On Friday 22 November, the Hermanus Business Chamber (HBC) held their inaugural Service Excellence Awards at the Hermanus Golf Club. The glittering event was attended by 130 members and included a three-course dinner prepared by Two Chefs Catering, as well as musical entertainment by three local musical performers: Pierré & Pauli, Corniël Calitz and Catherine Frances. 

The awards event was created by the Business Chamber to highlight local businesses that are members of HBC, that excelled within the community during the course of the year. Awards were given in 10 categories to top performing members. The winners were presented with trophies and all finalists received Service Excellence certificates. 

While each award category, its winner and its finalists stood out in their own right, it was perhaps the Special Recognition Award winners that embodied the spirit of the Hermanus community:

• Compilers of Hermanus Photographic History 1855-1955, Michael Clark, Dinkie Marais and Jack van Dyk.

• René Hartslief, who has spearheaded various initiatives in the Overstrand.

• Alta Pretorius, Hermanus Business Chamber Secretary, who received a standing ovation for her dedication to the Business Chamber and her passion for the community. 

The Business of the Year Award went to Abagold, a world-class abalone farm in Hermanus renowned for sustainably cultivating premium quality abalone for global markets. Beyond their innovative aquaculture practices, they are deeply committed to uplifting the local community through various empowerment programs and initiatives. Biznews and Creation Wines were the other worthy finalists who shared the stage with them. 

The People’s Choice Award was voted for by the public, and the finalists were Folk & Goode Brewery, Petri Hendriksz (owner of Milk on the Beach, Char'd Grill & Wine Bar, and Pear Tree), and OK Minimark. A beaming Petri was chosen as the winner. To see the full list of winners please visit the Hermanus Business Chamber's Facebook page.

The Hermanus Business Chamber was started about 20 years ago by a group of business people in the Hermanus area for the purpose of supporting business owners via networking and development opportunities to boost the local economy.

The Chamber has grown through the years, expanding to the whole Overstrand area, with members from the various towns surrounding Hermanus. Any business in the Overstrand can join and the membership fee has been reduced by 50% for the rest of the financial year (until 1 March 2025). 

Contact Alta Pretorius at 073 538 3685 or email info@hermanuschamber.com. 

Dedicated aesthetic medical professional Dr. Diana Haage has proudly owned The Real You for almost a year. Located at Hemel-en-Aarde Village, Hermanus, the clinic specialises in treatments designed to enhance natural beauty and boost confidence.

Born and raised in Pretoria, Dr Haage was always a bright and ambitious student. She was the youngest in her family, with one older brother, and matriculated at the young age of 16. The following year, she enrolled at the University of Pretoria to pursue higher education, initially torn between two fields: medicine and veterinary medicine. Her love for animals made the choice difficult, but she ultimately decided on medicine, and obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. 

As Dr Haage was preparing for her internship in Krugersdorp, she took a break and travelled with friends to Cape Town for a holiday. It was during this trip that she was introduced to a man named Ryan van Heerden, owner of Ryan’s Realty in Johannesburg, and instead of spending her two-week holiday relaxing with friends, Dr Haage was whisked away by Ryan to explore the sights of Cape Town. 

After her holiday, Dr Haage moved to Krugersdorp to begin her internship. As fate would have it, Ryan's parents lived in the same town, and they welcomed her into their home, treating her like a daughter. Meanwhile, Ryan was serving in the army and stationed at Lohatla in the Northern Cape, making it difficult for the couple to spend time together.

After completing her internship, Dr Haage decided to travel abroad for a year to do locum work in the United Kingdom. What was meant to be a year-long adventure turned into nearly five years, and the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship were ever-present. Ryan found a way for them to stay connected by starting a rose-selling business. The income from this business allowed him to visit Dr. Haage in the UK, and even take a skiing holiday in Austria together. The roses were stored in Dr Haage's apartment – 1000s at a time!

In August 2001, Dr Haage returned to South Africa for a break, and the day before her return flight to the UK, Ryan took her out for dinner. When the waiter lifted the cloche, an engagement ring lay on a bed of rose petals, and just four months later they were married. The couple relocated to Johannesburg, where Dr Haage continued to build her career. She started her own aesthetic practice, managing this alongside her GP practice, and also worked at a second aesthetic practice a few days a week. In 2020, and with Covid bringing about its own set of challenges and changes, Dr Haage decided to focus solely on aesthetics. 

After the passing of her parents, and with nothing tying them to Johannesburg any longer, Dr Haage and her family set their sights on the Western Cape. In 2023, Dr Haage attended an aesthetic conference in Cape Town, where she met Dr Michelle Emett, the previous owner and aesthetic doctor at The Real You, and learnt that the business was on the market. Less than two weeks after becoming the new owner of The Real You, Dr Haage, Ryan, their teenage son and daughter, their two dogs, two parrots, one cat, and their "Ouma" arrived in Hermanus to start their new lives. 

Their children are happily settled in Hermanus and enjoying their new school. Dr Haage and her husband enjoy fly fishing when they aren't working, allowing them to spend quality time together and enjoy the calm of the peaceful surroundings. They are also supporters of local initiatives such as the Overberg Toy Run.

The Real You has continued to go from strength to strength, offering its clients the highest standard of aesthetic care. For anyone wanting to treat their significant other to some pampering this festive season, a voucher makes for a great gift! For more information contact 028 316 4122 or visit The Real You’s website. You will also find them on Facebook.

High Street’s hidden delight 

In October 2024, Heleen van Wyk opened the doors of German Deli & Delights (GD&D), a much-loved little deli nestled at the end of the alley behind Chili Pepper in High Street that offers a variety of authentic German food products.

Heleen relocated to Hermanus in July 2024 while her husband Nicolaas stayed on at their farm in the North West where they raise livestock and grow crops. Their sons, aged 23 and 25, are also in the agricultural sector and are employed as managers of livestock and crops respectively at another farm nearby. 

The idea for the deli in Hermanus came when a long-time friend suggested that there was a gap in the market after Hartlief, a local eatery and supplier of German products, closed its doors. Inspired by the prospect, Heleen decided to step out of her comfort zone and venture into a new business. Nicolaas continues to work in the North West, but the couple ensure that they spend time together either in Hermanus or at the farm. 

They envision a future where their sons take over the farm, enabling Nicolaas to join Heleen in Hermanus permanently. For now, however, they’re taking things one step at a time, with the German deli thriving under the very capable hands of the passionate Heleen.

The deli specialises in a wide range of German products, including traditional cured meats and salami made using imported German spices and casings, and crafted to traditional recipes. 

Customers can indulge in Leberkäse, a flavourful combination of beef, pork, and bacon, baked until it has a crunchy brown crust, and typically enjoyed on a roll with mustard and gherkins. Other offerings include Landjäger, a hearty sausage made with beef, pork, red wine, and spices like caraway, coriander, black pepper, and garlic. For the holiday season, GD&D will also have gammon available just in time for Christmas.

The deli offers a divine beechwood-smoked mature cheddar, and Heleen has plans to expand their cheese range soon. 

GD&D also stocks various German pantry staples. For baking enthusiasts, there are essential items like RUF Vanilla Zucker (vanilla sugar) and RUF Sahnefest (a cream stabiliser popular in German baking). On the savoury side, customers can find herring fillets, mustard, gherkins, and various other German delicacies.

No German deli would be complete without sweet treats, and GD&D doesn’t disappoint. Amongst other things, the deli offers Mozart Kugeln, a delectable confection made from pistachio, marzipan, and nougat, all encased in dark chocolate – a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

To cater to a broader range of tastes, Heleen has added some other European favourites to the mix. You’ll find Stroopwafels (thin waffles filled with syrup), and Speculaas (spiced shortcrust biscuits) that are perfect for those seeking a little taste of the Netherlands. For South African customers, there are several food items as well as products such as Vet Pret firelighters that create a natural and efficient way to light a braai.

Heleen’s vision for GD&D includes more than just offering great products, it’s also a place to relax and enjoy. The deli serves filter coffee, and there is outdoor seating for customers. Heleen also offers custom gift baskets, where customers can choose their favourite products, or opt for a well-priced, handmade, wooden platter topped with deli items – ideal as a snack platter while watching a rugby match on TV. 

Heleen’s warm and friendly personality shines through in every aspect of GD&D. She’s eager to hear feedback from her customers and has plans for the future, including expanding the deli’s offerings based on customer suggestions. For now, Heleen is excited to see where this new adventure takes her and is delighted to bring a little slice of Germany to Hermanus.

If you’re craving authentic German flavours, make sure to stop by German Deli & Delights – a charming spot that’s quickly becoming a favourite among locals. 

GD&D is open from Monday to Saturday. For more information phone 065 713 4753.

Just off the R43 on Karwyderskraal Road, on a family farm that has seen generations pass through its gates, Afdaksrivier Nursery & Little Shop is a hidden gem that has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Founded over 20 years ago by Sias Delport, the nursery has grown into a flourishing business that not only serves as a haven for plants but also as a place for community gathering and relaxation.

The journey of Afdaksrivier Nursery began with a simple passion for indigenous plants and sustainable gardening. Sias, always keen on finding unusual and rare plants, started the nursery with a vision to offer local gardeners a place where they could discover a wide variety of plants. Sias later expanded the business to also offer garden services, landscaping, and irrigation.

The nursery offers a wide range of plants, from vegetable seedlings and fruit trees to waterwise plants, exotic species, and fynbos, catering to both seasoned gardeners and beginners. With a strong focus on indigenous plants, it has earned a reputation as the go-to destination for rare and hard-to-find species. If they don't have a particular plant in stock, they’re always happy to try and source it for you.

In 2017, Lani Nel joined the team, bringing a fresh perspective to the nursery. With Sias often out on calls, Lani took on a key role in managing the nursery and shop, ensuring smooth operations while also sharing her passion for gardening with visitors. The nursery also employs two other dedicated staff members who assist with plant care and customer service, making it a small but hard working team.

In addition to the nursery, Afdaksrivier boasts a charming little shop that offers a delightful selection of locally sourced products. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing cooldrink, a cup of coffee, or homemade pie or cake, lovingly made by local artisans. For the little ones, there’s ice cream to enjoy, while honey and fresh chicken eggs (both sourced from the farm and local producers), Anysbos cheese and The Beanery coffee beans provide a taste of local offerings. 

Seeds sold by the scoop and garden accessories are also available alongside bric-a-brac brought in by customers over the years. Lani, who has a green thumb, also grows herbs in her garden which are dried and sold at the shop. The farm’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the farm-to-table approach, offering seasonal veggies from the farm or locally sourced from the Franklin Ohana Sustainability Garden in Hawston. 

For families, Afdaksrivier offers a lovely escape. While parents shop or relax with a book and a cup of coffee, children can enjoy a jungle gym and a large expanse of lawn. The nursery also provides space for workshops, where those interested can give educational sessions on topics like growing your own food, and arts and crafts (please contact Lani if you are interested in using the space).

Afdaksrivier also showcases Euro Fireplaces and Makulu Water Tanks, adding a touch of convenience for those interested in these sustainable home solutions.

Afdaksrivier Nursery & Little Shop is open Monday to Friday 9:00 to 16:00 and Saturday from 9:00 to 15:30, and is closed on Sundays and public holidays. They are located on the corner of the R43 and Karwyderskraal Road (if you are coming from Hermanus, turn right into Karwyderskraal Road just after Fisherhaven, and then follow the road. Afdaksrivier Nursery is the second gate on the right just past the gate for the Walker Bay Radio Flyers). 

For updates on new plants, specials, and events, be sure to follow them on Facebook or join their WhatsApp group by contacting Lani at 082 652 1794. Whether you’re an avid gardener, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy a coffee, Afdaksrivier is the perfect place to unwind and explore. 

A story of belonging 

Sandbaai-based author Candice McKay has recently released her debut children’s book, Bernadette the Wall Spider, beautifully illustrated by local artist Tarien Prinsloo. 

Candice’s journey as a writer began in her childhood. She recalls her love for storytelling starting as early as primary school. In 1989, she was recognised as one of ten finalists in the Caterpillar South Africa writing competition and at age 26, she had a poem published in the South African Anthology of Verse called Colour. Her career path later took her into the film industry, where she became a successful line producer for local productions and eventually worked on international commercials. She has since stepped back from the film industry and plans to dedicate more time to writing. 

The inspiration for Bernadette the Wall Spider came from Candice's experiences as a mother, sharing her love of nature with her young children. She enjoyed teaching them about the small creatures in their backyard, encouraging them to recognise and appreciate the specific names of animals – like pointing out sparrows by name instead of simply saying "look at the bird."

Bernadette the Wall Spider follows the journey of a young spider named Bernadette who is bullied at school because of her appearance, leading her to experience unfamiliar emotions. With her mother’s encouragement, Bernadette learns to find courage and embarks on a personal journey to discover her place in the world. Through her story, children are taught the importance of kindness, acceptance, and self-confidence. The book also introduces young readers to the world of bugs and insects, promoting curiosity and empathy while imparting valuable life lessons about not judging others based on looks and the power of positive thinking.

Candice is already busy working on her next two books: Genji Kai: The Tail of Two Beginnings and Lily and the Universe, which will also teach youngsters valuable life lessons.

Bernadette the Wall Spider makes a wonderful gift for 5- to 8-year-olds which can be read aloud by mom or dad, and is available on Takealot (search ‘Bernadette the Wall Spider book’). 

Candice would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and her daughter, Selena Patterson, who is her copywriter. 

Small things count