The Western Cape has reached a significant milestone in wildlife conservation with the opening of the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue & Training Centre – the province’s first permitted wildlife rehabilitation facility of its kind. Located within the UNESCO-declared Kogelberg Biosphere, the centre provides critical care to injured and displaced wildlife, addressing the increasing impact of human activity on the region’s biodiversity. Unlike other facilities, it is the first in the Western Cape permitted to release indigenous birds, mammals, and reptiles back into the wild, ensuring their full recovery and reintegration.

The centre’s origins can be traced back to the devastating 2022 Kleinmond fires, when volunteers worked tirelessly to save tortoises, chameleons, and other vulnerable animals caught in the flames. Among those responding to the crisis was Corlie Hugo, Coordinator of the Kogelberg Biosphere. 

Following the fires, Corlie reached out to Michelle Watson, a certified wildlife rehabilitator and one of the first South Africans accredited by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. Michelle also trains first responders in wildlife rescue, and during a visit from Gauteng to train local volunteers, she and Corlie recognised the urgent need for a dedicated rescue centre in the Western Cape. “Michelle had always envisioned starting a facility in the Cape,” Corlie explained. “That’s when we decided to make this happen under the umbrella of the Kogelberg Biosphere.”

Securing a location was the next challenge. The breakthrough came when Liezl de Villiers, Divisional Manager of the Overstrand Municipality, offered them the opportunity to lease an old, unused building known as the Old Baboon House just outside Betty’s Bay. Extensive renovations followed, with the Kogelberg community stepping in to transform the space into a fully operational emergency clinic, complete with a patient recovery room, and flight enclosures to aid in rehabilitation.

With the facility in place, the team initiated the process of obtaining the necessary permits. Given that this was the first application of its kind, it took time, but Michelle commended CapeNature’s role in making the centre operational. 

Since opening, the centre has admitted numerous injured and vulnerable animals, including a baby dassie that had been shot with an air rifle, a number of young Egyptian goslings separated from their parents, and two orphaned blue cranes (South Africa’s national bird), which will be released once they can fend for themselves. Blue cranes in particular are frequently affected by human activities, and entanglements in fencing, bailing twine, and collisions with power lines are common causes of injury. 

Michelle, who manages the centre, highlighted the growing impact of human activity on wildlife, saying that due to the expansion of urban areas, many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles are impacted by humans in negative ways. The centre helps address this loss of biodiversity by returning recovered patients back into the wild.

Beyond its rehabilitation efforts, the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue & Training Centre is dedicated to education, training, and conservation. A free volunteer programme has already been established with local residents receiving hands-on training in wildlife rescue. “This team has been involved in mitigating hundreds of wildlife cases, from returning baby birds to their nests to getting animals veterinary help,” Michelle said. 

Michelle has developed a structured training programme that provides aspiring rehabilitators with the essential skills needed to care for wildlife. “Wildlife rehabilitation is still a relatively new profession in South Africa, and there are few opportunities for formal training. Through our centre, we aim to equip future wildlife rehabilitators with the necessary knowledge and experience,” she said.

Despite its successes, the centre relies entirely on donor funding and community support. Contributions from family trusts, anonymous donors, conservation organisations, and private individuals have been essential in sustaining its efforts. Michelle stressed the financial demands of running the centre, stating: “We depend on the generosity of those who bring in injured animals and the wider Kogelberg community to help fund our work. The costs are significant – from feeding the animals and covering veterinary expenses to transporting injured wildlife and maintaining proper housing during their recovery.” Corlie added, “We are committed to establishing our centre as a leader in rehabilitation ethics and standards and to offering training and guidance to students, wildlife rangers, and animal welfare organisations."

As a rehabilitation centre, the facility does not allow public visits. This is to prevent unnecessary human-animal interaction, which presents fundraising challenges. However, the team remains hopeful that conservation-minded individuals and organisations will step in to support their mission. Those who wish to support the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue & Training Centre can do so by donating funds, food, and essential supplies. Volunteers are also welcome and very much needed. 

To get involved in volunteering contact Michelle on 073 314 0674. For donations contact Corlie on 082 380 9071 or visit www.kogelbiosphere.co.za. 

Gymnastics is more than just a sport for Semonn Steyn. It is a lifelong passion that has shaped her into the dedicated coach she is today. As the owner of Allegro Hermanus and a coach at Allegro Cape Town (which is owned by her mother, Cecile Allen), Semonn works tirelessly to create a supportive environment where young athletes can thrive, combining her love for the sport with a commitment to developing both skill and confidence in her gymnasts.

Semonn’s gymnastics journey began at the age of six when she started in artistic gymnastics, quickly advancing to the High Performance team at TUKS Gymnastics. However, when her family moved to Cape Town a few years later, Semonn struggled to find a club that met the rigorous standards she was used to. 

Her mother introduced her to rhythmic gymnastics, encouraging her to try something new. Although the transition was challenging, Semonn soon discovered a love for the sport. Her talent was undeniable, earning her a spot on the Western Province team from her first competition. She also consistently qualified for the South African Gym Games, where she regularly secured podium finishes.

Although she eventually stepped back from competing full-time due to an injury, Semonn’s dedication to gymnastics only deepened as she transitioned into coaching. With a Level 3 judges qualification, first aid certification, and FIG diploma, she is now preparing for her Brevet exam, a significant milestone in her professional growth. 

Beyond her qualifications, what truly sets Semonn apart is her unwavering dedication to her gymnasts. Having moved to Hermanus just a month ago, she now coaches here two days a week, while traveling back to Cape Town for the remainder of the week to continue working with her other athletes.  

Her coaching journey is also taking her to new heights. In mid-March, she and her mother will travel to Johannesburg for the South African team trials, accompanying their senior gymnast, Isabella Sancho, as she takes the next step in her competitive career.

Semonn’s ambition extends beyond the gym. She graduated cum laude from Vega University with a BCom in Business Commerce and Digital Marketing, combining her analytical skills with her natural creativity. A longtime lover of photography and art, she has channeled her talents into an online business offering design services to small businesses in the Hermanus community. 

Juggling multiple roles – coach, business owner, and entrepreneur – Semonn is determined to build something more than just a gymnastics club. “I want to create a space where gymnasts feel like they’re part of a family," she explains. Her vision includes fostering collaboration between the Hermanus and Cape Town branches, organising workshops, and strengthening connections between gymnasts in both regions.

“Gymnastics has given me so much,” Semonn reflects, “Now, I want to give back to the sport and help other gymnasts grow, just as I did.”

Semonn offers classes in Hermanus for ages 3 and up at the De Wet Hall in Onrus for all skill levels. For more information, contact her at 079 540 1179.

What is Rhythmic Gymnastics?

Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines elements of dance, ballet, and gymnastics, performed with apparatus such as ribbons, hoops, balls, clubs, and ropes. It enhances flexibility, coordination, strength, and musicality, making it an excellent activity for young children and athletes alike. Beyond physical development, rhythmic gymnastics also improves cognitive skills, discipline, and confidence, helping gymnasts develop both athletically and personally.

On 22 February, a ceremony was held at the Cenotaph at the Hermanus Old Harbour to honour those who lost their lives when the Frigate F150 SAS President Kruger sank on 18 February 1982 after colliding with the SAS Tafelberg during a defense exercise. The tragedy, a result of human error, resulted in the death of 16 of the SAS President Kruger’s crewmen.

The commemoration, held annually, pays tribute to those that lost their lives, their families, and the survivors who still vividly recall that day when, upon collision with the SAS Tafelberg, crewmen were flung from their beds. In an attempt to stop the ship from sinking, the captain gave the order to close all watertight doors, leaving some sailors in compartments.

A short while later, the captain had no choice but to give the instruction to abandon ship. Crewmen, some in life rafts, and because of a lack of space, some only holding onto the sides, were faced with six to eight metre swells and 40 knot winds as they waited for help which only arrived several hours later.

The ceremony at the Cenotaph was opened by the TS Birkenhead Sea Cadets who then stood at attention while ‘You Raise Me Up’ was played. This was followed by an opening prayer and a reading from Psalm 107 by Padre Craig Hounsom: Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

Padre Hounsom thanked Lieutenant Noel Dreyer of the Sea Cadets for the wonderful work he does in keeping the parade alive. Lieutenant Dreyer is a survivor of the SAS President Kruger tragedy. He spoke, saying: “It is now 43 years since the horror of the demise of the SAS President Kruger, yet to me, as a fortunate survivor, it still seems like yesterday. We lost 16 lives that day and we remember them. We grow old but those lost have not had the opportunity to do so, and we remember them as they were…”

Chris Manig (Captain SA Navy, retired) amongst others took to the podium to speak, recounting that day and honouring the fallen. Attendees and dignitaries were thanked for their concerted effort in continuing to pay tribute to the memory of the lost and their families, saying the tragedy could easily be forgotten in the next generation, as well as the lessons learned. A wreath laying ceremony concluded the commemoration.

Evident by the emotion displayed at the ceremony, the sinking of the SAS President Kruger and the loss of its crewmen still rests heavily on the shoulders of the survivors. It is however because of them that the legacy of those lost won’t be forgotten. 

In memory of 

Chief Petty Officer Johannes Petrus Booysen  |  Chief Petty Officer Hartmut Wilfried Smit  |  Chief Petty Officer Willem Marthinus Gerhardus Van Tonder  |  Chief Petty Officer Donald Webb  |  Petty Officer Stephanus Petrus Bothma  |  Petty Officer Graham Alexander Frank Brind  |  Petty Officer Robin Centlivre Bulterman  |  Petty Officer Granville Williams De Villiers  |  Petty Officer Evert Koen  |  Petty Officer Hjalmar Lotter  |  Petty Officer Roy Anthony McMaster  |  Petty Officer Roy Frederick Skeates  |  Petty Officer William Russel Smith  |  Petty Officer Michael Richard Bruce Whiteley  |  Petty Officer Coenraad Johannes Wium  |  Able Seaman Gilbert Timothy Benjamin

The Hawston Overstrand Wheelchair Association (OWA) faced off against the Lombardi Survivors in a tournament of dominoes on Tuesday 18 February. Jenny Sauls, the Lombardi Survivors club organiser, invited the two groups for a day of friendly competition. 

With four players per game, the matches were filled with good-hearted rivalry. One group of Lombardi Survivors managed to secure two impressive victories, however, OWA emerged as the overall winners of the day.  

The players enjoyed tea and biscuits, followed by a delicious lunch, topped off with refreshing slices of watermelon. 

The event was a celebration of community, connection, and the joy of a good game, and everyone left with smiles and fond memories.

Harvest season in the Overstrand is officially underway, and local vineyards are brimming with activity as growers prepare for what is anticipated to be a good year for quality wines. While the 2024 harvest yielded 1 116 million tons of wine grapes, the outlook for the 2025 season is more promising, with projections that suggest a crop comparable to the 2023 harvest of 1 183 million tons. According to Vinpro, a body that partners with South African Wine Information and Systems (SAWIS), this positive outlook is attributed to moderate weather conditions, with minimal disruption from extreme weather events, which had a strong impact on the previous harvest season.

Despite challenges, quality production remains a priority for local winemakers, with sustainability and terroir-driven practices at the heart of their operations. Most farms in the Overstrand report good yields, despite some variations, particularly in red varietals like Pinot Noir, which have seen a dip in yield but promise excellent quality. For the most part, it is still early days in the 2025 harvest, with vineyards only just starting to pick grapes. However, early signs are encouraging, and winemakers are optimistic for the season ahead.

The article explores three vineyards in the Overstrand with award-winning wines: Hasher Family Wines, La Vierge, and ESC Wines. Each vineyard brings its own unique story and approach to winemaking, with a shared focus on quality, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land. 

Hasher Family Wines

Hasher Family Wines is a relatively new name in the South African wine industry. In 2021, Frederik and Céline Haspeslagh, along with their three children, left their home in Belgium and established Hasher Family Wines in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Apart from producing wines, the family wanted to create a lasting legacy in an environment that would allow them to nurture their values and passions. With the guidance of Céline’s uncle, Xavier Haspeslagh, and his wife, Christine Bouckaert, the Hasher family has worked tirelessly to build a sustainable, quality-driven wine farm.

Frederik’s fascination with wine began during his time studying in Salamanca, Spain, where he became captivated by the ancient wines of the Ribera del Duero region. Over time, this passion grew, and he envisioned a future where he could create wines that reflected the same connection to the land and its history. Céline’s own interest in wine is rooted in her childhood, where she helped harvest and press the grapes from her father’s vineyard. 

Together, their shared passion for winemaking has translated into a thriving vineyard, with an emphasis on sustainability and minimal intervention, allowing Hasher Family Wines to produce wines that are true to their terroir. Winemaker Natasha Williams, who joined the team in 2023, shares this ethos.

At the farm, the 2025 harvest is already in full swing. Pinot Noir has just finished being harvested, with a slightly reduced yield, but the quality of the fruit is exceptional. Every block of grapes is carefully tended to, with viticulturist Wentzel van Zyl overseeing the vineyards. The grapes are handpicked and sorted in the vineyards, and then quickly checked again at the cellar to ensure that only the best grapes make it into the wines. Natasha and Wentzel communicate throughout the year, ensuring that the cellar team also know how the grapes are progressing and what to expect for the following season’s vintages. 

In between caring for the vineyards, Hasher Family Wines focuses on balancing nature with agriculture, and a large portion of the farm has been allocated to conservation. Alien vegetation is constantly being cleared, most fences on the farm have been removed, and natural corridors between blocks of grapes have been created to allow wildlife to roam freely.  

Visit www.hasherfamilywines.co.za for more information on the farm and the wines they produce, and keep an eye on their social media for some exciting news in the next few months. Their tasting room is open Wednesday to Saturday 09:00 to 16:00.

La Vierge

Founded two decades ago by Peter Clarke, La Vierge is situated in a natural amphitheatre on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. The farm spans 80 hectares, with 41 hectares dedicated to dryland vineyards, mainly planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A portion of the land is also being kept as indigenous fynbos to aid in conservation efforts.

Winemaker Christo Kotze, who is now in his eighth vintage at La Vierge, believes that simplicity is key to creating world-class wines. "You have to go back to basics and trust yourself if you truly want to create extraordinary wines," he explains. This philosophy is reflected in La Vierge’s approach to winemaking, where innovation is embraced only when it supports the farm’s long-standing focus on purity and terroir expression.

La Vierge’s vineyards are carefully managed with minimal intervention, and the grapes are sorted in the vineyards before being hand-harvested. Natural fermentation is used wherever possible, and the focus is on producing wines that are true to the land. The 2025 harvest at La Vierge is expected to be on par with the long-term average, with excellent quality grapes across the board. Christo also works closely with La Vierge’s viticulturist Walter Pretorius to ensure that each vintage is a true expression of the terroir.

An exciting new development at La Vierge is the launch of their new wine range: the Story Teller Collection. Inspired by Peter Clarke’s adventurous spirit, the Story Teller wines feature labels that tell the story of Peter’s travels through the Indian Ocean Islands. These wines are a celebration of life’s journeys and the stories worth sharing, and will soon be available to the public, with each bottle offering a unique glimpse into Peter’s life and the history of the farm. The labels are beautifully designed, and have a magical effect when held under UV light. Each bottle’s story can be read on their website. 

In December, La Vierge renovated their tasting room and created a new menu full of exciting new dishes which use local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients. The contemporary menu focuses on pairing food offerings with their range of wines.

For more about La Vierge’s wines, visit www.lavierge.co.za. Their tasting room is open Monday to Sunday 10:00 to 17:00.

ESC Wines

Located in Karwyderskraal, ESC Wines is the newest farm out of the three in this article. The farm’s owners are a group of entrepreneurs, adventurers, and sports enthusiasts who have worked tirelessly to transform a barren piece of land into a thriving wine and protea farm. ESC Wines is not just about winemaking, it’s about living the dream and creating a brand that reflects the owners’ passion for life.

The farm is unique in that it is one of the few in the area to use bush vines for some of its grapes. ESC Wines grows a variety of grapes, including Sauvignon Blanc, which was harvested early in the 2025 season, along with their grapes for bubbly and rosé. CJ Venter, one of the owners, reports no significant drop in any of their yields, owing it all to the location of the farm. 

The wines are crafted at Cederberg Wines, where renowned winemaker David Nieuwoudt oversees the process. David’s expertise in matching terroir with style ensures that ESC Wines produces wines of exceptional quality, with a focus on purity and precision. ESC Wines has done well with their first few vintages, with some winning prestigious international awards. This year they will be adding another Brut to their list of offerings. 

On the farm, the dog-friendly tasting room has undergone a recent renovation and now offers wider views of the dam, vineyards, surrounding mountains, and the sea. They want to further extend the building to include more seating and a small kitchen which will allow them to create and serve small plates, as well as host more events and functions. ESC Wines plans to keep their relaxed setting through any changes, and visitors are encouraged to sit where they please – whether inside at the table or outside on the lawn – while they enjoy a wine tasting in true South African style with a boerewors roll or braaibroodjie. 

Another exciting development at ESC Wines is the new mountain bike trail that runs through an area that was part of the Wines 2 Whales race (now managed by Hermanus MTB Trails). This trail, along with the upcoming hiking trails that they are preparing, will provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the farm’s natural beauty and sample wines from its unique terroir. 

Learn more about their wines by visiting www.escwines.co.za. Their tasting room is open Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 to 16:00.

Despite the challenges posed by unpredictable weather events in the last two years, winemakers in the region continue to prioritise quality and sustainability above quantity. Wines from Hasher Family Wines, La Vierge, and ESC Wines can be purchased through their respective websites or through one of the local wine shops (The Wine Village or Wine & Co).

It’s less than two months until Greenpop’s Reforest Fest, where over a thousand attendees will gather in the Uilenkraal Valley over the Easter weekend to celebrate people and the planet. The Reforest Fest is an experience like no other, and is filled with great music, activities, and a vibrant sense of community.

No festival is complete without good food, and the Reforest Fest is no exception. The whole weekend is fit to bursting, and on offer is a wide assortment of delicious plant-based meals and snacks from a variety of food stalls. 

Savour dim sums, ramen, and delicious tea from Nigiro Tea Café; enjoy the rich flavours of Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes from Mesob Ethiopian Cuisine; or nibble on pastries and hot cross buns from Bliss Food Truck, among others. Another vendor highlight is Kolossal Hospitality, headed by the experienced Chef Bridget Bartleman, who will be crafting a fresh and delectable plant-based buffet selection for the Sunday Harvest Feast. Tickets for this can be purchased through their Quicket page. 

Great wine, of course, is on the menu, and the Reforest Fest has partnered with some of the most sustainable farms in the Western Cape to provide attendees with the best of the best. Take time to relax, and sip from a selection of Hazendal, Black Oystercatcher, Bosman Wines, Lubanzi, Boland Cellar, and Sophie Germanier vintages, and add yet another flavour to your unforgettable festival experience. 

The WWF South Africa’s Conservation Wine Tent is another favourite at the event. Enjoy a bespoke tasting experience featuring wines from some of the most ethically-minded wineries in the Western Cape, perfectly paired with delicious chocolates. This reflects the WWF programme’s recognition of environmental leaders within the South African wine industry who are dedicated to biodiversity-friendly and regenerative farming practices. 

Another essential at the Reforest Fest is music, the heart and soul of any great festival. The Reforest Fest has a dazzling lineup of local and internationally acclaimed artists performing throughout the weekend. 

You can expect stars such as Grassy Spark, with their high-energy blend of reggae, pop, Maskandi, and Latin influences; the ‘dreamscape-y’ Sibusile Xaba; and the talented Zolani Mahola, best known as the former lead singer of Freshlyground. Take to the Secret Stage on Saturday to dance under the stars until the late hours, or sit around the bonfire for more intimate, personal performances. You can even take a turn at making your own music at the samba jam session.

For many, the highlight of the weekend is the Saturday tree planting. Immersed in the beautiful Uilenkraal Valley ecosystem, attendees will dig in and get dirty planting over 5 000 trees in a single day, helping nature while having a fun-filled, energetic experience. Participants are encouraged to join a team before the planting starts and to dress up in their team colours thus inviting a community spirit (as well as a little bit of friendly competition). Those with a creative flair can enter the ‘Dress the Spade’ competition, which – you guessed it – invites attendees to adorn gardening spades with colourful and inventive designs, adding another level of festivity to the planting. There are exciting prizes on offer for the green thumb who has the best-dressed spade, so get crafty.

The Reforest Fest has always been local, but this year, it’s making its impact internationally. In a groundbreaking partnership with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the festival is hosting famed ecologist and film-maker John D. Liu, as well as twenty restoration practitioners from around the world. The practitioners will get their hands dirty learning how to host their own environmental restoration festivals and expand their impact so they can inspire effective sustainable change in their own communities. It’s an incredibly exciting opportunity to expand the ecological impact of the Reforest Fest globally.  

The UNCCD will be hosting its own Restoration Tent, which serves as an engagement hub with the organisation for attendees to learn about its mission and work in combating desertification. You can attend presentations, workshops, and hands-on activities ranging from soil health analysis to eco-agency and nature Q&As. It will be a fantastic opportunity to connect and learn about the important work happening all throughout the world. 

Other workshops and activities during the weekend cover Xhosa singing, herbal tincture making, line dancing, permaculture, wild animal wisdom, and much more. Kids aren’t left out of the picture – the festival schedule is full of exciting sessions for the whole family, from improv to papermaking to art, providing an opportunity for families to bond and learn together. Drop in to one of the workshops to experience something new and gain a greater appreciation for the world around us. 

There is so much more of the Reforest Fest to dig into. Tickets are still available on Quicket but are selling fast, so be sure to get them while you still can. 

You can also visit Peregrine Farm Stall in Grabouw and enter the ‘Peregrine to Reforest Fest’ competition. The farm stall, which is known for its rich history, commitment to quality, and community focus, has partnered with the Reforest Fest to offer weekly prizes as well as a grand prize that includes free tickets to the festival, a Peregrine hamper, and more. 

One thing’s for sure, there’s no experience like the Reforest Fest!