Last week, schools across the Overstrand hosted their annual Inter-School Athletics days.

At each school, students were divided into houses, each proudly dressed in their team colours and themed outfits which added vibrancy to the event. Before the track and field competitions began, each house had the opportunity to perform a spirited welcome cheer, setting the tone for the day.

There were a variety of track and field events including hurdles, sprints, high jump, long jump, javelin, shot put, and discus.

House Mako claimed the coveted Spirit Cup at Curro Hermanus High School, while Orca triumphed as the overall athletics champions. 

At Hermanus High School (HHS), the white team won the Spirit Cup, while the blue team dominated the athletics standings, with the green team finishing in third place. 

That Saturday, several standout athletes from HHS also competed at Stellenberg High School in a high-level regional meet.

Despite the sweltering heat and long hours, the athletes performed admirably and secured multiple podium finishes:

• Kayla Smith – 1st, 800m

• Helen Ackermann – 2nd, 400m hurdles

• Janine van der Merwe – 3rd, high jump

• Kaylee Collins – 3rd, shot put

• Lenzo Swarts – 1st, javelin

• Handré Kruger – 2nd, triple jump

• Joshua Burls – 3rd, 800m

• Dawie Naudé – 2nd, 800m

• Obinna Enechukwu – 2nd, 100m

HHS athletes are busy preparing for another exciting competition this coming Saturday, when they will face Overberg High and Bredasdorp High in Caledon for the Inter-school Athletics.

BY HOPOLANG PHORORO

Hopolang Phororo is an advocate for gender-based violence and is very passionate about women’s leadership.

All roads led 12 women of different ages from different parts of the world to celebrate a milestone birthday in Hermanus… but it was more than that – it was about doing life for 4 days with 11 special women in my life. Creating a safe space to bond, sharing lived experiences, and having fun. 

In the busyness and distractions of our lives, this was a rare moment for me to appreciate these women, who I call my daughters or sisters. I am humbled that over the years, they have opened their lives to me, and it gives me great pride to see how far they have come on their journeys. God has truly blessed me. 

Hermanus was the place to be. It has a nice vibe and was not too busy, with some lovely restaurants, such friendly people, and amazing ocean views. The Marine was a God-chosen venue, where everyone went the extra mile to serve us graciously and leave us with experiences that we will always treasure. All other activities that we did were infused with a flair and so much fun, even when we did not know our hosts.

Our experience at C’est Ca Cooking in Onrus was superb, with such professionalism and experience displayed by our hosts Renée and Chef Lindi. By the time we had finished cooking and were ready to eat our delicious spread, we had identified the principles of leadership. The birthday cake made by Chef Lindi for dessert was divine, and the consensus was unanimously reached that it was the best carrot cake that any of us had ever eaten.

Our vineyard tour at Benguela Cove was informative, preceded by a lovely lunch at the Moody Lagoon Restaurant, tastefully prepared and filled with great flavours.

Early in the mornings during our stay, we had barre classes taught by one of my daughters with passion and consideration of flexibility and agility to accommodate the diverse group. And nothing so amazing as the view of the ocean and the sun rising as we flexed our muscles and forgot our aches and pains.

Many of my daughters and sisters met each other for the first time during our visit to Hermanus, and new relationships were forged with the common thread being our collective love for Christ. When this is the common denominator, it makes the connections so much easier. These 12 women were prayerfully chosen and spanned different generations, and as our conversations unfolded, we realised why it had to be these women and not others. It was powerful to see how God works exceedingly when one is obedient.

Men and women alike experience so many struggles in life, but women are affected more, hence the reason why gender equality is such an important Sustainable Development Goal to reach by 2030.

Evidence shows that progress has been slow and that we will not reach the targets for this goal without everyone fighting for it. I am passionate about creating safe spaces for women, sharing my own experiences, and living out my faith to inspire and motivate women to live out their God-given destinies. Along the way, I build relationships, and as with most of the women who accompanied me in Hermanus, these span 20 or more years in the different countries that I have lived and worked. Even when I leave these countries, we maintain the relationships. Thankfully, technology has evolved making it so much easier to continue to do life across boundaries and oceans.

This milestone birthday was another brilliant opportunity to create safe spaces for women. I see such a great need for role models, mentors and big sisters – women building up other women, so that we shine brighter in our families, at our workplaces, in our communities, and in our nations.

With all the uncertainties in the world, hope prevails, and it is incumbent on us to make it a better place. 

A delightful new addition to Hermanus, ‘Mr. Write’ offers a fun and unique shopping experience. Located behind Fleurs on Main Street, Hermanus, this whimsical little shop is the perfect place to find novelty items and thoughtful gifts. Owned by Deoné van Riet, Mr. Write offers a carefully curated selection of goods that are sure to add a smile to your day.

Deoné is originally from Pretoria, where she completed her matric before moving to Scotland to attend the University of St Andrews. Four years later she obtained her degrees in English Literature and Philosophy. During this time, her mother moved from Pretoria to Betty’s Bay and quickly fell in love with coastal living, and shortly after finishing her studies, Deoné returned to South Africa, briefly staying in Cape Town before settling in Hermanus. 

While Deoné was still in Cape Town she learnt about the space where Mr. Write is now located and signed a lease for the premises, not yet quite sure of what she was going to sell. She has always dreamed of opening a bookstore, but because of the number of bookstores already in the area, Deoné decided that books would just be one of the items she offers. 

The fun logo for the store was created just a few days before the opening on 15 December 2024. “Mr. Write is tucked away and can be a little hard to find, just like ‘Mr Right’”, Deoné says.

Whether you’re looking for something special for a loved one or simply treating yourself, the shop offers a variety of interesting products. The extensive range of iron-on patches are perfect for adding a personal touch to jackets, bags, and other items, and if you're celebrating a special occasion, they have a stunning collection of greeting cards to choose from. Book lovers will enjoy a selection of carefully chosen, pre-loved classic and philosophy books in good condition.

The shop showcases lovely little hand-knitted toys and a wide range of pins that make for amusing accessories. You’ll also find a selection of interactive toys and gifts that come in lovely tins – perfect for young children. These include Card Making, Make Your Own Teddy, Zoo in a Tin, and Build Your Own Microscope.

Deoné tries to stock South African products as far as possible, and her quirky and fun-loving personality means there are unique items on the shop’s shelves. She receives new stock regularly, so there’s nearly always something different to spark curiosity. From art prints and shower gels, to luxury candles and mouthwatering, artisanal treats, Mr. Write really is a one-stop gift shop.

True to Deoné’s character, the shop has a ‘Heart 2 Heart’ collection box where you can write to Mr. Write for love advice. Replies can then be collected from the shop, or can be mailed back to you. The cost is R25 and the proceeds go to the Hermanus Animal Welfare Society.

Head to 173 Main Road, Hermanus, and pop in behind Fleurs to explore this little hidden gem. You will also find Mr. Write on Facebook and Instagram (mr.write_hermanus).

Dr Hans Britz, a newcomer to Hermanus, has recently joined the team at Bergview and Onrus Veterinary Hospitals as a veterinarian. Backed by years of education, experience, and an unwavering passion for animal care, Hans is excited to serve the community and embark on this new chapter in his career.

Hans grew up in Herbertsdale, a small town near Mossel Bay. From an early age, animals were a big part of his life. “People would bring injured birds or stray animals to our home,” Hans recalls. “I enjoyed looking after them, though I didn’t realise at the time that I wanted to become a vet.”

After attending Herbertsdale Primary School and Point High School in Mossel Bay, Hans decided to pursue veterinary science. He moved to Pretoria to study at the University of Pretoria’s Onderstepoort campus, the only university in South Africa offering a degree in veterinary medicine. The demanding program prepared him for the many challenges of the profession, and he graduated in January 2022 with his BVSc degree.

After graduation, Hans began his Compulsory Community Service year in Oudtshoorn. The year was a valuable period of growth, exposing him to various aspects of veterinary work. He gained experience in welfare services, working with under-resourced communities to provide care for animals. He also worked as a state veterinarian and served as an export control officer at CKI Oudtshoorn’s ostrich abattoir. “It was a broad introduction to veterinary medicine,” Hans says, “I learned so much about different areas of the field.”

In 2023, Hans transitioned to private practice at Dana Bay Veterinary Clinic, a small practice near Mossel Bay. There, he worked primarily with dogs and cats but occasionally treated exotic animals such as rabbits, birds, and rats, and developed a special interest in veterinary internal medicine.

Internal medicine focuses on diagnosing and managing complex medical conditions in animals. It deals with diseases affecting internal systems such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems, as well as conditions like diabetes and autoimmune diseases. “It’s an area of veterinary care that requires advanced diagnostics and a deeper understanding of chronic conditions,” Hans explains. “I’m not a specialist, but I’ve found this area fascinating and decided to pursue further studies.”

Hans is currently working toward a Professional Master’s Degree in Small Animal Internal Medicine while continuing his work as a veterinarian. The programme has deepened his knowledge and given him new tools to treat more complex cases. “It’s been a rewarding journey so far,” he says.

The opportunity to join the Bergview and Onrus Veterinary Hospitals came about through a colleague in Mossel Bay. Hans had heard great things about the hospital and decided to apply for the position. His first visit to Hermanus was for the interview, and he was immediately drawn to the area. 

When he’s not at work, Hans spends time with his Miniature Schnauzer, Blitz. “He’s more than a dog – he’s like family,” Hans says with a smile. Blitz has been a constant companion throughout Hans’s studies and career, often accompanying him on walks or simply relaxing at home.

In addition to spending time with Blitz, Hans enjoys making music and connecting with family and friends. These hobbies help him unwind after the demands of veterinary work.

Looking ahead, Hans is eager to settle into his role at Bergview and Onrus Veterinary Hospital. “I’ve always loved working with animals, and being a vet allows me to make a real difference in their lives,” he says. “I’m looking forward to building relationships with the people and pets of Hermanus and contributing to the community.”

For Hans, veterinary medicine is not just a job but a calling. With his background, skills, dedication, and wonderful bedside manner, he is ready to serve Hermanus and its furry residents with care and compassion.

On Friday 24 January, Curro Hermanus High School held its annual Inter-house Swimming Gala which showcased both fierce competition and vibrant team spirit. The event saw two houses – Orca (blue) and Mako (red) – go head-to-head in a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and impressive athletic performances.  

While the swimmers gave it their all in the pool, the sidelines buzzed with energy as non-swimmers cheered and sang enthusiastically for their teams. The spirited support added to the lively atmosphere, making the event a memorable one for everyone involved. 

After a series of closely contested races, Orca emerged victorious, claiming the coveted swimming cup. However, Mako wasn’t left behind, and they took home the spirit cup, thanks to their enthusiasm and passionate team chants.  

Meet Jaynie Lea, owner of The Country Bumpkin, a thriving local business that specialises in dehydrated sourdough starter. Since its founding in August of last year, The Country Bumpkin has flourished and recently expanded into an online store, allowing customers to easily order the popular starter. The business has garnered attention from clients across South Africa, with orders coming in from as far as Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.

Jaynie is originally from Cape Town where, for 17 years, she worked as a graphic designer and ran her own business. Her father has been living in Fisherhaven for nearly 20 years, and in 2020, Jaynie, along with her DJ husband Dave and her son Jude, came to visit her father for the December holidays. What started as a visit turned into a permanent stay, with the only exception being a return to Cape Town to pack up their things.

Jaynie has always enjoyed cooking, but baking was new territory for her. Her father’s love for sourdough bread, which he would regularly buy from local bakeries, inspired her to give it a try. She began researching breads, and soon enough, she was making sourdough bread that her dad claimed was the best in the area. According to Jaynie, she wasn’t sure if he was just being biased or enjoying the free bread! It was only after others began ordering loaves from her that she realised there might be some truth to his compliment. 

Even though Jaynie still does graphic design on the side, The Country Bumpkin (inspired by her affectionate name for Fisherhaven, ‘Country Bumpkin Land’) has become her passion. 

Jaynie’s mature sourdough starter, which she has been carefully nurturing for nearly three years, has a depth of flavour and a reliability which she says younger starters just can't match. A robust colony of wild yeast and beneficial bacteria, ensures consistent rises, better fermentation and a rich, complex taste. 

Jaynie currently offers a traditional wheat sourdough starter and a 100% rye option. Each order comes with 30g of dehydrated sourdough starter, free delivery to your door, rehydration and care instructions, and Whatsapp support.

A handy sourdough recipe is also available on The Country Bumpkin’s website. For more information or to order visit www.thecountrybumpkin.org or WhatsApp 071 640 9040 

BY JENNY PARSONS

While I was birding in Rooi-Els recently, I spotted a boomslang (Dispholidus typus) hunting. After watching the snake for some time, I was intrigued by its behaviour as it was ‘standing tall’ on top of a Cape sumach bush (Colpoon speciosum) – motionless! Was it detecting prey or predators, I wondered?

My assumption was that it was waiting for a bird to come close enough to hunt, as grey-backed cisticolas (Cisticola subruficapilla) flitted about seemingly oblivious to the danger.

Not knowing too much about the boomslang, I did some research and found some interesting information regarding this slender, highly venomous snake that is widely distributed through most of Southern Africa. 

They are mostly arboreal (live in trees) and rarely descend to the ground. They are excellent climbers and use their agility to hunt amongst the branches. Their carnivorous diet is varied and includes chameleons, other tree-living lizards and birds, their nestlings and eggs. They will also eat frogs and small mammals such as rats and mice if they get the opportunity.

Adults are on average 1 to 1.6m in length and their coloration is highly variable, including shades of green, brown, black, and yellow. Males are often more vividly coloured than females, with bright green or blue hues, while females are usually a dull olive-brown or grey. Juveniles are beautiful with bright emerald eyes, a white throat, and twig-coloured bodies.

These shy snakes are diurnal (active during the day) and rely on their cryptic colouring to avoid detection. They are known for their large eyes and have exceptional binocular vision, allowing them to judge distances accurately while navigating or hunting in trees and large bushes. When they detect prey, the boomslang will freeze and move its head from side to side to mimic vegetation branches that are moved in the wind. This lulls the prey into ignoring the snake, which is when it quickly strikes.

When threatened, the boomslang will make itself appear larger by inflating its neck to twice its size, and will strike if the threat persists. Boomslang have back fangs that can inject a haemotoxic venom that causes internal and external bleeding. 

By preying on fruit-eating birds and animals, boomslangs indirectly influence seed dispersal. When they consume prey that has recently eaten fruit, they contribute to spreading seeds, impacting vegetation growth and habitat diversity. The presence of boomslangs in the fynbos indicates a healthy ecosystem as they require stable populations of prey and suitable vegetation for climbing and hunting.

The biodiversity of the fynbos is incredible, and the ecological integrity of this habitat is reliant on all species playing their ecological role. What a privilege to observe this while out birdwatching!

Bulelani Bashe, Head Horticulturist at Grootbos, had the honour of meeting Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, during her official visit to South Africa this week. 

The Princess toured the British High Commission Residence Garden in Bishopscourt, joined by Bulelani and Leon Kluge, gold medalist at the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show. Representing UK-SA ties through nature and biodiversity, Her Royal Highness planted a Princess Anne Rose in the garden.

Kluge and the Grootbos team won gold for their Chelsea Flower Show exhibit, which was later recreated in Stanford for locals to enjoy. The Grootbos Foundation focuses on conserving the Cape Floral Kingdom and creating sustainable livelihoods through ecotourism, education, and community projects.

Development started in Harbour Road, from Visbaai (the Old Harbour) to the Balcony Building. Doctors Cohn and Daneel set up rooms in Harbour Road; the family of JJ du Toit divided their business into three departments in Harbour Road, with one department where Warrington Place is now, distributing building materials. Supplies went from here to the renovation of the Windsor Hotel in about 1930. I have personally seen the stamp of JJ du Toit on the timber used for the stairway of the hotel.

In Main Road, the Rainsford family took over the original general dealer’s business belonging to the Warringtons and developed it into a full department store before selling to the du Plooy family.

Johnny Stemmet started a mineral water factory behind the Warrington house in Marine Drive. He had bought the house and developed it into Stemmet’s Private Hotel, later to become the Esplanade Hotel. He named the mineral water business ‘The Springbok Mineral Water Factory’. It was successful, and Stemmet later sold it to Eric Westcott. The new owner moved it to Main Road and later to the east end of Mitchell Street, where abundant pure water was available. Westcott expanded the business to supply the entire Overberg and, when he won the Coca-Cola franchise, business boomed. In the 1940s he was able to buy a large house in Eastcliff, known as Roman Rock.

From about 1920, service stations (garages) started to be opened. Prominent amongst these were Lister’s, Marriott’s, and Groenewald’s in the village, and Brookhill Motors in Voëlklip.

The Balcony Building was constructed in the early 1900s, perhaps as early as 1906, by Robert Walter MacFarlane (1874 – 1955), son of one of the original settlers. Several of the men in the family were named Walter, so Robert Walter was generally known as ‘Wattie’. He constructed the Ocean View Hotel at about the same time as the Balcony Building. The tempo of establishing new businesses quickened in the period 1920 – 1930. 

The Bay View Hotel was built on the site of Roskeen – the old Morton residence and school in Eastcliff. The Lipschitz family took over from the Oblowitz family at Lemm’s Corner. Two modest accommodation facilities opened – the De Hoop Boarding House and the Aberdeen Street Guesthouse, under Mrs Steyn and Mrs Geldenhuys respectively. Warrington’s shop was extended and moved to a new location in Main Road and another general dealership named Slabbert’s opened on the corner of Church and Myrtle Streets. Eastcliff was growing, too, and Bekker’s Store opened on the corner of Main Road and Stemmet Street.

The Balcony Building was almost certainly the largest commercial building in Hermanus at the time it was built, and was well-situated, at the junction of the two best-known streets in Hermanus, and adjacent to the Anglican Church. It was also diagonally opposite the Victoria Hotel which belonged to Walter MacFarlane Snr.

On the ground floor, fronting onto Harbour Road in the early 1920s, was Davies Pharmacy, the first pharmacy in Hermanus. It was a branch of a similar business in Caledon owned by Idris Davies, who recruited Alexander Grant from Scotland to manage the branch. After a few years, Grant was able to buy the business. He changed the name to Alex Grant Pharmacy and managed the business himself until the early 1970s. Now owned by Hermanus Pharmacies, it continues to operate under the same name at the Gateway Centre.

At one time, the firm of Beunderman’s Electrical had a shop next to Alex Grant Pharmacy. Facing on to Main Road and St Peter’s Lane, was a business belonging to the Nigrini family. The owner was Malita (Bunny) Nigrini, and locals described it as a toy shop with a bicycle shop at the rear. Later, a women’s clothing shop known as ‘Leonie’s’ operated from these premises. Other firms that rented space in the Balcony Building included Hermanus Construction, owned by master builder George Vermeulen, who built some of the public building edifices and several private houses in Stanford and Hermanus. 

Two other businesses we know of were those of accountants, Maddocks and JW Koegelenberg. Two dentists, Dr Wrigley and, later, Dr Seeliger, practised in the Balcony Building. A photographer, Arthur Wilson, also had a studio in the building. The late historian, SJ du Toit described him as a favourite for portraits, family, and wedding groups.

The municipality regularly rented office space in the Balcony Building, especially during long, drawn-out controversies about where to build the new municipal offices. At one stage, the town clerk suggested that the municipality should buy the Balcony Building as its new headquarters. The sheriff of Hermanus, in the latter part of the 19th century, also had his office in the building.

Many of the historical themes in connection with business development in Hermanus come to light in the growth of Harbour Road and the building of the Balcony Building. We see the conversion of family homes for business purposes; the strong presence of early settler families is still felt in various businesses; and businesses grew by the addition of activities related to an original shop, and degrees of specialisation in business services.

The Balcony Building was an indication of yet another capitalist economic development: the spread of specialisation. Retail firms no longer had to build their own premises or convert part of their domestic accommodation. Instead, they could rent space from the owner of a building and focus on the quality of service in their own businesses.

The Overberg BMX Club is thrilled to announce that it will once again host the prestigious BMX National Championships, set to take place from 4 to 6 April 2025. This marks the club’s second time hosting the event, following their successful but restricted 2021 edition during the height of Covid-19. With fewer limitations and a host of exciting developments, this year’s championships promise to be bigger and better.

Preparations are already in full swing at the Overberg BMX Track, with extensive upgrades underway to enhance the riding experience. Thanks to generous donations of soil and second-hand building materials, the club has extended and improved the track. The upgrades aim to meet the standards expected for a national-level event while ensuring a challenging and thrilling experience for riders.

One of the highlights of this year’s championship is the inclusion of local talent nurtured through the club’s development program. After the 2021 Nationals, the Overberg BMX Club launched an initiative to introduce underprivileged children from the community to the sport. Several of these young riders, who have trained tirelessly on their home track, will now have the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd.

The event is expected to draw 150 to 200 of the country’s top riders, including participants from KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and Zimbabwe. With such a competitive lineup, spectators can look forward to an electrifying display of speed, skill, and determination.

In addition to the championships, the club is also hosting the Summer Classic on the same weekend, making it a must-attend event for BMX enthusiasts and families alike. The Overberg BMX Club encourages local businesses and individuals to partner with them as sponsors to make this event an even greater success. The 2025 BMX National Championships are set to be a thrilling and community-driven celebration of sport.

To maintain the track’s quality and longevity, the club appeals to casual riders who use the track for practice to contribute a R50 day fee via SnapScan, or via cash payment at Proactive Gym. This small contribution helps cover the significant costs of track maintenance, ensuring a high-quality facility for everyone. 

For sponsorship opportunities or more information, contact George Kloppers, Chairman of the Hermanus BMX Club, at george@coastlineflooring.co.za or 082 729 4565.