Aitsa Nails, which opened on 1 September at Hair Shoppe in Onrus, is set to bring a fresh and  fun energy to nail care. The word aitsa is an Afrikaans exclamation meaning ‘great’ or ‘wow’, and with the slogan “From ordinary to Aitsa,” this salon is all about turning every treatment into something special.

Owned by Onrus resident Amanda Reinke, Aitsa Nails features bold colours and playful décor. Inside, clients can enjoy treatments by Aitsa Nails’ nail technician, Chrizelda Hess, including mini massages, manicures, pedicures, gel overlays, and more.

Amanda is a happily married entrepreneur and mother of three who moved to Onrus with her family in 2006 from Durbanville. She is a familiar face in the Hermanus community, having taught Afrikaans First Additional Language at Hermanus High School for 17 years. In 2019, with all her children out of school, Amanda and her husband transformed their home into self-catering accommodation called SonSandSee.

In 2024, Amanda’s daughter encouraged her to start posting short videos on social media showcasing her outfit of the day. Amanda has always had an interest in beauty and fashion, and her content was a big hit with her followers.

When she began running out of outfits to share with her followers, Amanda decided to start creating videos about local businesses. Her first video featured BROOD in Onrus. Amanda enjoys meeting new people and sharing their stories, and her videos quickly gained attention, with people reaching out to have her feature their businesses. 

In January this year, Amanda retired from teaching and began looking for something else to do in her newfound free time. Still with an interest in beauty, she decided on a nail technology course. While busy with training, she had the idea to open her own nail salon, but decided that she would hire a nail technician with more experience.

While visiting her longtime hairdresser, Louise Woensdregt, Amanda mentioned her interest in opening a nail salon. Louise offered her a space to rent in her hair salon – Hair Shoppe – which has been operating for over 30 years from the same location in the Rheezicht Centre on Onrus Main Road. Amanda excitedly accepted the offer and began searching for a qualified nail technician.

After searching for some time, Amanda was contacted by Chrizelda Hess from Caledon, who learned about the job opening while visiting Hermanus. After a brief phone conversation and reviewing examples of her work, Amanda felt Chrizelda was the perfect fit for Aitsa Nails and hired her.

Chrizelda, who has over 20 years of experience in the industry, began her career as a nail technician after realising that an office job wasn’t for her. Living in Cape Town at the time, she scoured the newspapers for interesting opportunities and applied for a position without knowing exactly what it involved. The job was for a nail technician, for which she had no prior skills, but the business hired her and provided in-house training for the position.

Wanting to expand her skill set, Chrizelda applied for training at a Bio Sculpture salon in Plumstead. She stayed on at the salon, working as a nail technician and training others in Bio Sculpture. 

Chrizelda left Plumstead and ran her own nail salon in Tokai and later worked in Constantia, serving models, music video clients, and even Victoria Spencer, the former wife of Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer. During this time, she met a man from Bot River, fell in love, and decided to move there with her two children. 

She began looking for work in Hermanus and found a position at Bliss Health & Skincare, which unfortunately closed in 2020. During her time there, Chrizelda had moved to Caledon and was a stay-at-home mom. Recently, she chose to return to work, and learned about the nail technician opening at Aitsa Nails. “Chrizelda has experienced the revolutionary growth and expertise in the nail industry first hand,” says Amanda, “I am very excited to have her onboard at Aitsa Nails.”

Amanda has lots of exciting plans for Aitsa Nails. On Wednesdays, a shuttle service will be available for a small fee, with her husband as the driver. She is also introducing ‘Pamper Princess Parties’ for children aged 4 to 10. For 90 minutes, the children will enjoy three pampering treatments: a facial mask, manicure with polish, and pedicure without polish, right in the comfort of your home. This is offered within a 25km radius of Onrus. The birthday ‘princess’ receives her treatment for free, along with a goodie box worth R250 from Aitsa Nails.

Aitsa Nails will also be giving back to the community through a special project. Each term, they will select a matriculant from a local school who is either unsure of their future or interested in the nail industry and offer them a free nail course to spark their interest in the field. 

Looking ahead, Amanda hopes to franchise Aitsa Nails, creating opportunities for women who are retired or semi-retired and seeking a fulfilling, enjoyable venture.

Aitsa Nails is open Monday and Wednesday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00, and on Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00. The salon is closed on Tuesdays and Sundays. The salon accepts card payments only, and walk-ins are welcome. Contact Amanda on 072 510 5798 for queries or to book an appointment. You can find their full list of services on their Facebook and Instagram pages (Aitsa Nails).

Grobbelaar Hall in Hermanus was recently transformed into a slice of the Mediterranean for the fourth Benevolent Food & Wine Auction, which this year took on a fun Greek theme. 

Guests were encouraged to dress up, and the celebration grew louder each time the bidding passed R25 000, with plates smashing and shouts of “Opa!” filling the hall.

Auctioneer André du Toit and emcee Frieda Lloyd kept the evening’s momentum going, while Chef Tullishe le Roux and her team wowed guests with delicious courses of food alongside sponsored wine, craft beer and gin. 

The auction lots included a dazzling variety of fine wines, dining experiences, artworks, luxury getaways, and unique local offerings from a mix of sponsors.

Funds raised at the auction supported three vital organisations caring for the town’s elderly community: Hermanus Senior Centre, SOFCA Hermanus, and Huis Lettie Theron. 

With a target of R350 000, the evening’s energy was high as the total edged closer to the goal. Just as the last of the lots were about to conclude, a generous donor stepped forward with a contribution that pushed the evening’s fundraising total to R387 981 – an incredible R129 327 for each of the three charities.

"The event is only possible thanks to the big hearts and open hands of the community, as well as the tireless work of the behind-the-scenes teams from the beneficiary organisations themselves," said organiser Ilze Peters-Cloete after the auction.

This year marked the last Benevolent Food & Wine Auction to be organised by Ilze, whose energy, vision, and dedication have been central to the event’s success. Guests and beneficiaries alike expressed their heartfelt gratitude for her commitment to raising much-needed funds for the senior community of Hermanus.

Few events capture the spirit of a community quite like an interschools clash, and this year Hermanus has had reason to celebrate on two fronts. Throughout 2025, Hermanus High School (Hermies) and Curro Hermanus (Curro Lions), have each claimed memorable victories that left their learners, teachers, parents, and alumni beaming with pride.

The Hermies have already faced Worcester Gymnasium several times this year as part of their interschools clash, competing in tennis, cricket, golf, and swimming in the warmer months. In mid-August, they took to Hermanus High’s sports grounds for their final showdown of the year in chess, rugby, hockey, and netball. 

For the last four years, interschools has been a test of grit and determination, and this year Hermies finally turned the tide after three years of losing to Worcester Gymnasium. Their victory was greeted with shouts of celebration, which could be heard in the surrounding residential areas.

Hermanus High also had a special tented area during interschools for visiting alumni, as well as a get-together in the school hall after the day had concluded. 

The same weekend as Hermanus High’s fixture, the Curro Lions marked their own triumph, roaring to victory and lifting the interschools cup in another eagerly contested series against Generation Schools Hermanus (girl’s soccer), Robertson High (hockey and chess), Bonnievale High (rugby and netball), and Curro Somerset (boy’s soccer). The school’s celebratory posts thanked every hand that played a part, from the athletes on the field to the teachers on the sidelines, and the parents cheering from the stands. 

For both Hermanus High and Curro Hermanus, interschools marked the last winter sports matches of the year. 

For more images and the individual game results, visit the schools’ Facebook pages. 

BY ROBIN LEE

Film came very early to Hermanus – the first purpose-built cinema in Hermanus was the ‘de Luxe Cinema’, later renamed the ‘Adelphi’, which was opened by Simon Allen in 1916, just seven years after South Africa’s first cinema opened in Johannesburg in 1909. 

However, films were available to the public in Hermanus even before 1916. Several writers record that Jacob Oblowitz showed films in a large room above his general dealer’s store at the corner of Main and Harbour Roads. The building later became known as Lemm’s Corner.

Jacob was often seen stopping passers-by in the street and urging them to come in and watch a performance. The small amount charged represented a much-needed addition to his income. A descendent of the Oblowitz family, Leonard Oblowitz, recalls times when the films were projected upside down for a few moments, before being stopped and corrected.

The Adelphi was quite different. The exterior of the building in Main Road had an Art Deco design and there was comfortable upholstered seating inside. The foyer was tiled in a mustard colour and the interior was partly wood-panelled. The screen was behind maroon velvet curtains.

Usherettes were employed for every show. Patrons could not go to their seats unless shown by an usherette. Seats could be booked and families that returned to Hermanus regularly were allocated the same seating during holiday seasons.

Professional projectionists were employed, one of whom was Edward Smalberger, who lived with his family in a house in High Street, where Rossi’s Italian Restaurant is now.

For many years coloured patrons attended the same screenings as white patrons, but they had to buy tickets at a separate ticket office and go in through a separate entrance. One writer recalls that he preferred to sit in the “coloured section”, as comments by the audience were so amusing and pertinent.

In August 1968 politics caught up with the Adelphi. Allen was informed by the Department of Community Development that “non-whites” could no longer be admitted to the cinema at any time. However, a local resident, Mr. George Eastland, immediately started film shows for “non-white” audiences in the Moffat Hall in Mount Pleasant.

Simon Allen drove to Cape Town to choose the films for the month. Making a selection was no small task, as the programme changed every two days, which meant a minimum of 12 programmes a month. The films themselves were sent by rail to Bot River and then by railway bus to the Hermanus station in Mitchell Street, now the Tourism Office.

After a fire destroyed the Adelphi in 1981, Hermanus was without film entertainment for some years, but in the 1990s, when Harry Viljoen constructed The Village Square, two small cinemas were included. They were however not particularly profitable and closed in the early 2000s.

In the late 1990s, two cinemas were opened at Gateway Centre under the name ‘The Stardust’. Attendance was patchy and the venture was not financially viable. This remained the case, even when U3A joined forces with the proprietors and publicised the offerings to its members.

In quite a different situation, Romantiques, a shop specialising in bygones and collectables, created a vintage cinema seating about 20 people. They screened nostalgic films from an old reel-to-reel projector on Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

Whale Coast Theatre, which screened new commercial releases, was a welcome addition to Hermanus when Whale Coast Mall opened in 2017.

Whale Coast Theatre has since been taken over by Road House Cinema who have expanded on film entertainment by offering live shows, private screenings, stand up comedy and more. Sadly, since the writing of this article, Romantiques has closed its doors.

BY ELISA SEYBOTH

Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit

Whales are icons of beauty, size, and mystery – they are the biggest animals known to have lived on Earth, after all – but their true importance goes far beyond their stunning looks or their ability to be captivating. 

Whales are not just gentle giants; they are ecosystem engineers, climate allies, and guardians of ocean health. Once hunted nearly to extinction for their commercial value when dead, these magnificent creatures are now recognised as being far more valuable alive, playing a vital role in sustaining the health of our oceans and, in turn, the planet.

Such a contribution can come in different ways. 

For example, through their feeding and diving patterns, whales stir up nutrients from the depths and release them near the surface in what scientists fondly call the “whale pump”. This can also occur as the individuals move and migrate longer distances. Their nutrient-rich faecal plumes (yes, whale poop!) and even their urine can help fertilise microscopic plants called phytoplankton. These tiny organisms are the base of the ocean’s food web and capture vast amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to regulate our climate. 

In other words, whales have been quietly running effective climate mitigation schemes for millennia. Still, given our current lifestyle and the amount of pollution created, other actions are needed to try to soften the damage. 

Such nutrient release can also occur through bioturbation, when whales swim close to the seafloor and stir up the sediments. In doing so, they return nutrients that had settled on the ocean floor back into the water column, making them available once again to support marine life.

In addition, by boosting phytoplankton growth, whales indirectly support fisheries, since plankton feeds the krill and small fish that then support larger species, including those we depend on for food. It’s a cycle of abundance, and whales help to keep it running.

When whales die, they further contribute to the ecosystem as their massive bodies sink to the seafloor, creating ‘whale falls' which are essentially deep-sea banquets that can sustain entire communities of creatures for decades. 

At the same time, the carbon stored in their bodies sinks with them, acting as a natural carbon sink and capturing this global-warming gas from the atmosphere. From start to finish, whales contribute to life in ways few other animals can match.

Despite all this, whales remain understudied compared to their ecological importance. Their migrations span thousands of kilometres across political borders, making them difficult and expensive to track. Climate change, ship strikes, noise pollution, and entanglement in fishing gear all pose new threats to whale populations. 

Understanding how these challenges affect whales, and how whales in turn influence ecosystems, is critical not only for conservation but also for the health of our oceans and, ultimately, ourselves.

That is where research comes in. At the University of Pretoria MRI Whale Unit based in Hermanus, we dedicate ourselves to studying these graceful and stunning creatures. From monitoring whale migrations and movements along the African coast and over the whole Southern Hemisphere, to investigating how environmental change influences their behaviour and survival, our work seeks to uncover the hidden roles whales play in sustaining ocean life. 

Considering all this, investing in whale research isn’t just about protecting an iconic species. It is about recognising whales as partners in our shared fight for a healthy planet.

So the next time you see a whale or hear about them, don’t just think of their beauty or their size, think of the invisible threads that tie them to your everyday life. The oxygen you breathe? Chances are, some of it comes from phytoplankton fertilised by whales. The fish on your dinner plate? Whales probably had a hand – or rather, a tail – in that too!

For two decades, the Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Ladies (L2L) have been a beacon of hope and generosity in the Overstrand. In March 2026, this respected local non-profit organisation run by volunteers will celebrate its 21st year with its iconic ladies-only, four-day, 100km walk from Cape Agulhas Lighthouse to Danger Point Lighthouse in Gansbaai.

Over the years, participating ladies have raised R9 587 197.80, supporting over 30 charities in the region – a testament to their dedication, energy, and community spirit. Funds are raised not only through the official annual walk but also through practice walks and individual fundraising efforts by each L2L participant.

L2L was born from friendship. In 2005, local ladies including Rene Grater and Ninki Mathee embarked on a group walk – not yet for charity – along a route marked out by local legend Sparks Esterhuisen.

Loaded with tents and camping equipment, the small group of friends set off from Hermanus in two bakkies, heading to Brandfontein near Cape Agulhas to begin their six-day walk back to Grotto Beach, covering approximately 130km.

In 2006, Rene and Ninki hosted a meeting at the old CANSA office in Onrus and decided to dedicate their efforts to fundraising for the cancer association, sporting bright pink t-shirts and keeping the walk exclusively for ladies. To make things easier, the group used Agulhas Caravan Park as a base instead of camping along the way. They collected donations for CANSA in a cake tin as they passed through towns, and had to wash themselves with hose pipes and camp without toilets – a far cry from today’s comfortable L2L arrangements.

Dates for the walks were and are still carefully chosen to avoid high tides, allowing the ladies to enjoy stunning beaches that are easier to traverse at low tide. Part of the walk also includes some rocky terrain, coastal jeep tracks, and rarely-used footpaths.

Leslie Clark, an honorary L2L member and legend in her own right, joined the walk in 2008. Leslie is the oldest walker, and has also done the most 100km walks, although she thinks her record of 15 will be surpassed by someone else in 2026. 

"To dispel some myths, I did not start Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse,” she laughs. “I joined the third walk and have been involved ever since. I vividly recall my first L2L meeting in the United Church hall 17 years ago. Being fairly new in Hermanus, I decided to join L2L," Les continues, "I enjoy walking so it sounded like a fun thing to do and a way to meet like-minded ladies. Walking into the hall, I was struck by the sounds of delight and hugs all around as ladies greeted each other. Then, as now, new ladies are made to feel very welcome."

For the third walk, the ladies decided to follow the route as it is walked today, from Cape Agulhas Lighthouse to Danger Point Lighthouse in Gansbaai. For the next two to three years, they camped in the milkwoods behind Die Dam Holiday Resort for the first two nights of the walk, sharing the space with local fishermen who “left camp very early and noisily” and would “return later in the day to have a dop or two”. The fishermen shared their blister-prevention tips from their army days with the women: “Excel grease, my vrou se pantihose (my wife's pantihose), en army sokkies (socks).” Leslie still swears by it as the best way to prevent blisters.

Leslie has many wonderful memories from the walks. “One year Gertie Jardine, who was doing the catering, made the best roast beef sirloin I have ever eaten! Another year, we celebrated Earth Hour with potjiekos cooked over fires by candlelight. We were dancing the Conga and having fun until one of the ladies’ pants caught alight!” she says with a glint in her eye.

For the third night of the walk, luggage was initially transported to Uilenkraalsmond Holiday Resort by bakkie and trailer, but this proved impractical. Eventually, the ladies began renting cottages from residents of Die Dam for all three nights, simplifying logistics and making the walk more comfortable. Over the years, they upgraded to larger buses, now using two 75-seater vehicles. 

“To me, the most valuable part of the walk is the deep ‘me-time’ and bonding with the ladies,” says Leslie. “I was chairperson for the 10th walk, and we were proudly able to announce that we had given over R1 million to local charities. In the 10 years since then, L2L has raised almost R8 million.”

Today, the walkers meet at Gateway Centre in Hermanus and are bussed to Cape Agulhas Lighthouse to begin the journey. The four-day route covers roughly 20km on day one to Brandfontein Farmstead, roughly 20km to Die Dam Resort on day two, roughly 30km to Pearly Beach on day three, and roughly 30km to Danger Point on day four. Walkers return each afternoon to camp, welcomed by hot coffee and cake. This is a treasured time for sharing stories, bonding, and celebrating the day’s achievements.

Each year, the main beneficiary of the funds raised is selected by the registered walkers, who vote after reviewing videos from a shortlist of charities. Funds raised from practice walks and Wednesday walks support a second beneficiary. Only registered local NGOs and NPOs are considered. 

L2L relies on loyal sponsors such as Toyota, Suzuki, Lighthouse Construction, Ocean Basket, Hermanus Factory Shop, MANZI Water, Food Lover's Market, The Beanery, Bierman Malan Optometrists, Crazylicious Cookies, Pullock Attorneys, The Spot, SEEFF Onrus, and more to provide essentials like transport, water, and food so that the maximum amount of funds raised can go to the charities.

The L2L committee for 2026 will consist of returning co-chairs Tamara Stofberg and Jennie Vorster, joined by new members Betsie De Witt and Hanlie Gerber, supported by volunteers Roeleen Wessels, Païvi Brink, and Johanna van Mollendorff. Cook-oo Kitchen, owned and run by Welly, Cellie and Abigail Olivier, returns this year as well to manage catering at the Die Dam.

The theme for the 2026 walk, 'Share the Love', ensures the total funds raised will be split 50-30-20 among the top three walker-selected charities – a first in L2L history. The beneficiaries of the walk are still to be announced.

From a small group of friends walking for fun, to a meticulously organised fundraising walk, L2L has continued to grow. After 21 years, the Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Ladies continue to shine brightly, inspiring change and bringing light to the Overstrand one step at a time.

Tickets and information for the practice walks, as well as more on L2L, can be found here.

The L2L practice walks kick off on 31 August at Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Entry fees of R100 per person contribute directly to the 2026 charities, giving walkers a chance to prepare while assisting in fundraising efforts. All are welcome including non-registered walkers, men, and children (no dogs are allowed to join for this walk). The L2L Weekly Wednesday Walks are also underway. Visit their Facebook page for details. 

BY JENNY PARSONS

Given the staggering variety of flora and fauna on our planet, and the fact that the Overstrand forms part of the Cape Floristic Region (the smallest floral kingdom, yet the richest in species diversity), there remains much to learn and discover.

On a global scale, it is believed that only 19% of the estimated 10 million species have been documented, while up to 150 species may go extinct every day. To conserve this biodiversity, we are in a race against time. 

The World Wildlife Fund’s 2022 Living Planet Report estimated a 69% decline in wildlife populations, with freshwater species experiencing the steepest losses. Much of this loss is linked to human use of natural resources – 33% of land and nearly 75% of freshwater sources (such as wetlands) are used for crops or livestock farming. Combined with rapid urbanisation, this has led to unintended consequences that have severely impacted global biodiversity.

Humanity’s reshaping of ecosystems has drastically altered the planet, but modern science is now pioneering more sustainable, climate-conscious approaches to help restore Earth’s biodiversity, shifting from an ‘ego’ to an ‘eco’ mindset.

One simple yet powerful way to support biodiversity locally is through the ‘No Mow’ season. A large portion of the world's flowering plants are under threat, with a 2023 study estimating that up to 45% of all species could face extinction. In South Africa, the small window from August to November is a crucial period to allow spring wildflowers to bloom, mature, and set seed naturally without disturbance. These wildflowers, in turn, attract essential pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, and birds. 

Protecting this cycle by hosting ‘No Mow’ seasons and creating green corridors also supports the ecological health and biodiversity of open spaces, including greenbelts, road verges, and urban parklands.

This is especially important for our indigenous fynbos vegetation, as it allows annuals, perennials, and geophytes (bulbs) to flower and set seed, completing their life cycles and ensuring they bloom again the following year.

The benefits are not just ecological. Children see more butterflies, the splash of colour from wildflowers brightens the day, and the landscape looks alive instead of bare.

Community engagement is needed to identify areas that should be protected. Talk to your neighbours, gather evidence, and photograph which flowers occur. Then engage with your ward councillor and apply to be exempt from mowing during the spring window.

Educational signage has been an effective way that the City of Cape Town has managed their ‘No Mow’ season, and may be worth considering in the Overstrand. 

BY HASHER FAMILY WINES

Just a short drive from our doorsteps lies a winemaking paradise that has quietly risen to global acclaim. One of South Africa's youngest wine regions, with its first vines planted only in the mid-1970s by the pioneering Hamilton Russell family, the Hemel-en-Aarde now produces wines that captivate connoisseurs worldwide. 

What makes this corner of the Western Cape so special, and why should we take pride in these rolling vineyards we often drive past? What many locals may underestimate is that they live beside one of the few places on Earth that can successfully grow top-quality Pinot Noir – a notoriously difficult grape that wine producers worldwide struggle to master.

Pinot Noir, often called the "heartbreak grape", demands precise growing conditions. Too hot, and it loses its delicate character; too cold, and it won't ripen properly. The thin-skinned grape is also highly susceptible to disease, making it one of the most challenging varieties to cultivate. Yet here, on our doorstep, the perfect conditions exist. 

The Hemel-en-Aarde's success comes from three crucial factors. Firstly, our genuinely cool climate. This isn't from high altitude but from proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the cold Benguela Current flowing up from Antarctica. The prevailing Southeaster summer winds         blow across Walker Bay directly into our vineyards, creating the perfect cooling effect for delicate varieties.

Secondly, South African soils are extraordinarily ancient. 400 million years ago when much of the wine world's soil was still covered in sea and ice, the Hemel-en-Aarde soils were formed in a complex mix of Bokkeveld shale, Table Mountain sandstone, and decomposed granite. The high clay content creates wines with remarkable structure rarely found elsewhere in the ‘New World’. 

Finally, almost all Hemel-en-Aarde producers are family-owned and operated, fostering meticulous vineyard management and winemaking practices that prioritise quality over quantity.Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noirs combine Old World elegance with New World fruit expression. These aren't simple wines but sophisticated expressions of place with complex aromatics, savoury undertones, and remarkable ageing potential.

Anthony Hamilton Russell, proprietor of one of the valley's pioneering wineries, notes that Hemel-en-Aarde produces Pinot Noirs that are "spicy and savoury" rather than overtly fruity – a quality that has caught the attention of serious wine enthusiasts worldwide. 

Jancis Robinson, one of the world's most respected wine authorities, recognises Hemel-en-Aarde alongside regions like Oregon, parts of Santa Barbara, coastal Sonoma, and southern Germany as important sources of refined Pinot Noir outside of Burgundy. As residents of Hermanus, we're incredibly fortunate to have this winemaking heaven on our doorstep. So the next time you drive through those rolling hills or enjoy a glass of local wine, remember that you're experiencing a piece of South African wine history in the making. 

The South African Air Force Association (SAAFA) is a unique fraternity – an all-ranks organisation for anyone who has served in the South African Air Force or in any Allied Air Force. With no age restrictions, it remains one of the most inclusive veteran organisations in the country.

Affiliated with the Council of Military Veterans’ Organisations of South Africa (CMVO), SAAFA is one of 33 full member bodies that together support and preserve the legacy of South Africa’s armed forces.This year, the SAAFA Branches celebrated 80 years of the existence of the South African Air Force Association which is the oldest air force in the world after Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF). 

Over the decades, SAAFA has carried out vital work. It supports ex-air force members who are aged or in need, honours the memory of those who died in service, fosters camaraderie among veterans, preserves heritage, and continues to strengthen the bond between the air force and the communities it serves. The SAAF Association is a registered non-profit organisation that operates mainly on modest membership fees. To sustain its work and meet its objectives, the association also depends on donations and fundraising initiatives. From time to time, it hosts events such as golf days and auctions to support these efforts.

For many years, most ex-SAAF members in the Overberg region were linked to the Cape Town Branch. But by late 2018, momentum began to build for a more local identity. That idea became reality on 11 March 2020, when the Whale Coast Branch was officially launched. 

Whale Coast is the youngest branch of the SAAFA family – and one of the most active. Membership has grown quickly, and it now has about 72 active members. The branch not only provides fellowship for former airmen and women, but also plays an active role in the community. It works closely with other veterans’ organisations in the region including the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTHS) and the SA Legion, and regularly participates in events such as Remembrance Day. The Whale Coast Branch continues to embody the spirit of service, camaraderie, and heritage preservation that has always defined the Air Force Association. Its presence ensures that the proud legacy of the SAAF is remembered and shared with future generations. 

This article highlights the careers of three remarkable individuals from the Whale Coast Branch and their achievements in the South African Air Force. We’re especially proud that they call Overstrand home and are honoured to be able to share their stories with you.

For more information about the SAAFA Whale Coast branch, to donate, or to become a member, please contact 079 528 6499 or email saafawc@gmail.com. 

Brigadier General Marthie Visser, Ret.

AIR FORCE SOLDIER 

Brigadier General Marthie Visser (retired) first took an interest in the air force in matric during a high school career day.

“In matric in 1973, I still had to decide what I wanted to do, but I knew I didn't want to have one of the ‘ordinary jobs’ that were available to women back then – like teaching or nursing, or being a secretary. I wanted something different,” says Marthie. “After school I was going to go to Potchefstroom University to do my diploma to become a librarian – a degree that my father enrolled me in. Fortunately for me, somehow during that time they started the South African Army Women’s College in George. At some stage, I got an application from SAAF inviting me to go for a selection.” 

When Marthie entered SAAF in 1974, she had no idea she was about to make history. At just 17 years old, she became one of the first 33 women to be trained in the air force after WW2 – a huge step at a time when opportunities for women in uniform were still limited.

That same year she completed the Radar Operator Course at Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof. Eager to grow, in 1975, and holding the rank of Corporal, Marthie applied to train as an Operations and Intelligence (Ops/Int) Clerk. She was on her way to a career that would span more than four decades. Over the next six years, she served in several Ops/Int posts at AFB Swartkop, AFB Waterkloof, and the SAAF Test Flight and Development Centre.

In December 1981, then at the rank of Flight Sergeant, Marthie was selected for officer training – no small achievement at the time. The following year, at just 26, she completed her Officer Forming Course at SAAF College and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. From there, her career steadily advanced as she served in a variety of Intelligence Officer roles and served on the Directing Staff at the Officer Forming Wing.

In 1990, and at the rank of Major, she broke new ground when she became one of the first three women to complete the Senior Command and Staff Course. By then, she had already proven herself a leader, showing that women could thrive in various areas of the military. After being promoted to Commandant, Marthie’s career took a creative turn. She joined the Corporate Communication environment, taking charge of air shows, exhibitions, and the decoration of venues for South African National Defence Force (SANDF) parades and functions. Her flair for communication shone, and in 1998 she was promoted to Colonel.

Her new path led her to serve in senior communication roles at Defence Headquarters and Air Force Headquarters, amongst others, before being promoted to Brigadier General in 2009.