There are many lovely places to enjoy a superb wine tasting in the Overstrand, but not as many where one can enjoy a good whisky. 

Emilia Knight of HAME in Hermanus offers a wide range of whiskies to enjoy as a tasting or alongside a homemade meal. 

"'Hame' is a Scots word for home, and that is precisely the atmosphere we strive to create," says Emilia, "Our aim is to provide a haven reminiscent of the word 'coorie' – a uniquely Scottish term embodying the home comforts, warmth, and simple pleasures often overlooked by today's fast-paced world."

Emilia just recently received her certification in whisky knowledge from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, and HAME is one of just three establishments in South Africa that are part of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) – a global network which gives its members exclusive access to whiskies hand-picked from over 145 distilleries in Scotland and beyond. 

Being a partner bar, HAME has early access to new SMWS releases, which allows Emilia to bring her choice of incredible quality, limited edition whiskies to Hermanus for her tasting menu. 

There are three different whisky tasting options available at HAME and it doesn't matter if you are a whisky connoisseur or a novice, Emilia and her team are there to guide you and impart their whisky knowledge.

HAME runs frequent specials throughout the week on their delicious meals and variety of drinks (follow their Facebook page for updates), and the restaurant is available for functions. 

They are open Thursday to Saturday from 08:00 to 22:00, and Sunday from 08:00 to 13:00. For more information call 065 606 9755 or visit them at 12 Aberdeen Street. 

We arrived at the Gautrain platform with confidence, proud of our newfound ability to navigate this part of our journey. Thanks to Taylum’s insistence on leaving the accommodation at an entirely unnecessary hour, we sat down on the Gautrain seats and waited for 23 minutes to depart. The train compartment was cosy and the seats were comfortable, and I realised how much I was enjoying this part of our trip and closed my eyes.

Prior to our trip to Johannesburg we had spoken fondly of all the opportunities we would have to eat Nandos, and I found myself once more thinking about food – born from the feeling of an empty belly after a big meal the night before. The train set off and in no time we reached OR Tambo station, still brimming with confidence. As we walked towards the exit gate I reached for my Gautrain card, a vital item needed in order to leave the station and enter the airport. It was nowhere to be found. I emptied my pockets and rummaged through my carry-on bag (still an endless source of irritation) and came up empty-handed. I looked up at Taylum’s frowning face, “I will leave you here”, she said. I had no doubt that she meant it.

A Gautrain official walked up to us holding out a Gautrain card but first wanted to verify where we were sitting in order to confirm that I was the rightful owner. This question confounded me as there was no singular answer. To explain I would have to indicate on which side the window was and that is dependent on which way the seats are facing. It also occurred to me that I could have dropped the card anywhere on the train in which case any attempt to provide him with accurate information was futile. “Thank you?” I offered, holding out my hand. He handed over the card, albeit reluctantly, and we entered the airport. 

A rather long walk (and a few wrong turns) later, a Nandos appeared before us, but not wanting to risk arriving late for our departure, we agreed that we would have Nandos in Somerset West for lunch. Instead we got our takeaway sandwiches (one egg mayo and one chicken mayo), and a peanut butter and banana smoothie to share. Taylum took a sip while we were paying and straight-faced handed it to me. I took a big sip, “It’s off”. Taylum said, “Yes”, I scowled at her.

Our next task was to find out where the boarding gate was, and to source a bathroom before doing so. A smiling airport official offered his assistance and we followed him up an escalator whereupon he asked us to buy him a cooldrink. We did so gladly, all the while impressed at the high-end vending machine, the likes of which we had not encountered before. We continued to follow the eager official until we were confident that we knew in which direction to go, and having time to spare before boarding, we thanked him and headed outside into the sun to enjoy our sandwiches. The bathroom was next on the agenda but making sense of the directional signs seemed near impossible. They took us on a loop of the check-in area before indicating that we should go upstairs. We decided that we must have missed something and set off on a second loop and located the bathroom.

As luck would have it, it was also right next to the boarding gate and we joined the free-flowing queue. Rather proud of ourselves that we had completed this part of the journey successfully, we stood in line to board our flight, friendly and chatty and this mood carried over to the airport employee who was going down the line checking the tickets. We smiled and greeted him and handed him our tickets. “You’re in the wrong line”, he said and indicated to another area which was around the corner and out of sight. “Of course”, I said.

We entered the plane, fully aware of the deathly silence that greeted us, not to mention the unimpressed faces of our fellow passengers. The location of our seats was obvious, they were the only two empty seats remaining, above which a lone overhead compartment stood open. We avoided all eye contact as we made our way to our seats, thankful that we would only have to pass seven rows of disapproving passengers, and so very grateful that we had made the decision not to bring our wooden Avbob boxes on the plane. The plane took off, and as previously, I closed my eyes, willing my body not to have a panic attack. Taylum, (as she had done on our last flight), tried to point out the landscape. And I, (as I had done on our last flight), snapped at her.

Once I had overcome my anxiety, Taylum and I began a debate about who would drive from the airport back to Hermanus. I insisted that I would as she had driven to the airport originally. The plane landed rather aggressively and sped down the runway to a stop. Elated, we stepped out into our beautiful province. I went in search of a bathroom and Taylum and I agreed that she would retrieve the car and meet me by the exit of the parking garage. Just a few minutes later I was at the exit and waiting... and waiting and waiting. My phone rang, “I can’t get down”, Taylum said, calling from the third level of the parking garage. She kept me on the phone until she had located the ramp. Before long my phone rang again, this time Taylum was calling from the second level. “I can’t find the way out”, she said, “oh wait, I have an idea”. She did a u-turn in a sectioned off area and told me she still had to go back and pay the parking ticket. Exhaustion is not our friend. 

The last test was to leave the airport correctly and get onto the freeway that would take us home. I am proud to say that we succeeded at this on our first attempt (probably because Taylum was driving), and we proudly dubbed ourselves airport aficionados. It was well past lunchtime but a visit to Nandos had lost its appeal. The usually enticing chicken and spicy rice, and the chicken hotpot would have to wait for another day. Home was so close, and home tasted like a pie from Peregrine Farm Stall or a quiche from Houw Hoek Farm Stall, and what we had learnt on our 24 hour trip is how very dearly we missed home!

We entered Hermanus and made a stop at the mall for peanut butter (a request I had received from my son an hour before), and began debating who would drive the 1km from the mall to our houses. This time neither of us wanted to be in the driver's seat, but as always, Taylum won (final score 3–1). I dropped her off and went home, had a hot shower, and pulled on pyjamas. A WhatsApp notification sounded on my phone – a photo of Taylum in bed with her dog which she had captioned “I’ve got this”. I returned the favour with a photo of my dogs in my bed and captioned it, "I've got these”.

The awards experience was indeed an incredible and unforgettable adventure but also a stark reminder of how blessed we are to call Hermanus home. And just how very much we love living the local life.

“Night, love you xx” Taylum messaged.

“Night, love you xxx” I replied.

New support for sea cadets 

The TS Birkenhead Sea Cadets in the Overstrand is a non-profit organisation dedicated to training and preparing school-going boys and girls for careers in the maritime industry. Teenagers are impacted in a positive way by developing confidence, leadership, learning team player skills, positive habits, adaptable thinking, and motivation.

Southern Right Charters (SRC) is working in collaboration with Whale Coast Conservation (WCC) and the TS Birkenhead Sea Cadets with the aim to promote environmental awareness, conservation efforts, and youth development in the region. 

"Southern Right Charters recognises its role and reliance on Hermanus and the Overberg area for its operations and we are committed to involvement in community projects – often grass roots – and upliftment with a focus on local community, marine conversation, and supporting tourism," says Jo Carty from SRC, "The primary objective of this project is to assist the TS Birkenhead Sea Cadets with financial support, additional training, and skills development for its members with a strong focus on environment and marine conservation."

This relationship between the cadets, WCC and SRC is poised to foster a deeper connection between youth, conservation and the community, ultimately contributing to the preservation of our marine environment for future generations as well as granting wider opportunities within the marine and eco-tourism sectors for youth. As this first year rolls out, it is intended that the partnership will grow and flourish, having a long-lasting impact on the community.

The development of business life: P1

By Dr Robin Lee

U3A Overberg History Interest Group

On 8 March 1978, The Times of Hermanus (now the Hermanus Times) published a story titled ‘How Commerce Started in Hermanus’. It featured an interview with 93-year-old Christian Warrington who stated, “The first shop in Hermanus was situated on the seafront, where the Ocean View Hotel [now 45 Marine Drive] is today”.

The owner of the shop was a Mr Moore of Stanford, and Mr Warrington’s mother was in charge. “The stock consisted mainly of groceries and fishing tackle… The next [shop] was owned by a Mr Pfeiffer of Caledon and was situated where the present Princess Café stands on the Main Street”. The R5 Store presently occupies this site.

Mr Warrington added that there were “no hotels of any sort, but a Mr Beukes had a stone cottage on the seafront, better known as a strandhuis, from whom visitors could hire rooms”.

There is general agreement amongst later historians that the first retail, commercial enterprise was in fact this small general dealer’s shop that was opened in the early 1860s by Ephraim George Moore from Stanford, where he had a prosperous general dealers’ outlet. Moore approached James and Elizabeth Warrington with a proposal to establish a general dealer’s shop either next to, or according to some, actually in the Warringtons’ house, which was just above Visbaai (the Old Harbour) on Marine Drive. The shop was established under the supervision of Mrs Warrington. 

Within a short time, the colonial government nominated the shop as the first post office in Hermanuspietersfontein. A daughter in the family, Maria Elizabeth Warrington, became the first postmistress.

Although the town has grown much bigger, it is not much different. The composition of the business sector in Greater Hermanus in 2020 comprised about 1 600 individual businesses, which are divided into 27 categories. The six largest groups were business and financial services (276); building and construction services (230); accommodation (214); shopping (181); food and wine (125); and home and garden (116).

Readers will see at once that there are no conventional productive sectors listed. Mining was always precluded due to the geology of the town’s location, though there is mention that PJ Luyt thought of investing in a manganese mine where Vermont now is. 

The manufacturing of products to earn income from sales outside the town was also absent until the 2000s when abalone and wine began to be ‘exported’ in some volume. The fact is that Hermanus always had a service economy and still does today. The task is to analyse the nature of the service economy and how it can best be sustained for the challenges ahead.

How the service economy grew over time

The real expansion in business activity came in 1896, when Dr Hoffmann opened the Sanatorium, and Walter McFarlane built the Victoria Hotel. Both enterprises are best categorised as accommodation services though the Sanatorium had medical facilities as well, but they served very different markets.

The Sanatorium attracted people staying a considerable length of time, while the Victoria catered mainly for people passing through. Either way, by the turn of the 20th century there were more potential customers in and around Hermanus, either as permanent residents, or visitors staying for weeks or months, or just passing through. In response to demand, businesses offering different services started up. The first of these was the archetypal South African retail outlet known as a ‘general dealer’ or more usually by the Afrikaans name, ‘n algemene handelaar.

These businesses included Oblowitz’s Store (corner of Main and Harbour Roads); Bekker’s Store (corner of Main Road and Stemmet Street, Eastcliff); Slabbert’s Grocery Shop (corner of Church and Myrtle Streets); Uitkyk Store (where CTM now is); Outspan Store (Paterson Street); Segal’s Grocery Store (corner of Main Road and Church Street); Warrington’s (Main Road); and Bouchers (Main Road). 

The business sector gained momentum in the late 1800s when High Street, Aberdeen Street and Long Street were surveyed out of the Hermanus Commonage and plots put on the market. An analysis by Michael Clark for the Hermanus History Society shows that members of the original settler families, who had arrived as fishermen, immediately entered the property market and bought sites. For instance, of the newly surveyed plots between Main Road and High Street, the Henn family bought two, the Groenewald family two, and the Sheriff and Warrington families one each. Relative newcomers, but still part of the fishing economy, the Allengensky family bought three sites.

The fisherfolk moved quickly into business ventures and were at ease with the basic concepts of capitalist economic development, as we shall see in the next article.

Homegrown goodness 

Hidden away in the serene village of Stanford, Christine Stevens spends her days tending to her beautiful garden, drying and pressing flowers, herbs, making teas and vinegars, and hosting workshops where she shares her knowledge of all things homegrown. 

Christine was born in England and went on to study art before working as a clothing designer in London. She came to South Africa 35 years ago and started her own design company before moving to a farm where she set about establishing an organic garden. 

Christine has always had a passion for growing organic (her parents used to grow their own food), and over the years she has become increasingly aware of what she is putting into her body. 

Across the world, concerns about pesticides and plastic in food have been on the rise, as studies of the potential impact on health and the environment increase. For example, did you know that one tea bag can contain billions of microplastic particles? 

It is for this reason that many people have switched over to loose leaf teas, and why Christine now makes her own. 

Christine started making tea 10 years ago after moving to the Winelands, delving into the world of vinegar soon after. She began to experiment and expand her tea and vinegar range as more and more people asked if they could buy from her. 

Between 2005 and 2010, she also wrote three books – Harvest: Recipes from an Organic Farm, The Harvest Kitchen, and Harvest Diaries: A Year of Food & Wine on an Organic Farm – sharing her knowledge and experience of organic growing. 

In 2020, Christine moved to Stanford, drawn by the beauty of the area and what it had to offer. Since then, she has transformed her garden, growing a variety of flowers, herbs, and vegetables which she uses for her teas and vinegars, and for her cooking. 

Her vinegars and teas now include a fynbos vinegar (organic apple cider vinegar infused with local fynbos), a berry vinegar (made with local organic seasonal berries), a flower garden tea blend (a relaxing organic floral garden tea), a spice blend (Honeybush infused with cinnamon and organic turmeric), and a harmony blend (organic green tea and locally grown Shiso) amongst others. All ingredients are grown by Christine or sourced from the Stanford area, and everything is organic.

Her vinegars and teas are available at Greenways in Hermanus, The Station in Hermanus, Creation Wines in Hemel-en-Aarde, and Madré in Stanford. Christine also grows and supplies local eateries and wine farms with fresh, edible flowers which they use to garnish their dishes and drinks. 

Christine works closely with Susan Mann from Eat Like a Local, offering a variety of workshops such as an introduction to flower pressing and the alchemy of flowers, herbs and fynbos. 

Christine will be hosting a special workshop on flowers, fynbos and herbs for Local Life readers on 19 October from 10am to 12pm at her home in Stanford. Readers will receive a 10% discount on the normal price of R650pp, as well as refreshments, a gift pack of tea, fresh flowers, and a herb posy. To book please contact Christine at christinestevens03@gmail.com and use the reference 'Local Life'. There are only 10 places available so make sure to book soon to secure your spot. Places will be confirmed on receipt of payment.

For more information, or to stock her products or to purchase edible flowers you can email Christine on the aforementioned email address. Find her on Instagram as @christinestevensharvest.

Local wines shine at recent awards 

Vineyards in the Overberg continue to establish themselves as producers of exceptional wine, gaining recognition globally. The unique terroir, characterised by cool ocean breezes, diverse soils, and a temperate climate, creates ideal conditions for cultivating a variety of grapes. Winemakers have honed their craft, blending traditional with modern techniques to produce wines that reflect our region's distinctive character. As a result, Overberg vineyards continue to win esteemed local and international awards. 

The most recent award results are from the Michaelangelo International Wine & Spirit Awards (MIWSA) and the Tim Atkins South Africa Special Report, which were released on 2 and 3 September respectively. The Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge results were announced earlier this year. 

Michaelangelo International Wine & Spirit Awards 

MIWSA was established in 1997 to offer South African producers the opportunity of having their wines adjudicated locally by a highly experienced panel of professionals from around the globe. MIWSA’s primary objective is to support local wine and spirits producers who are targeting international markets for exports. Through international judges, these producers are able to determine whether their wines will be well received both abroad and locally. All entries were judged blind by panels of five judges, using the internationally recognised 100-point judging system. 

A double gold represents a minimum score of 93 out of a possible 100 points. To earn gold, one needs a score of 89, and for silver, a score of 86. The results in the Overberg (focusing on the greater Hermanus area, Gansbaai, Bot River, and Stanford) were as follows:

Double gold: Benguela Cove Wine Estate Chardonnay 2023, Benguela Cove Wine Estate Pinot Noir 2023, Raka Wine Quinary 2021, Walker Bay Vineyards Amesteca 2022, Walker Bay Vineyards Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2023, and Whalehaven Sandstone Strata Chardonnay 2023.

Gold: Benguela Cove Wine Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Benguela Cove Wine Estate Vinography Chardonnay 2023, Benguela Cove Wine Estate Lighthouse Collection Moody Lagoon 2021, Raka Wine Biography Shiraz 2021, Villion Family Wines Ben Bullebak Merlot 2022, and Wildekrans Trust Chenin Blanc 2023.

Silver: Benguela Cove Wine Estate Joie de Vivre 2019

Tim Atkins South Africa 2024 Special Report

Master of Wine (MW) Tim Atkin's South Africa Special Report, now in its 12th edition, is the most comprehensive commentary on the country’s top-scoring wines. This year 2 259 wines from 427 wineries were rated. The Special Report also works on a 100-point judging system. 

Tim’s ‘Wines of the Year’ in the Overberg (focusing on the greater Hermanus area, Gansbaai, Bot River, and Stanford) were as follows:

Chardonnay: Creation Glenn's Chardonnay 2023 (95pts), Crystallum Clay Shales Chardonnay 2023 (96pts), Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2023 (95pts), Newton Johnson CWG Sandford Chardonnay 2022 (95pts), Restless River Ava Marie Chardonnay 2022 (94pts), and Thamnus Wines Chardonnay 2022 (95pts).

Chenin Blanc: Beaumont CWG GG's Chenin Blanc 2023 (95pts).

Sauvignon Blanc: Bartho Eksteen CWG Vloekskoot 2023 (93).

Semillon: Benguela Cove Catalina Semillon 2022 (95pts).

Cabernet Franc: Gabriëlskloof The Landscape Series Cabernet Franc 2022 (96).

Pinot Noir: Catherine Marshall Fine Art Collection Finite Elements Pinot Noir 2023 (95pts), Creation The Art of Pinot Noir 2023 (95pts), Crystallum Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir 2023 (96pts), Crystallum Litigo Pinot Noir 2023 (96pts), Hearth Artjesvlei Pinot Noir 2022 (95pts), Newton Johnson CWG Windansea Pinot Noir 2022 (94pts), Newton Johnson Seadragon Pinot Noir 2023 (95pts), Restless River Le Luc Pinot Noir 2022 (95pts), Storm Wines Ignis Pinot Noir 2023 (96pts), Storm Wines Ridge Pinot Noir 2023 (96pts), and Storm Wines Vrede Pinot Noir 2023 (96pts).

Pinotage: Ashbourne Pinotage 2022 (96pts).

Syrah: Gabriëlskloof The Landscape Series Syrah on Sandstone 2022 (95pts) and Gabriëlskloof The Landscape Series Syrah on Shale 2022 (95pts).

The title of ‘Viticulturist of the Year’ was awarded to Bosman Family Vineyards.

Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 

Gilbert & Gaillard was founded in 1989 by Philippe Gaillard and François Gilbert. Today, they run a multimedia group dedicated to wine, established in 22 countries. They are also known for the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge, which is an international wine competition organised by Wine Tasting and Trading Ltd (Hong Kong) which awards medals to wines from all over the world.

A double gold represents a minimum score of 90 out of a possible 100 points. The results in the Overberg (focusing on the greater Hermanus area, Gansbaai, Bot River, and Stanford) were as follows:

Double gold: Lomond Syrah 2020 (92pts), Raka Quinary 2021 (91pts), Raka Sangiovese 2022 (90pts), Walker Bay Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (91pts), Whalehaven Cloudscape Reserve Pinot Noir 2023 (90pts), Whalehaven Sandstone Strata Chardonnay 2023 (90), Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay 2023 (92pts), Wildekrans Estate Pinotage 2021 (91pts), Wildekrans Estate Merlot 2022 (92pts), and Wildekrans Estate Shiraz 2020 (91pts).

Gold: Lomond Wine Estate Merlot 2021, Lomond Merlot 2021, Raka Biography Shiraz 2021, Walker Bay Vineyards Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Esc Brut Rosé 2022, Whalehaven Shale Summit Pinot Noir 2023, Walker Bay White Pinot Noir 2023, Wildekrans Estate Chenin 2023, Wildekrans Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2023, and Wildekrans Estate Cape Blend 2022.

Silver: Lomond Merlot Rosé 2023 

By Dr Shanan Atkins

Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit

You would not be remiss if you did not notice the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin among the great variety of whale and dolphin species that use Walker Bay's waters. They are rare, live in small groups and are elusive – hardly ever bow riding like their better-known cousins the bottlenose dolphins, or even tolerating boats. 

They are among South Africa's (and the world's) most endangered cetaceans because their numbers are dwindling, but it has been difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of their decline along our coast. Recognising the gravity of the situation, Dr Els Vermeulen of the Mammal Research Institute’s Whale Unit (University of Pretoria) collaborated with scientists from Zayed University and St Andrews University to plot a way forward to help safeguard the humpback dolphin across its global range.

The humpback dolphins occur in a very narrow strip of coast from False Bay, along southern and eastern coasts of Africa, western Asia, and the west coast of India, as well as oceanic islands like Madagascar and Mayotte. Many of these 23 countries are low-income countries. Dotted along this range are dolphin researchers who study humpback dolphins.

Dr Vermeulen and her collaborators decided to strengthen the links among these researchers to form a network – the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin Conservation Network, or HuDoNet for short – which aims to "Connect - Share - Inspire” and galvanise conservation action to turn the tide for little known but increasingly vulnerable Indian Ocean humpback dolphins.

“There is so much we do not know about these elusive dolphins but what we have learned so far is concerning,” says Dr Shanan Atkins, the coordinator of the new initiative who is also based in the Whale Unit. In most places, dolphin populations are small and declining because of their close proximity to highly populated coastlines. They are affected by human activities that occur on land, in fresh water and in the ocean. The dolphins die in fishing nets, their habitats are altered by port and harbour construction, coastal development, dredging, and land reclamation. They are susceptible to pollution, such as chemicals and loud underwater noise. These activities threaten the survival of the dolphins in ways that are challenging to understand and measure, but likely to be impactful.

Across the range, the dolphin researchers also face challenges. "Our major challenge is a lack of finances to sustain long-term research efforts," says Ketki Jog, who is studying humpback dolphins in India. At the other end of the dolphins' range, in South Africa, Sasha Dines says the same thing: "We are limited by equipment, personnel and funding." Other challenges include a lack of data, a lack of technical support, a lack of solutions, a lack of awareness of the species and a lack of action by the authorities. “It is so difficult to get the authorities involved in marine conservation matters,” says Yusuf Bohadi from Kuwait.

Seventy-one marine scientists and conservationists from 17 countries in the western Indian Ocean and Arabian Seas are now working together under HuDoNet's umbrella. Members of the network share the common goal of spurring research that provides evidence for good conservation decisions and action, attracting resources, building capacity among researchers and conservationists, and raising people's awareness of the plight of this endangered dolphin.

Old rivals Hawston RFC and Kleinmond RFC faced off in an exciting rugby season final on Saturday 7 September at the Hawston Sports Grounds.

Both sides brought their A-game, with spectators poised on the edge of their seats. 

Both the Hawston B and C teams dominated against Kleinmond, winning 17 – 8 and 22 – 0 respectively, before the A teams took to the field. Hawston took an early lead, but Kleinmond turned things around in the second half, catching up to Hawston. Hawston kept their composure and went on to win the game with a close final score of 36 – 34.

Local musicians win 2024 Battle Of The Bands  

Local band ThreeohFive emerged victorious at the 2024 Aandklas Battle of the Bands in Stellenbosch on 31 August. This incredible feat not only showcases the band's exceptional music skills, but also puts the spotlight on their Hermanus roots.

ThreeohFive is made up of drummer Werner van Niekerk, guitarist Tré Hadingham, and lead singer and guitarist Victor Andrew Perkins who all call Hermanus home. Their musical journey began two years ago in a humble garage, where they fine-tuned their sound, and crafted performances that would eventually captivate audiences far and wide.

The band recently welcomed talented bassist Albert Kotze from Cape Town to the group, further elevating their electrifying performances.

"Our new Aandklas champions brought their A-game to every single performance and blew the crowd and the judges away every night. This battle was especially tough as we saw some of the strongest finalists to date,” said Aandklas Stellenbosch in a post on Facebook.

"We are incredibly proud of our roots in Hermanus," says Victor, "This win is not just for us – it is for everyone who has supported us along the way. We started in a garage with big dreams and now we have the chance to take our music to new heights."

The band's triumph at Battle of the Bands is a testament to their talent and perseverance, serving as inspiration to aspiring musicians in Hermanus. They will be hosting a celebration show at The Gecko, New Harbour, Hermanus at 20:30 on 14 September.

Keeping it clean  

The Onrus Volleyball Club (OVC), in partnership with the Onrus Ratepayers & Home Owners Association (ORHA) and Milk on the Beach, organised a clean-up at Onrus Beach which took place throughout the day on Saturday 7 September. 

The storm in September 2023 wreaked havoc on the Onrus River estuary, and pieces of wood, reeds, and old seaweed still occasionally wash ashore and mix in with the sand after heavy rains or large swells. The goal for the clean-up was to clear as much of this debris from the beach as possible to prevent people from getting hurt. 

The volunteer clean-up team consisted of OVC, ORHA, and members of the public. The first 20 people on the scene received a free coffee from Milk on the Beach. OVC also set up their net on the beach, to enjoy a game of volleyball after the clean-up.  

OVC meets on a Tuesday and a Thursday at 17:30 depending on the weather. To join their WhatsApp group for updates message 082 800 1600, or follow them on Facebook.