Situated in Hermanus, the Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Ladies (L2L) is a non-profit organisation that raises funds for charities in the Overstrand by walking 100km over four days from Cape Agulhas Lighthouse to Danger Point Lighthouse in Gansbaai.

The first L2L walk in 2006 consisted of a small group of ladies who raised R10 000 for CANSA. The organisation has grown exponentially since then, and to date has raised R8.3 million for 30 local charities. 

The 21st L2L walk in 2024 raised an incredible R1 204 012 for Overstrand Hospice – the most funds that have been raised for a single charity in the history of L2L! 

This year, L2L is raising funds for Huis Lettie Theron (main beneficiary), as well as Kleinmond Animal Welfare and BARC Gansbaai Animal Welfare. The total amount raised will be announced at the Awards Evening in the upcoming weeks, and the funds will be officially handed over to the beneficiaries.

In the early years of L2L, the participating ladies walked the same stretch of coastline, but being a small group, they were able to camp along the coast at the end of each day’s walk. Now each L2L walk consists of a minimum of 100 women, who are transported to Die Dam via bus at the end of each day’s walk. The following morning, they return to where they stopped and continue walking towards Danger Point Lighthouse.

The women walk through sun, wind and rain, never slowing or stopping except for quick breaks to eat and, if necessary, treat blisters and change into dry socks if the weather has been miserable.

Day 3 of the walk is the furthest and arguably the most challenging for many of the ladies, as the aches, pains and blisters from the first two days are felt, and thoughts of going home start to creep in. The final day is only slightly shorter than Day 3 but the ladies, excited to go home, get their second wind – especially as the end comes into view.

Upon reaching Danger Point on Sunday 23 March, the walkers gathered for a traditional photo in front of the lighthouse before being bussed to Grotto Beach where staff from the selected beneficiaries, L2L sponsors, and friends and family of the walkers were waiting to welcome them home. 

After four days away from home, many of the ladies were overcome with emotion to see their children, husbands and loved ones waiting for them with open arms.

The L2L Ladies would like to thank all their donors, sponsors, and supporters who made this year’s walk possible. Without the support of the community, their annual walks would not be the success that they are. If you would still like to make a donation towards this year's fundraising, click here

On Saturday 22 March, patrons, friends and family of gallery owner Jozua Rossouw gathered at Rossouw Modern in Hermanus to celebrate its 30th birthday. Guests enjoyed wine and canapés before continuing the festivities at Jozua’s two other galleries, SPACE Modern and SPACE Curated, which will mark their 10th and 5th anniversaries later this year.

Jozua has always been a strong supporter of the local community, and he made sure this milestone celebration reflected that spirit. For the event, he enlisted local waiters, baristas, barmen, caterers, as well as local wines and DJs, ensuring that the celebration remained a true reflection of Hermanus’ talent and resources. 

After all the guests had gathered at SPACE Modern, Jozua delivered an emotional speech reflecting on his 30 years in the art world, expressing his gratitude for the unwavering support of everyone around him. He gave special thanks to his mother, staff, clients, and closest friends. Following his heartfelt words, one of those friends, Talita Engelbrecht, took the floor to speak about Jozua's profound impact on the art scene and emerging artists. Her tribute was met with applause and the clinking of wine glasses in celebration.

Over the last three decades, Rossouw Modern has become an integral part of the local art scene in Hermanus, which has earned a reputation as a vibrant art hub. Originally called Fisherman’s Gallery, Rossouw Modern opened its doors in 1995. Its evolution reflects its commitment to promoting both emerging and established South African talent, showcasing the richness and diversity of the country’s artistic landscape.

Located on charming Harbour Road, Rossouw Modern is known for its thoughtfully curated exhibitions, offering a space where visitors can engage with a wide range of contemporary art, from paintings and sculptures to mixed-media works. Each exhibition is carefully crafted to reflect the artists' unique vision and the gallery's mission to foster a deeper appreciation of modern art.

The gallery has been instrumental in giving fresh voices a platform, helping to shape careers and introduce artists to broader audiences. This commitment to supporting talent has made Rossouw Modern a key player in South Africa’s art community, with many featured artists achieving national and international recognition.

Beyond its role as a gallery, Rossouw Modern has built a reputation as a trusted space for art collectors and investors. Over the years, it has offered works that are visually striking and hold lasting value, both aesthetically and financially. The relationships cultivated between the gallery and its clientele have enabled many collectors to make informed investment decisions, guided by the gallery's expertise in the art market.

In celebrating 30 years, Rossouw Modern reflects on the importance of collaboration within contemporary art. While it has grown in prominence, the gallery’s focus has remained on fostering a shared appreciation for the arts through exhibitions, conversations with artists, and creating spaces for art lovers to connect and explore.

As it looks to the future, Rossouw Modern remains committed to supporting artists and providing a platform for creativity to flourish, ensuring its continued role as a leading space for artistic expression in the years to come.

Mad Dogs Clothing, a proudly South African brand known for its bold, creative prints and comfortable unisex designs, quickly became an icon in local fashion after its official establishment in 1993. From its humble origins in Cape Town’s Greenmarket Square to its rise as a national franchise, Mad Dogs has always embodied a unique sense of individuality and laid-back style. 

After a period of dormancy, the brand has been revitalised and is once again starting to make waves under the leadership of a passionate new team.

In 2018, former professional racing driver Raoul Owens acquired Mad Dogs, stepping into a vastly different industry from his motorsport career. Over the years, he competed internationally in both open-wheel and GT racing, with highlights including races across Europe and at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. 

Alongside his racing career, Raoul developed skills in social media, branding, and digital content, which he has brought into his role at Mad Dogs. Since taking over the brand, he has been focused on re-establishing its presence, overseeing content, branding, and social media strategy.

In early 2025, Katherine Blewett, who now lives in Hermanus with her fiancé, joined Raoul in the Mad Dogs venture, bringing her entrepreneurial skills into the mix. 

From 2016 to 2021, Katherine spent time working abroad on yachts and in corporate, occasionally travelling home to see her family. In 2020 she launched Boatique, a high-end e-commerce store catering to yachts and luxury hotels, which she ran until 2023. While working for a top Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individual in 2024, she co-founded The Urban Experience, an online platform that showcased South African fashion and lifestyle brands. It was through this venture that she was introduced to Mad Dogs. Drawn to the brand’s heritage and potential, she closed Urban Experience at the beginning of 2025 to work alongside Raoul full time. 

Joining Raoul and Katherine is finance-man Jamie Hadley-Grave, forming a trio that Katherine describes as “the three misfits”. Together, they are leading Mad Dogs into its next chapter, blending a respect for its legacy with a fresh and modern approach. 

Wanting to keep Mad Dogs a proudly South African brand, the clothing is manufactured in Cape Town using locally sourced, high-quality, sustainable materials, producing apparel designed to last, and reinforcing Mad Dogs' commitment to ethical and responsible fashion.

A major goal that the "misfits" share is to reignite awareness of the brand. Many people assumed that the early 2000s Mad Dogs had disappeared, but with its return, customers are rediscovering their love for it. Social media has played a key role in this resurgence, with longtime fans sharing photos of themselves and family members wearing Mad Dogs Clothing from 20 to 30 years ago, reinforcing its status as a heritage brand.

Going forward, Mad Dogs hopes to foster collaborations with other local businesses, and will be reintroducing beloved Mad Dogs items, such as a new line of children’s clothing. Starting in April, new product drops will be released every two weeks, breathing new life into the Mad Dogs collection.

For the first time ever, Mad Dogs is also now available internationally through its online store. However, its local presence remains a priority, and work is being done to get the brand into more South African stores. Currently, the only physical stockist of the clothing is Onshore Eatery in Hermanus.

For many South Africans, Mad Dogs is more than just a clothing brand – it’s a nostalgic connection to their youth. Now, with Raoul, Katherine, and Jamie at the helm, Mad Dogs is back and ready to make its mark once again.

Mad Dogs Clothing is available to buy online locally at www.maddogs.co.za or internationally at www.maddogs.store. Alternatively, Onshore Eatery (14 Hope Street, Hermanus) stocks a selection of Mad Dogs items . 

Follow Mad Dogs on Facebook or Instagram (@maddogs_clothing) for updates on new products and specials.

Something incredible is brewing in the Cape Whale Coast wilderness. From 18 to 21 April, Reforest Fest – one of South Africa’s most beloved festivals, hosted by Greenpop – will welcome attendees to enjoy an Easter weekend celebrating people and the planet. Taking place at the Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat in the Uilenkraal Valley, Greenpop invites you to get active, not anxious, for the environment, all while enjoying delicious food, attending inspirational workshops, and experiencing an all-star lineup of local musicians.

For the culture aficionados, Reforest Fest offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. Expect a slate of local and internationally recognised music acts, offering a variety of genres for every music lover, including Zolani Mahola of Freshlyground fame, the fusion maestros of Grassy Spark, the dynamic Operation Khataza, and more. Attendees can also look forward to poetry-writing sessions, a multitude of arts and crafts activities for the kids, and an inspiring lineup of talks and workshops from renowned experts. There’s no better way to immerse yourself and your family in the arts, nature, and community than at Reforest Fest 2025.

Conservation is at the heart of the festival’s mission, and attendees will be immersed in the natural beauty of Africa’s southernmost forest, Platbos, with plenty of engaging, hands-on opportunities to connect with the stunning surrounding environment in a meaningful way.

The highlight of the weekend is Saturday’s tree planting event, which brings attendees together to get their hands dirty and plant over 5 000 indigenous trees in a single morning. Acclaimed restoration experts like John D. Liu will be on hand to share valuable insights, while engaging eco-workshops will cover a wide range of topics, from permaculture and organic veggie gardens to food forests. Once the festival is over, you’ll be ready to take the knowledge learned and make a difference in your own community.

It is not just about the big things, though: the festival takes care to ensure that every little detail contributes to a holistically sustainable weekend. Disposable cutlery and packaging are prohibited, all waste is sorted and reused, and local produce suppliers are supported to reduce transport emissions. Be on the lookout throughout the weekend for other fantastic and innovative initiatives the festival uses to reduce its impact on the Earth.

The festival’s serene environment is not just a reminder to give back to the planet, but also an opportunity to reflect and cultivate internal wellness and mindfulness. At this year’s Reforest Fest, a variety of sessions and immersive experiences have been designed to help attendees rejuvenate and refocus, away from the rush of everyday life. 

Jim Harrington, a lifelong yoga practitioner, will be hosting pranayama and synergy sessions which are open to all, with no prior experience needed to participate. As Jim likes to say: “Anyone who can breathe can do yoga”. Harrington will be joined by other experienced yogis like Meagan Swain and Olivia Moon, who will offer a series of refreshing, grounding sessions throughout the weekend. Kids won’t be left out of the fun, either. Local yoga and wellness expert James Prain will be offering an exciting Qigong experience for the whole family.

After each day is done, it's time to retire to your accommodation, inspired and fulfilled by the day’s activities. If you are looking to avoid the hassle of setting up your own tent, the pre-erected Easy Camp tent sleeps two and allows you to simply arrive and enjoy the festivities. If you want to add some glamour to your festival experience, the two-person Luxury Bell Tent from Expedition Glamping is a beautiful space stocked with mattresses, linen, lighting, and homely comforts like rugs and chairs. Whatever type of traveller you are, the festival has you covered. 

Passes to Reforest Fest and accommodation tickets are still available on Quicket, but are running out quickly so book soon to avoid disappointment.

Also, be sure to visit Reforest Fest’s partner, Peregrine Farm Stall on the N2 in Grabouw, which is offering weekly competitions and a grand prize that includes Reforest Fest tickets and a Peregrine hamper. More information can be found on Greenpop or Peregrine’s social media accounts (competition closes 29 March).

Whatever your passion, whether it be culture, sustainability, mindfulness, music, or food, there is a place for you at this year’s Reforest Fest.

Local husband-and-wife team Gary Holtshausen (a certified sports therapist) and Lynne Goulding (a strategic foresight consultant), both from South Africa, first met in 2012 while working in their respective fields in London.

Gary and Lynne’s journey took an unexpected turn in 2019 when they flew to South Africa to spend time with family in the Western Cape. Their plans to return to London were disrupted by the pandemic in 2020, which kept them in the country longer than anticipated, ultimately leading to a move to Hermanus.

With two young children of their own, now aged five and three, Gary and Lynne quickly realised that there was a gap in the local market for child-oriented activities, especially during the colder and wetter winter months. This led to the start of an exciting new venture: a family-friendly indoor play park in Hermanus that caters to both parents and children.

After exploring various business ideas, they began researching venues that could bring their vision to life. Unable to find a suitable building, they discovered the perfect plot of land in Hemel-en-Aarde Village (zoned for tourism) and decided to build their dream indoor play park from the ground up, calling it ‘Whale of a Time Play Park’. Construction began in 2024, with a focus on creating a space tailored to the needs of families, including ample space for play structures.

The play park is designed with both kids and adults in mind, and offers a variety of fun, stimulating and engaging activities for children, and a relaxing environment for parents. 

Inside the park, there is a dedicated toddler area complete with a ball pit, interactive wall, and other sensory play options. For older children, the play park offers a range of exciting features, including a rope course, rock climbing wall, slides, and trampolines. 

Safety is the number one priority at Whale of a Time Play Park, and employees have been carefully selected based on their background in childcare and attentiveness to the needs of children. The staff are also undergoing first-aid training, and will continue attending skills development courses to ensure a safe environment for everyone. To guarantee that every child is properly supervised, at this stage parents are required to remain with their children at the play park (drop-offs are not allowed).

To complement the fun and excitement of the play park, Gary and Lynne approached renowned local restaurateur Petri Hendriksz – owner of Pear Tree, Char'd Grill & Wine Bar, and Milk on the Beach – as a consultant to create a unique restaurant experience. Petri, in turn, called in consultant chef Wander Bester to assist in creating a breakfast and lunch menu that offers healthier and fresher options than typically found at play parks, without sacrificing the fun treats that kids love, like milkshakes and slushies. 

While their children play, carefully monitored by the staff, parents can relax at the restaurant’s indoor or outdoor seating areas, or at the coffee station and mini bar, which features products from local businesses such as Dawn Coffee Roasters, The Frosty Whale, and Creation Wines. 

The play park is set to officially open in early April, and with some exciting features still planned, it's sure to be popular with both adults and children. As Gary and Lynne say, "If both adults and kids leave here feeling like they have had a whale of a time, then we have succeeded in what we set out to do."

To ensure a quality experience, the play park operates on a booking system to manage the number of children attending at any given time. Play slots are two hours long on weekends and holidays, and four hours long on weekdays (they are closed on Mondays).

For more information visit www.whaleofatimeplay.co.za, phone 021 020 4718, or find them at 16 Village Lane, Hemel-en-Aarde Village, Hermanus. Keep an eye on their Facebook and Instagram pages for the official opening date and updates. 

Whale of a Time Play Park follows UK Health and Safety guidelines so that families can enjoy the space with peace of mind. It is designed to be a clean, high-end facility that provides all-around family entertainment. It is also equipped with a medical room for emergencies, where staff will assess, with parents, whether urgent medical attention is needed. The park is fully insured, and any necessary medical treatment, including the cost of private ambulances, will be covered. A waiver must be signed before entering the premises.

By Hasher Family Wines

Nestled between rugged mountains and the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley has established itself as one of South Africa's premier wine regions. Beyond its reputation for exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this picturesque valley serves a deeper purpose within the global wine community – functioning as an invaluable educational playground for aspiring winemakers from across the world.

Each year, as the Southern Hemisphere's harvest season approaches, the region experiences an influx of bright-eyed, educated young winemakers eager to expand their practical knowledge. These “harvest interns”, as they're affectionately known, have typically completed formal viticultural and oenological studies in their home countries and are now embarking on what has become a crucial rite of passage in the wine world.

"The concept of following the harvest around the globe has become fundamental to a young winemaker's education," explains Hannes Storm, a veteran winemaker from the valley. "They'll work a harvest here in our summer, then travel to Europe or North America for their harvest season. It creates this beautiful cycle of continuous learning and diverse exposure."

The tradition begins with a quintessentially South African welcome – a communal braai hosted by respected winemaker Bartho Eksteen. This gathering brings together interns and established winemakers from various estates throughout the broader Walker Bay area. With glasses of local wine in hand, lasting connections are formed before the intensity of harvest begins.

"That first night is magical," recalls Angelique Hall, an American intern who chose South Africa for her harvest experience. "You're surrounded by people from all over the world , all bringing different perspectives, but united by this passion for wine. The established winemakers share stories that both inspire and terrify you about what's coming."

Angelique, who hails from California, deliberately selected South Africa over other Southern Hemisphere options like Australia. "Some of the most interesting wines I've tasted back home were from South Africa," she explains. "I knew I needed to come here to expand my knowledge and understanding of what makes these wines so distinctive."

What follows the convivial welcome is far from a holiday. Once harvest begins in earnest, these interns experience the true demands of winemaking. Predawn starts, 14-hour days, repetitive physical labour, and the constant vigilance required when transforming fruit into fine wine becomes their daily reality.

Most interns share accommodation in Hermanus, creating impromptu international houses where experiences, techniques, and cultural approaches to winemaking are exchanged over late-night meals and, naturally, glasses of wine. These communal living arrangements often lead to an integration of ideas that interns carry forward into their careers.

"You might spend your day carefully sorting Pinot Noir at one estate, then come home to roommates who've been pressing Chardonnay or managing Syrah fermentations elsewhere," explains Gaia Teodori, an Italian intern working in the valley this season. "The social aspect, especially the South African braai culture, is so important to me. During harvest, you work such long, physically demanding days, and knowing that you get to relax and share experiences afterwards is truly revitalising."

The wineries themselves benefit tremendously from this arrangement. The injection of fresh perspectives, international techniques, and boundless enthusiasm help prevent stagnation, while the extra hands are invaluable during the labour-intensive harvest period.

"We learn as much from them as they learn from us," says Natasha Williams, winemaker at Hasher Family Wines. "Having interned in the United States and France myself, I'm grateful to now return the favour and share some of my knowledge and experience with the winemakers of tomorrow. These interns are not just extra hands during our busiest time, they're a great source of innovation. They all arrive with fresh perspectives and often suggest approaches we might not have considered. It keeps us thinking and evolving as winemakers."

As harvest concludes and the most intensive work subsides, interns are typically granted time to explore neighbouring estates, participate in tastings, and expand their understanding of the region's diverse approaches to winemaking. These educational exchanges further cement the Hemel-en-Aarde's reputation as an open-air classroom for wine production.

The valley's role in developing global wine talent extends beyond technical training. Many interns speak of gaining a deeper philosophical understanding of winemaking during their time in the region.

"There's something about working with these soils, under these skies, that changes your perspective," reflects Gaia. "The South African approach balances respect for tradition with a willingness to experiment. That influenced my entire winemaking philosophy."

For the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley itself, this annual influx of international talent has helped accelerate its evolution and global recognition. Ideas, techniques, and connections flow back and forth across continents, with many former interns becoming ambassadors for South African wine when they return to positions in their home countries.

As another harvest season approaches, a new cohort of aspiring winemakers prepares to make the journey to our special corner of the Western Cape. They come seeking technical knowledge but leave with something far more valuable – a global network of colleagues, a deeper understanding of their craft, and memories of a valley which is appropriately named ‘Heaven and Earth’.

By Jenny Parsons

This article delves into the world of small things seen on my walks in the fynbos. Reptiles are often bright and beautiful but camouflaged so well that they are often overlooked. They are a diverse group of cold-blooded vertebrates that include the snakes, lizards, chameleons and tortoises that we see in the fynbos around us.

Reptiles are characterised by scaly skin that is regularly shed. They are ectothermic which means they get heat from the environment (the sun or lying on a hot rock) to regulate body temperature. Most lay eggs (oviparous) but some hatch eggs inside the mother’s body (ovoviviparous), while others are viviparous such as the Cape dwarf chameleons who birth live young and often have a litter of between 5 and 20 babies. 

Reptiles do not have external ears, the middle and inner ears ‘hear’ by detecting vibrations through the ground. One unusual self-defence mechanism is ‘self-amputation’ where a skink might lose its tail (it grows back with time). Another is when tortoises protect themselves by withdrawing into their shell.

One can often see the endemic Cape girdled lizard (Cordylus Cordylus) at the Stony Point Penguin Colony in Betty’s Bay. They are rock-dwelling and use the rock crevices and cracks for safety to avoid predators. This is also where they sleep. Their diet is mostly insects, snails, ants and caterpillars. Their scales are arranged in rows hence the name ‘girdled’. They can shed their tails for protection and their tails grow back quickly. The males are very territorial and the females give birth to one to three live babies in mid-summer.

The Cape dwarf chameleon (Bradpodion pumilum) is commonly found amongst the restios and is an endemic South African species which is sadly considered Near Threatened. This conservation status is largely due to habitat loss and land transformation (urbanisation and agriculture). Climate change could also have a catastrophic effect by reducing its range. 

Colouration acts as a defence mechanism against predators such as birds, and is also a way that chameleons communicate with each other and express their moods. They catch prey with their tongues with lightning speed and their eyes move independently from each other. Insectivorous they have a unique ‘cruising’ foraging style where they walk slowly and catch prey, or they will sit and wait for an insect to come within catching distance. Predators include spiders, snakes, birds and domestic cats. Whale Coast Conservation is a champion of these beautiful creatures. To find out more click here

The angulate tortoise (Chersina angulata) is the common species you spot in the fynbos. These herbivores are diurnal, and vary in colour from yellow to almost black. The males are larger than the females and the latter lay 1 or 2 eggs in a nest. Unfortunately, the hatchlings are often preyed on by birds (crows), mongooses and snakes. The shell of the tortoise has a carapace (top) and a plastron (bottom) and provides protection when the tortoise retreats into it. The animal’s ribs and vertebrae are fused to the carapace, so please do not pick up a tortoise by its shell! This causes stress and they urinate in self-defence. This loss of water can result in them becoming dehydrated and in the dry season can have dire consequences.

As a way of practising mindfulness, so that I can be fully present and engaged in the moment, I sometimes focus on different things as I walk in nature. This often creates a sense of calm, clarity and appreciation of the beauty that surrounds us in one of the most biodiverse habitats in the world. Next time you take a walk along the beach or in the mountains remember to look out for the little things.

By Dr Hans Britz

Onrus Veterinary Clinic

When we think about pet health, we often focus on nutrition, exercise, and vaccinations, but one aspect that frequently gets overlooked is dental care. Just like humans, pets need regular dental check-ups to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues seen in veterinary practice, and without proper care, it can lead to serious problems, including pain, infection, and even organ damage.

COMMON SIGNS OF DENTAL DISEASE IN PETS

Since pets can’t tell us when they have a toothache, it’s essential to watch for signs of dental disease. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, it’s time to visit your veterinarian for a dental check-up. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Bad breath (halitosis) – one of the first signs of dental issues

• Yellow or brown tartar buildup on the teeth

• Red or swollen gums (gingivitis)

• Drooling more than usual or difficulty eating

• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing their face against furniture

• Loose or missing teeth

• Bleeding from the mouth

• Reluctance to chew on toys or hard food

COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS IN PETS

Veterinarians see a range of dental issues in pets, but some of the most frequently diagnosed problems include:

Periodontal Disease: The most common dental issue in dogs and cats. It starts with plaque buildup, which hardens into tartar. Over time, bacteria cause inflammation, gum recession, infection, and can cause tooth loss. If left untreated, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs, such as the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Gingivitis: This is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque and tartar buildup. It is the early stage of periodontal disease and is reversible with proper dental care.

Tooth fractures: Dogs, especially those that chew on hard objects like bones or rocks, often break their teeth. Fractured teeth can be painful and may require extraction or root canal treatment.

Retained baby teeth: Small-breed dogs and some cats may retain their baby teeth, leading to crowding and increased plaque buildup, which can cause dental disease.

Oral tumors and growths: Sometimes, lumps or tumors develop in a pet’s mouth. These can be benign (harmless) or malignant (cancerous), and a veterinarian should evaluate any unusual growths.

DENTAL SCALE AND POLISH

A dental scale and polish is a professional cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar from a pet’s teeth. Unlike humans, pets cannot sit still during a dental cleaning. Anesthesia ensures they remain comfortable and pain-free while allowing the veterinarian to clean below the gumline, where bacteria hide. The veterinarian or veterinary nurse uses special ultrasonic scalers to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth, including under the gumline. After scaling, the teeth are polished to smooth out any rough surfaces, which helps prevent future plaque buildup. During the procedure, the veterinarian will check for any diseased or loose teeth that may need removal. A final rinse is done to remove any remaining debris and bacteria. The benefits of a dental scale and polish include elimination of bad breath; prevention of periodontal disease and its complications; reduced risk of bacteria spreading to vital organs, improved overall health and quality of life and prevention of painful dental problems that could require costly extractions later. 

While regular veterinary dental cleanings are essential, there are several things you can do at home:

• Brushing your pet’s teeth daily (or at least several times a week), using a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste is the best way to prevent plaque buildup. Never use human toothpaste, as it contains ingredients which can be toxic to pets.

• There are many dental treats, chews, and toys designed to help reduce plaque and tartar. To ensure effectiveness, look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.

• Veterinary-approved oral rinses and water additives contain ingredients that help reduce bacteria and freshen breath.

• Some pet foods are specially formulated to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. These kibbles have a texture that scrapes the teeth while chewing, helping to keep them clean.

Taking care of your pet’s teeth is just as important as taking care of their overall health. Regular veterinary dental check-ups, and professional cleanings can prevent painful dental diseases and improve your pet’s quality of life.

Sam Pullock, a Grade 9 learner at Curro Hermanus High School, took part in the Swimming SA Level 3 Regional Age Group Champs in Cape Town from 20 to 23 March.  

He performed extremely well, placing first in the following:

• 50m freestyle

• 100m freestyle (SA National Juniors qualifying time)

• 200m freestyle

• 400m freestyle

• 50m butterfly 

• 100m butterfly

• 50m backstroke 

• 200m individual medley

In total, Sam returned home with seven gold medals and set six new personal records. 

This is a fantastic way to end the swimming season and we look forward to seeing more from him during the next season.

By Robin Lee

U3A History Interest Group

In the mid-19th century, the early inhabitants of Hermanuspietersfontein called Hoy's Koppie – an isolated hill rising some 75 metres above sea-level on the otherwise flat plain – “Klip Kop”. The origin of the name was fairly obvious to anyone looking at the koppie. 

Hoy’s Koppie comprises two parts: a sloping lower area, gradually descending to about 40 metres above sea-level, with luxuriant fynbos growth and dotted with huge rocks and stones. These had obviously been eroded away from the steep, almost perpendicular cliffs of the upper part of the koppie, leaving a surface of grey stone. Either the cliffs or the fallen rocks or both could have been the origin of the term “Klip Kop”, which remained the name until well into the 20th century.

However, today everyone knows the hill as “Hoy’s Koppie”. Why is that? Sir William Hoy was one of the most charismatic figures in Hermanus history, a Scottish-born head of the Cape and South African Railways in the 1920s who fell in love with Hermanus and visited the village often for the fishing and the relaxed and restful lifestyle. He regularly stayed at the Marine Hotel and one of his greatest pleasures was to climb Klip Kop with his gillie Danie Woensdregt, look out over Walker Bay, and plan the next day’s fishing. 

Upon Sir William Hoy's death, his wife, Lady Gertrude Hoy, informed Danie that Sir William had expressed a wish to be buried at the crest of the koppie. Danie made the necessary arrangements, which included the construction of the first formal path on the koppie. 

Later, Lady Gertrude was buried alongside her husband. And so Klip Kop became “Hoy’s Koppie”. Both graves remain preserved at the highest point of the koppie.

The dominant explanation for the existence of the koppie is that it was created by wave action cutting away softer material around a core of harder sandstone. As the shoreline receded over time the core of hard sandstone was left standing. The koppie may be visualised as a tall, vertical headland of harder material, isolated from the surrounding plain by wave action, and left standing once the sea drew back. In this sense it is like a tall Gearing’s Point. It is primarily composed of quartzitic sandstone, approximately 440 million years old.

Residents and visitors to Hermanus have long enjoyed walking the paths on Hoy’s Koppie. Since 2008, the main contour path that takes you right around the Koppie has been widened and provided with a permanent surface of exposed aggregate concrete to make for easy walking in all weather. The original entrance on the north side and the path up to the contour path likewise have a permanent surface. The path and the contour path are fully wheelchair friendly.

Because of the terrain in the immediate vicinity of the Hoys’ graves, steps have had to be retained, but this 180 metre stretch has also been repaired and modernised. A second entrance to the koppie was created on the south side, with steps and a boardwalk rising from the car park adjacent to United Church.

From the koppie one can enjoy stunning views of Hermanus, the Fernkloof Mountains and Walker Bay from various points along the paths, though the best view still remains from the top. Natural fynbos grow in abundance on the lower slopes, and because of the orientation of the koppie, different varieties of fynbos are found on either side.

The cave at Hoy's Koppie is also worth a look. Artefacts and debris found there by two archaeological expeditions put the age at between 250 000 and 50 000 years old. Rudimentary scraping tools from the Middle Stone Age were found in both scientific excavations. The cave was once close to the sea as can be seen by the wide variety of shells and shellfish unearthed.

On a fine summer’s day, Hoy's Koppie offers you an easy walk in a splendid natural environment (it is part of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve), with interesting historical associations and exceptional views. No wonder that Hoy's Koppie is widely known as the “Jewel of Hermanus.” 

By Dr Jean Purdon

Postdoctoral Fellow at Tshwane University of Technology & University of Pretoria MRI Whale Unit 

South Africa has a unique and diverse marine environment with approximately 3 000km of coastline incorporating both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), extending up to 370km from the coastline, is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting up to 63% of the world’s whale and dolphin species. These species either live permanently in South African waters or rely on these waters for crucial life stages such as breeding and feeding. 

Like many parts of the world, South Africa’s oceans face increasing pressure from climate change and ocean-based industries such as fishing, shipping, resource exploration and extraction, as well as plastic and noise pollution. This trend is unlikely to change in South Africa, as population growth and economic requirements continue to place increasing pressure on ocean resources. Without proper management and conservation, these activities may directly impact whales and dolphins through vessel strikes and entanglements, while also causing indirect effects like habitat degradation, ultimately threatening their survival. 

To protect whales and dolphins effectively and efficiently we need to understand their habitat needs. However, information on the distribution and movement patterns of whales and dolphins in South African offshore waters is extremely sparse due to the logistical challenges of working in the open ocean, making it one of the least understood regions globally. This scarcity of information limits effective conservation efforts and decision-making processes that could mitigate potential threats. In response, the University of Pretoria’s MRI Whale Unit initiated a research project focused on offshore marine mammals named Cetaceans (whales and dolphins) of the EEZ, or ‘CetEEZ’.

With this research project, the Mammal Research Institute (MRI) Whale Unit is thinking out of the box to circumvent the logistically challenging work to better understand the whale and dolphin populations in our waters. They do this by enlisting help from so-called “platforms of opportunity”, being vessels that are offshore and can report sightings opportunistically. Such data may include, for example, Marine Mammal Observation data during Environmental Baseline Surveys and seismic surveys, cruises to South African offshore territories like the Prince Edward Islands, and observations from fisheries observers on board large commercial fishing vessels. Also, citizen science is regarded as extremely valuable, where sightings reported through cellphone apps like Seafari or Happywhale provide a valuable insight in whale and dolphin distribution and seasonal presence. 

To maximize data collection efforts, the MRI Whale Unit is also using advanced methodologies, including hydrophone deployments in the deep waters of the South African EEZ. Hydrophones, which are underwater microphones, have been deployed in waters up to 1 000m deep to map the acoustic marine environment. These devices help researchers identify whale and dolphin species based on their vocalizations providing valuable insights into their presence and movement patterns. Additionally, these hydrophones can map the soundscape helping us understand how noise affects the marine environment. 

South Africa’s marine environment supports an incredible diversity of whales, dolphins and other marine life. Although deemed pristine, this offshore environment faces several threats from increasing anthropogenic activities, combined with a lack of scientific data. The CetEEZ research project plays a role in addressing this growing challenge by improving knowledge of offshore cetaceans and informing conservation policies. It is important that conservationists, policy makers and ocean-based initiatives prioritise sustainability to ensure that South Africa’s marine biodiversity is preserved for future generations. Through a combination of scientific research, technological advancements, and responsible management, South Africa can balance economic development with the protection of its invaluable marine ecosystems.