weather to enjoy. Sunshine makes regular appearances through the weekend and into early next week, although a few light showers are possible on Sunday before a stronger cold front approaches towards the middle of next week.

⸻

Thursday 16 July 🌤️
A chilly start gives way to sunny spells during the afternoon, making for a pleasant winter’s day.
16°C / 9°C
Winds: 6 / 3 m/s

Friday 17 July 🌤️
A cool but settled day with a mix of cloud and sunshine and very light winds.
16°C / 9°C
Winds: 4 / 1 m/s

Saturday 18 July ☀️
The pick of the week. Bright winter sunshine, mild temperatures and light morning winds before a slightly breezier afternoon.
17°C / 10°C
Winds: 8 / 1 m/s

Sunday 19 July 🌦️
Mostly cloudy with the chance of a brief light shower during the day, but still plenty of dry periods.
15°C / 10°C
Winds: 4 / 1 m/s
Rain: ~0.8 mm

Monday 20 July 🌤️
A crisp winter morning followed by sunshine and scattered cloud. Just the slightest chance of a passing shower.
15°C / 7°C
Winds: 7 / 2 m/s
Rain: ~0.2 mm

Tuesday 21 July 🌥️
Cloud increases through the day, but conditions remain dry with cool temperatures and a fresh breeze.
16°C / 12°C
Winds: 6 / 5 m/s

Wednesday 22 July 🌧️
Cloudy with rain developing as a stronger cold front begins moving into the region later in the day.
15°C / 11°C
Winds: 11 / 6 m/s
Rain: ~7.9 mm

Overall, it’s another enjoyable winter week in Hermanus, with plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. Saturday looks especially inviting for a walk along the Cliff Path, a visit to the markets or a leisurely lunch in town. While Sunday may bring a passing shower, much of the week remains dry before a more significant cold front arrives on Wednesday, bringing stronger winds and the best chance of meaningful rainfall.

📷 Spotted in the Overberg:

Photo of the Week: Sheenagh Levy

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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