Earlier this year, Groves Café at the Hermanus Waterfront went through an exciting transformation, resulting in a striking new look alongside a completely overhauled menu. Under the ownership of Henri Grové, his son-in-law Lyall Wiggill, and his daughter Leani van Deventer, the establishment has been rebranded as 'Groves’.

The Grové family is originally from Polokwane, where they ran a successful family restaurant which started in their home. They moved to Somerset West in 2013, leaving the running of the restaurant to family friends, after receiving an opportunity to establish and run the Western Cape branch for Cook4Life – a business which sells high quality, household goods. 

In 2016, after his wife Pearl passed away, Henri had a dream one night that the owners of Fusion Restaurant wanted to sell. Following his gut, but not yet having the finances, he made the trip to Hermanus to speak to the owners and offered to buy it. 

Miraculously, not long after their meeting, Henri received a call from someone wanting to buy their family restaurant and property in Polokwane. Everything fell into place and in 2017, Henri and Lyall moved to Hermanus having purchased Fusion with the shop next door, Bite 2 Eat.

A month later, Bite 2 Eat received a complete facelift and ‘Groves Café’ was born in honour of Pearl. 

When the pandemic hit in 2020, the family was met with another opportunity to purchase a restaurant at the Hermanus Waterfront which was called Belgian Waffles & Beers. Not wanting to miss the opportunity and going on complete faith, a wing and a prayer, they purchased the small restaurant, renaming it ‘The Belgian’. 

Over the last two and a half years, the three eateries have continued to grow from strength to strength, becoming favourites among locals and visitors. 

Earlier this year with the help of local consultant chef Wander Bester, Lyall redid the menu at Groves, while Leani came in to give the eatery a fresh new look. She added bright colours, wooden accents, and a boldly patterned wallpaper on an accent wall, which draws the attention of passersby. The palette of colours she has chosen to decorate with, bring a vibrance and warmth to the eatery, inviting people in. 

Lyall has kept Grove’s famous waffles on the menu (which include toppings such as chocolate brownie, berries and cream, or glazed roasted pecan nut), but much of the other items have been changed. 

The eatery offers breakfasts including croissant eggs benedict, a granola bowl with fruit, a variety of French toasts and 2 breakfast bowls; as well as light meals such as toasted salad wraps (grilled chicken breast, smoked salmon, beef sirloin or halloumi and avocado), sandwiches (steak and mushroom, chicken mayo, pressed pulled pork, gypsy ham, Halloumi and beetroot hummus), seafood (hake and chips, calamari and chips) and quesadillas (chipotle cream cheese, BBQ pulled pork, grilled chicken breast, spinach and feta).

For those just wanting a quick cup of their delicious coffee and a small bite, there are freshly baked muffins, scones, cakes, tarts, and pastries. There are even a variety of smoothies to choose from.

Groves is open Monday to Sunday from 08:00 – 17:00. Contact them on 028 054 0069 or follow them on Facebook (@grovescafe) for more information.

Heaven on earth at Hasher Family Estate 

Nestled within the breathtaking landscape of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hasher Family Estate stands as a testament to dreams realised, passions pursued, and a commitment to creating something timeless. Co-owned by Frederik Herten and his wife Céline Haspeslagh, and uncle Xavier Haspeslagh and his wife Christine Bouckaert, the vineyard is dedicated to low-impact, sustainable farming with minimal interference – in both the vineyards and the cellar. 

Back at home in Belgium, Frederik had always been attracted to the wine business. Even though his day job was advising financial institutions and private equity investors, somehow he always found a way to get involved in the wine industry. Simply by doing what he loved, Frederik became a trained sommelier and began an online wine distribution platform.

Céline’s interest in wine goes back even further, with her first wine making memories stretching all the way back to her childhood home, where family and friends gathered to harvest and press the grapes from a few hundred vines her father grew. The Haspeslagh family has an extensive agricultural background, having farmed in Belgium for more than 300 years, and is now at the forefront of organic vegetable and fruit production in Europe. 

When the pandemic hit in 2020, everything came to a stop and the Haspeslagh-Herten family was forced to think about their future. They began looking at agricultural opportunities in South Africa and heard that the previous owners of Hasher Family Estate (then called Sumaridge Wine Estate) were thinking of selling – provided it was to someone with the right values. 

Towards the end of 2021, Céline and Frederik bought the 180-hectare farm with Xavier and Christine, and made the move to Hermanus with their three young children Ernest, Héloise and Emile. The estate’s maiden vintages were launched in February 2022. 

“Even though we were not managing the estate at the time, the previous owner allowed us to harvest and buy a limited amount of grapes, which we were able to vilify into three magnificent wines” says Frederik, “Ernest – a single vineyard Pinot Noir which expresses the clay and granite in our soils; ‘Marimist’ – a Chardonnay that reflects the salinity and cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean; and ‘Fat Lady’ – a Sauvignon Blanc from a single vineyard block that will make way for new plantings after harvest.”

“We specifically selected the farm for its exceptional location, cool climate, and unique decomposed granite and clay soils,” say Céline and Frederik, “Our goal is to ensure that the terroir is treated with total respect and the grapes are really given the opportunity to shine. We believe in growing only the cultivars that truly flourish in the area, and only interfering when absolutely necessary. Our focus is on rejuvenation, and we believe in letting the land rest as needed, focusing our attention on the areas that are ready for harvest.” 

The family has also introduced organic management principles, regenerative farming practices and winter pruning techniques to further improve the quality of the fruit. Their approach of minimal human interference is carried through from their vineyards to the cellar, where they use French oak barrels from Burgundy for fermentation and maturation. “By respecting the fruit and giving it the opportunity to really come into its own, we are able to truly produce wines with a sense of place,” says Frederik. 

The entire family is passionate about sustainability, and 53 hectares of Hasher Family Estate are now dedicated to wildlife preservation and nature conservation. Installed game cameras help them to monitor animal movement on the farm and spot the species that sometimes escape the eyes of Ernest, Héloise and Emile on their nightly game drives. 

Between the kids and the cameras, they have already spotted majestic blue cranes, micro frogs (one of South Africa’s smallest amphibian species), honey badgers, three types of antelope, caracals, and bat-eared foxes. The Cape leopard has left its marks but has been able to stay out of the spotlight so far.

Locals Natasha Williams and Sasha van Zyl, who share Frederik and Céline’s philosophy on winemaking, have recently joined the small but dynamic team at Hasher Family Estate as winemaker and tasting room manager. The Estate will now be open to the public for wine tastings from Thursday to Saturday from 10:00 – 16:00. 

If you want to come with a big group, please email info@hasherfamilyestate.co.za with your name, the size of your group and your preferred date. They will check availability and confirm your booking or suggest other available dates. They can accommodate groups of up to 10. For more information, visit www.hasherfamilywines.co.za or follow them on Instagram.

A journey in glass

Glassblowing stands as an ancient and captivating art form, involving the manipulation of molten glass to craft exquisite and intricate objects. With roots reaching back through centuries, this craft demands meticulous precision, with artisans employing blowpipes, various tools, and controlled breath to shape the molten material. 

Liz Lacey and David Jackson, the artisans behind 'Red Hot Glass,' boast over thirty years of collaborative experience in this time-honoured tradition. Their journey began in Midrand, where they established their first furnace after Liz completed her glassblowing apprenticeship. 

Over a decade, they built a reputation, working with architects and interior designers, and honing their expertise in hot glass techniques like blowing, casting, and fusing.

In 2001, they relocated to a wine farm in Paarl, opening their studio to the public for the first time, garnering popularity and attracting commissions from around the world. Recently settling in the Overberg, they decided to build a studio where they could both live and work. 

Red Hot Glass distinguishes itself as one of the few Venetian-style glassblowing studios in South Africa, crafting unique pieces which range from hand-blown perfume bottles to elegant vases and abstract statues. 

Glass, a medium neither fully liquid nor solid, is artfully shaped by Liz and David, showcasing an intimate understanding that allows them to express the warmth and potential inherent in their chosen medium.

Their most recent exhibition is located at the FynArts Gallery in The Courtyard and is titled ‘A Journey’. “The name of this exhibit is a reflection of our glass,” say Liz and David, “Glass has been a very hard taskmaster. It’s a very unforgivable and challenging material to work with, but the end results make it so worthwhile.” 

This stunning exhibit will run until Sunday 14 January. The FynArts Gallery is situated in The Courtyard at 2 Harbour Road and is open Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00 and Saturday 09:00 – 14:00.

Turning setbacks into success 

In 2020, Sbulele Inga Mfundisi graduated from Hermanus High School with dreams of studying abroad, fuelled by the fire of ambition and a desire to make a difference. However, the world had other plans: the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic altered the course of her life, forcing her to reconsider her path and redirect her energy towards sustaining her nonprofit organisation, Ekuphumleni Empowerment Solutions.

Undeterred by the forced gap year in 2021 (university applications were closed by the time she found out that she could no longer study abroad), Inga remained resolute in her vision. She delved into alternative ways to stay active, focusing on her youth development projects and nonprofit work. 

In 2021 life took another unexpected twist, and Inga found that she again could not further her tertiary studies in 2022. This forced her to find alternative ways to keep herself busy while still staying active in her youth development projects in the Overstrand. 

In 2022, Inga qualified as a Regional Chess Arbiter, earned an International Accreditation in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (teaching children online in South East Asia), and represented South Africa as a delegate of the Queens Commonwealth Young Leaders, among many other highlights including the start of her own business. 

Inspired by her love for art and poetry, Inga created an apparel line called ‘Kasi Splash’. “The word kasi is Xhosa for township,” says Inga, “The reason I chose to name my brand Kasi Splash is because I wanted it to epitomise the girl from the township who had a dream – and splash it full of colour to make it a reality.”

Kasi Splash evolved beyond apparel, offering graphic design services, branding, and social media marketing. Inga's business is headquartered in Hermanus, but her products and services are available nationwide on her website, www.kasi-splash.com. The products range from printed apparel (hoodies, T-shirts, and trucker caps) to tote bags and printed glassware. She also offers corporate gifting and custom packaging.

Simultaneously, Inga is finally pursuing her BCom in Financial Management online, epitomising the perfect balance between creativity and business acumen.

Inga's commitment extends beyond business success. She believes in giving back to the community that moulded her. Through her nonprofit organisation established in 2018, Inga taught the game of chess to young minds across local schools, witnessing its transformative power, especially in the lives of kids from Zwelihle. “In 2014 while I was still in primary school, I unknowingly started rebuilding and reforming young children to become their best selves,” says Inga, “Through my nonprofit and the powerful game of chess I have been able to train young minds across local schools.”

As a proud member of the Rotary Club of Hermanus, Inga continues to make a positive impact. She recognises the importance of young voices in shaping a progressive society, attributing her own growth to the nurturing environment of her small town.

With every step she has taken, Inga has painted her journey with resilience, passion, and a commitment to making a difference. In the heart of Hermanus, Inga's story unfolded, a testament to the belief that dreams, when fuelled by purpose, can withstand any tide.

Follow Kasi Splash on Instagram and Facebook, or contact Inga on 067 025 3435 for more information.

Deck the halls with fynbos flowers…  

By Jenny Parsons

We live in an extraordinary part of the world where the mountains meet the sea, and I for one battle to reconcile the traditional perception that is depicted for the festive season: the Northern Hemisphere’s white Christmas of snow-covered landscapes, evergreen pine trees, red berries and holly, and the unique frosty patterns which showcase the beauty of winter in faraway places. 

When I go for a stroll in nature and explore our sandy beaches and unique fynbos I see another perspective – one which embraces a world of mountain trails, the unique biodiversity of our wildflowers, and the mesmerising rock pools along our coastline. The fynbos is currently showing off its Christmas colours and instead of the classic lyrics, maybe we should be singing, “deck the halls with fynbos flowers, fa la la la la…” 

While walking in Fernkloof Nature Reserve, you may see the red-tinged Leucadendron’s or the beautiful Mimetes, Ericas, Berzelia, and soon Haemanthus. In the different habitats you will see different flowers. 

Walking the Cliff Path down to the Mossel River and then into Fernkloof provides a kaleidoscope of shapes and colours – nature creating her own unique decorations and showcasing the colours and beauty associated with Christmas festivities. 

While Berzelia stokoei is a sight to behold, when walking in the mountains above Rooiels and Betty’s Bay you may have the good fortune of seeing the beautiful endemic Orange-breasted Sunbird visiting this striking plant. 

Down on the beach the shore birds are breeding and the rock pools are full of magic creatures, adding a sparkle to the summer season. Keep a look out for the African oystercatchers and White-fronted plovers who might have chicks. Please be mindful that dogs cause stress for these birds who are extremely vulnerable while nesting on our shores.

Explore the African penguin colony at Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay. These birds are endangered and could become extinct in the wild in the next ten years. They are the only endemic breeding penguin species in Southern Africa. The conservation initiatives by BirdLife South Africa, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment, CapeNature and Dyer Island are playing a vital role to help these birds.

The devil is in the details so be mindful of all the small creatures that we often overlook. If you visit the Vermont Salt Pan, you might see a Cape dwarf chameleon in the restios – a mystical creature who changes colour but one which is also under severe threat (gratitude to Whale Coast Conservation who are playing a big role in their conservation in the greater Hermanus area). 

The ballerinas of the pan might also be present, and it is always wonderful to watch the Greater and Lesser flamingos forage in the shallows amongst the Black-winged stilts and Pied avocets. These birds can also be seen at Rooisand Nature Reserve on the Bot River Estuary towards Kleinmond, where the famous wild horses roam free.

A hidden gem for walks to waterfalls and birding in the forest is found nestled in the mountains above Betty’s Bay. The Harold Porter National Botanical Garden offers something for everyone, and the local baboon troop are often present. It is always fascinating to watch these primates in a natural setting. 

The birds are many and the seasonal visits by the African paradise and Blue-mantled crested flycatchers are a special festive treat. The garden’s ponds invite damsel- and dragonflies, all the while watched by the frogs. The Cape sugarbirds and all the local sunbirds are present especially near the erica garden. You may need to watch your step and give way to the roaming tortoises. 

Warm summer nights on the Cape Whale Coast offer clear skies for stargazing and the sight of a starlit sky can evoke a sense of wonder and perhaps remind you of the star that guided the wise men to Bethlehem in the Christmas story. The long summer days offer extra time to be outdoors and the extra sunlight gives a dose of daily vitamin D, giving us a sense of good health and the promise of new beginnings. 

May every sunrise bring you hope and every sunset peace. Tis the season to be merry, and my wish for this festive season is to embrace and enjoy the natural wonders that surround us. The Overstrand has a sense of place like no other and “just like natural beauty, peace and love can grow just about anywhere”.

Art that works 

In a world dominated by mass production, the importance of artisans cannot be overstated. Artisans ensure that the beauty of handmade craftsmanship endures, favouring quality over quantity and emphasising individuality in every creation. 

The art of handcrafting fountain pens stands as a tribute to the enduring charm of artisanal craftsmanship. The allure of these exquisite writing instruments lies not only in their functional elegance but in the artistry and individuality imbued by the hands that meticulously create them. 

The Stanford Pen Studio, with the help of local artists, lovingly and painstakingly handcrafts each of their pens using traditional methods and modern technology to create one-of-a-kind fountain pens which are purchased by collectors worldwide and admired by the fountain pen community. 

The business, owned by locals Dave and Di Möhr, started out as the Stanford Wood Studio some years ago with Dave and Di creating kit pens. Dave, who has been an avid woodturner since a child, would shape beautiful pieces of wood for the kit pens (made from prefabricated parts), with Di experimenting with resin in different colours and textures as a second option for buyers.

In 2020, the Möhrs realised that they would need to create a more upmarket product to survive the pandemic and began to research ‘kitless’ or handmade fountain pens. They reached out to the fountain pen community for advice and began to learn more about the production process.

Today, almost three years later and after much trial and error, almost every part of the Möhrs’ fountain pens are made by hand. The process of crafting these pens demands a profound understanding of materials, an eye for detail, and a commitment to perfection – which Dave and Di both possess.

The process starts with the creation of ‘pen blanks’ (the cap and barrel) which are shaped on a lathe and then painted black and allowed to dry. These blanks are given to local artists who then meticulously draw and/or paint a work of art on to both the cap and barrel, sometimes with the use of a magnifying glass if the details are very small. 

Once the artist is finished with the blanks, they are returned to Di, who covers them with a clear coat of resin to protect them. She also creates the ‘pen section’ (which the nib connects to) out of resin, matching the colour to the artwork on the pen. Both the sections and the resin-coated blanks are then given to Dave who uses a special machine to shape them before they are threaded, polished, and buffed by hand (threading allows each part of the pen to screw together). Finally, each pen is fitted with ink and a high-quality nib, which is checked for any issues when writing and adjusted if there are. 

Each pen can take 20 to 60 hours for the artist to paint, and then a further 20 to 30 hours for the Möhrs’ to complete in their home workshop in Stanford. Each pen is carefully checked for any imperfections before being packaged with a certificate of authenticity.

These artisan fountain pens are available to buy from www.stanfordpenstudio.com and can be shipped internationally. For more images follow them on Instagram.

By Barbara Lindop

Intethe Art Gallery

Ask any resident living in Hermanus why they moved to live here, and all will have a reply. 

In the case of Susan Jordaan and her family, the serious ill-health of her husband, Gerrit, determined the move from their home in Pretoria to the pristine serenity of Hermanus. With Gerrit’s diagnosis and realising the need to substitute their income, Susan launched into the business of making pizza. 

Assisted by her Portuguese brother-in-law, Antonio, who built her a steel trailer, and her eldest son, Anthony, who bought and adapted a pizza oven, this courageous, determined woman set about her new career drawing on her youthful lessons and experiences. Susan could be described as the archetypical woman, who by ensuring her family stay together, are destined to play forever!

Susan had grown up in Worcester where her mum, a wedding caterer, had taught Susan, by osmosis, an intuitive understanding of food, its preparation and most importantly, the imperceptible importance of flavour. Either one has a palette, or not. All great cooks credit their mother or grandmother, and it appears no cookbook can offer the same intensity of experience. Susan’s sister and husband, Antonio, had owned a pizza restaurant in Worcester where Susan worked, learning the secrets behind making the perfect dough, the essential ingredient for the perfect, glass thin, crispy pizza base.

The Jordaan family started their new life camping in Paradise Park where Susan took care of Gerrit, as he slowly recovered from gruelling treatment for tonsil cancer. In 2002, Susan’s mother passed away, leaving an inheritance which enabled the Jordaans to buy a house in Paradise Park in which they were able to settle and commence their new life. 

They enlarged the house to live comfortably, but tragedy struck in 2007 when an electric power surge caused an explosion in a deep freezer, and their wooden house exploded in flames. Susan was in Hermanus at the time, and on receiving the news raced home but as she reached the Onrus traffic lights, she saw the plumes of black smoke rising in the distance. When the fire was extinguished, their immense grief was compounded by finding their beloved dogs, locked inside, who had sought refuge under a steel bed in stored household linen, protecting them from being burned but had died of suffocation. 

Susan, Gerrit and their sons, Anthony, Jacques and Reuben, overwhelmed by their loss of everything they loved and owned, were scooped up by their surrounding community who opened their hearts and purses to give them all they immediately needed. 

The Lions and Rotary Clubs offered full-time support and Gerrit’s employer gave them R10 000 to assist with their urgent needs. The family of four moved into a caravan where they lived for a year, squashed together, comforting and protecting one another, building the unbreakable bonds which this loving family clearly share. 

Susan confesses to the incredible depression she suffered during this period and how she had to learn to manage her sense of helplessness and hopelessness. She recalls a visit to Pick ‘n Pay, where she walked in and was overcome by the plenitude of all the goods on display. She broke down in abject grief. She had absolutely nothing, not even the precious objects we all collect and store away: family photographs, mementos of happy, past events. Her life’s canvas was blank.

Anthony had moved to Pretoria where some of the family collectibles had been left. He was able to bring them down giving Susan immense consolation, enabling her to start crawling back to some sense of normalcy. 

It was then in 2007, that they began their catering business, initially at the Fernkloof Market where Susan threw herself into her work, driving herself to re-build all she had lost. She began making and selling jaffels, ginger beer and fruit salads, preparing her wares at her sister’s home. Then they moved to operate from the newly opened Hermanus Country Market where they have been plying their trade until now. There, their position in the food square became the go-to corner for many families enticed by the lure of the pizza oven aromas. The only times they have ever missed a weekend market has been for family funerals.

In 2008, they were able to start re-building on the original foundations of their old home. Life slowly began to return to normal, enabling a routine that could focus on their growing reputation for making the most delicious and mouthwatering pizza. She accepted requests to make pizzas for private functions, bringing the trailer-pulled oven to the event with Gerrit ever there to prepare and cook the pizza.

Susan’s secret recipe relies on the perfect thin crisp base. Yeast is included in her dough but is not overwhelmingly evident in the outcome. Her prepared tomato sauce, with added spices, a touch of garlic and fresh herbs is daubed onto the pizza base and mozzarella cheese is added. She prefers the cheese to be below so that the eye can feast upon the topping. Finally, oregano, spices and parmigiano are lightly sprinkled, ready for the oven.

It is here that Gerrit’s role comes to the fore. Using only blue gum (which makes flame rather than coal), the perfection of the outcome is all to do with the temperature. Too hot and the base burns, not hot enough and the outcome is unacceptable. The fire is prepared at least an hour before the cooking begins. Gerrit’s secret is a specially made half-moon that closes off the fire preventing the pizza from burning. The cooking of the pizza takes no longer than 90 seconds. Mass production of pizza cools the oven, so a maximum of 50 pizzas can be cooked at any one time. The half-moon is removed, the fire re-built, and the heat carefully re-ignited.

Those of us who witnessed the biblical event of the recent flooding, were either directly or indirectly affected by witnessing some of our friends suffer severe flooding outcomes. Business suffered too, and in the case of serving pizza at the market, there was very little demand, despite the ongoing cold, wet weather of this seemingly forever winter.

And so, another door has opened. In February 2024, Susan and Gerrit will depart for an unknown and exciting adventure, joining son Anthony in his already well-established restaurant businesses in Stratford, Canada. They will take over one of Anthony’s successful franchises where a similar concept of their locally devised pizza oven will be re-created to prepare food for hungry Canadian appetites. Our immense loss will be their gain. 

However, not all is lost because their second son Jacques, trained at this mother’s firm iron knee, will keep the fires burning and the secret and flavours of the Jordaan delicious pizzas available. Once again, the sight of stuffed mouths with a line of cheese hanging out of one corner will be a common sight in the Hermanus surrounds. My happiness lies in knowing Jacques will keep producing the flavour filled spicy crunchy aromatic pizza.

The steadfast endurance and courage of this remarkable couple in the face of inestimable setbacks is an inspiration and their example of tenacity a lesson for us all. In this world of murderous mayhem, deceit, and cowardice, it is a huge privilege to have met and engaged with Susan’s gentle personality, coated in steely determination and flame. 

A one-stop hair shop for the whole family  

At the ‘Hair Salon & Barbershop’ (HSB) in Main Road Hermanus, style meets family in the perfect blend of elegance and comfort. As a one-stop destination for all your family's hair needs, the salon provides a warm and inviting atmosphere where every generation can get an affordable quality cut.

Owned by Manuel Pereira, HSB opened its doors in the second week of December after mirrors, countertops and a hair washing station were installed, and the walls were given a fresh coat of paint. 

Manuel has over thirty years of experience as a gents and ladies hair stylist and owned a salon in Pretoria before moving to Hermanus in 2009, where he bought a salon in Sandbaai. 

He sold the salon in Sandbaai after ten years, and in 2020 started working at the barbershop in Whale Coast Mall where he met talented young barber, Johnwin Freeks. Manuel suggested that they open their own salon together, but Johnwin had already committed to his own space at 13 Long Street in town, which he named John-Paul Barbershop. 

After taking a short break from cutting hair, Manuel decided this year to once again open his own salon. “Once a hairdresser, always a hairdresser!” he jokes. 

Earlier this year, Manuel re-approached Johnwin after finding the perfect premises at Royal Centre next to Lizzie’s Jewels. Johnwin agreed to join him, and the pair hit the ground running with bookings and walk-ins.

HSB’s services include perms, cuts, and colour in their hair salon side, and cuts, beard trims, beard shaves and beard design in their barber side. 

They are open during loadshedding and welcome walk-ins, although making an appointment is always better if you are in a rush. There is limited parking in front of the shop for clients, as well as card facilities.

To make an appointment call Manuel on 082 472 7448 or Johnwin on 074 751 3523. Senior citizens can bring their SASSA card to get a discount on cuts on Wednesdays – R100 for men, and R170 for women.

By Ayakha Kamana

The Most Influential Icons Gala Dinner (MIIGD) 2023, organised by the innovative team at MK Events, was recently held at the Municipal Auditorium in Hermanus. The aim of the event was to shine a spotlight on those individuals who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also left an indelible mark on the Overberg community. 

One of the distinctive features of MIIGD 2023 was the introduction of an Entrepreneurial Expo Lounge, a platform dedicated to fostering economic growth within the Overberg region. Attendees had the privilege of not only witnessing the glamorous side of success but also delving into the narratives that propelled these icons to the zenith of their fields. It was an evening designed to spark conversations, forge connections, and inspire the next generation of leaders. 

The MIIGD went beyond the boundaries of a typical gala, becoming a beacon for excellence and growth in the Overberg. This extraordinary event is poised to leave an enduring legacy: celebrating the past, inspiring the present, and shaping the future of Overberg's most influential icons.

The local icons honoured on the day were Inga Mfundisi (community builder and chess coach), Celestine Joseph (owner of Heritage Hermanus), Emma Privett (for her excellent achievement representing SA at the Junior Olympics), Siyabulela Notwala (owner of Blue Sky South Africa) Envic Booysen (Idols SA Season 19 Top 6 Finalist), Anelisa Nguzo (owner of Nelly's Beauty Bar), Madodana Cita (owner of Mardee’s Africa Hats), and Siphiwo Mlanjana (founder of Spairo Arts Foundation).

Ladles of Love Overstrand, The Brewery Hemel-en-Aarde, Loving Hermanus Media, Mozambik Hermanus, Canvas Collective Africa and Fikiswa Gxamesi hosted a Christmas party for hundreds of children from local ECD centres at The Brewery on 16 December. 

Upon arrival at 9am, everyone received a Christmas headband to get into the festive spirit, and DJ Sharklady set the mood with some funky holiday tunes which had the volunteers, children and their teachers out of their seats and dancing.  

There was ice-cream, popcorn, cooldrink and sandwiches for everyone to enjoy before NSRI Hermanus and SAPS Hermanus, Stanford and Gansbaai arrived bearing bags of donated gifts for the very excited youngsters.

At 12pm once tummies were full and presents were opened, the children returned back to their respective ECD centres to enjoy their gifts. 

The day would not have been possible without the help of the following individuals and businesses who volunteered, and made donations and sponsorships: Blue Ribbon (bread); The Brewery and Mozambik (sandwiches); I Go Africa (popcorn); Van Dyk Saayman Attorneys (ice cream); Hermanus Round Table (cooldrink); Curro Hermanus (face painting); NSRI Hermanus (delivery of the Christmas gifts for the children); Hermanus Property Sales Sandbaai (Santa suits); SAPS Hermanus, Stanford and Gansbaai (dressing up as Santas to deliver gifts); Dr Arien (Blue Bird Show); DJ Kim Sharklady (music);  Bamboo Beach Restaurant (water); The Marine Hotel (chips and cooldrink); Ocean Basket (cooldrink and juice); the Stern Family (presents, sponsorships and volunteers); Yolanda from Ladles of Love (emcee) and Hailey (access control); Argon, Madelein, Armand and Aiden (transport and organising presents); Fiki, Hettie, Alta, and all the ECD teachers, helpers and children's organisations for making a dream come true.

In the heart of the Overstrand lies a hidden gem that beckons adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. SA Forest Adventures offers a gateway to an unforgettable outdoor experience where you will discover a perfect blend of excitement, tranquility, and natural beauty. The adventure company offers a variety of activities and tours, with most taking place in the Overberg area.

Tree Top Zipline Tour

This tour allows for an exhilarating zipline experience that takes you soaring through the treetops in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus. With a series of platforms and lines strategically placed 20 to 200 metres apart, you'll find yourself gliding effortlessly, surrounded by the lush foliage and the refreshing breeze. You control the speed you travel at using a safe braking system under the watchful eye of two experienced guides. This activity is not just about the thrill but also offers a unique perspective of the forest from above. 

Mountain & Fynbos Quad Bike Trail

No prior experience is necessary for this next adventure option. This quad bike trail in Hermanus is rated as one of the top in South Africa. Commence your journey from the base camp, exploring a breathtaking fynbos farm on an easy-to-moderate trail. Expert guides ensure a memorable experience, starting with a scenic, curvy drive that gradually ascends the mountains, passing by the stunning Honingklip Dam. The panoramic views along the trail are unparalleled, offering a visual feast for adventure enthusiasts. Don't forget your cameras! Capture the spectacular bay and Bot River Lagoon from the vantage points on the trails, ensuring that every moment of your quad biking adventure becomes a cherished memory.

Stargazing Trip

Enjoy an interactive astronomy presentation on this educational trip. The Stargazing Trip is conducted on quad bikes high in the mountains surrounding Hermanus. One of the awe-inspiring sights that will await you is the brilliant display of a starry African night sky. With minimal light-pollution around you, the heavens take on a whole new splendour, especially on a clear, moonless night. Take a closer look at the famous Southern Cross, Orion, Jupiter’s moons, various stars, moon craters, and perhaps even spot a shooting star. Your knowledgeable guide will make the night sky come alive with a spellbinding, interactive presentation.

Paintball Fields

SA Forest Adventures’ Paintball Fields have been the backdrop for countless thrilling matches, accommodating everyone from bachelor parties to large corporate bookings. If you’re in search of a paintball experience that checks all the boxes, your search ends here. At their facility at Caledon Hotel & Spa, they exclusively use compressed air, ensuring extended durability for their equipment.

Sandboarding

Sandboarding, similar to the popular sport of snowboarding, is a thrilling recreational activity that unfolds on an expansive, approximately 230-meter-high sand dune, offering an alternative to the traditional snow-covered mountains. We are privileged to have one of Africa's highest commercial sandboarding dunes conveniently located in Betty’s Bay. This dynamic boarding sport has garnered enthusiasts globally.

White Water Rafting

Be prepared to embark on a thrilling journey into the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. This world heritage site, with its breathtaking walking trails, showcases unspoiled natural beauty. Set against the backdrop of this floral kingdom, the rafting commences with a safety talk, followed by a short hike to the Palmiet River where the real adventure begins.

River Tubing

Enjoy breath-taking scenery as you gently float down the Palmiet River. The lush, green Kogelberg Nature Reserve stretches as far as the eye can see, while the smell of fynbos and the sound of insects surrounds you. The nature reserve is remarkably unspoilt and its high mountain peaks, steep kloofs, valleys and several tributaries of the pristine Palmiet River create a sense of remote wilderness.

SA Forest Adventures caters to a diverse audience, from thrill-seekers to nature enthusiasts and families. With a range of activities suitable for all ages and skill levels, it's the ideal activity for a day out, a weekend retreat, or team building. The facilities are well-maintained, and safety is a top priority, ensuring a worry-free and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Visit www.saforestadventures.co.za to book your next adventure.