Hannie van Wyk, a resident at Huis Lettie for the past three years, carries with her a deeply rooted history in South African choral and operatic music. Before settling on the coast, she spent over five decades in the Free State, participating in some of the region's most prominent musicals.

​Born in Bloemfontein in 1945, Hannie grew up in a family of six children. Her musical life began at age five, singing for family and friends. By age seven, she performed her first official solo at an eisteddfod. Throughout primary and high school, she sang both soprano and alto in her school choirs, favoured for her strong vocal range. During this time, she also performed on her high school's radio broadcasts, which aired on SAUK Radio.

​In 1959, at the age of 14, Hannie met Dirk de Villiers, a notable South African composer and music educator. Dirk was the son of Reverend Marthinus de Villiers, the composer of Die Stem. He invited her to sing for his wife, Doll, at their church in Bloemfontein, where Hannie subsequently became a regular singer. Dirk would later go on to found the historic Free State Youth Choir (Vrystaatse Jeugkoor) in 1964 – the first provincial youth choir in South Africa.

In 1966, at age 21, Hannie met her future husband, Danie, at church. Danie had moved to Bloemfontein from Knysna in 1960 and worked at the National Museum. He informed her of a vacancy for a personal assistant to the museum's director, a position which she secured.

​Danie was a highly skilled furniture maker who utilised traditional woodworking methods. In 1968, while completing his BA in history and anthropology through night classes and continuing his furniture restoration, the principal of the local high school asked him to teach their woodworking class. He accepted, instructing learners in advanced skills, including crafting grandfather clocks. 

​In 1969, the couple had their first child, and Hannie took a temporary break before returning to choral singing, joining the Bloemfontein Symphonic Choir and later the Carmina Choir, an adult mixed-voice ensemble active during the 1980s and 1990s. 

Hannie's operatic debut came in 1985 with Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco, which marked the grand opening of Bloemfontein's Sand du Plessis Theatre. Designed as the home of the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS), the theatre was highly regarded for its state-of-the-art facilities, outstanding acoustics, moveable stage lift, and an 11-story high tower above the stage  –  the highest in South Africa.

Hannie’s operatic repertoire includes:

​1985: Nabucco – Giuseppe Verdi

1986: ​La traviata  – Giuseppe Verdi

1986: ​The Merry Widow – Franz Lehár

​1987: The Tales of Hoffmann – Jacques Offenbach

​1987: Cavalleria Rusticana – Pietro Mascagni

​1988: Carmen – Georges Bizet

​1989: Die Fledermaus – Johann Strauss II

​1989: Madama Butterfly – Giacomo Puccini

​1992: Aïda – Giuseppe Verdi

The opening production featured international conductors, musicians, and principal singers, alongside top South African talent in the supporting roles and choir. Notably, the title role of Nabucco was performed by the celebrated South African baritone Hans van Heerden, performing alongside soprano Marita Napier in what was considered one of his signature career achievements. Hans performed in over 110 opera roles throughout his career, including singing Scarpia in Tosca 134 times and Rigoletto 116 times.

Between 1985 and 1992, Hannie performed in the choirs of nine different opera productions in Bloemfontein, managing a rigorous schedule, diverse outfits and wigs. ​During these productions, she shared the stage with other prominent South African figures, including Philip de Vos (now retired in Kleinmond), an acclaimed author, photographer, and opera singer who performed over 60 character roles for PACOFS and the Cape Performing Arts Board. In 1997, Hannie and Danie retired and moved from Bloemfontein to Kleinmond. Danie remained well-known within the Kleinmond community for his continued passion for traditional furniture repair and restoration until his passing seven years ago.

Today, Hannie lives at Huis Lettie, where she remains close to her two daughters, Hanlie and Leanie, and her grandchildren. Hannie's contributions to South Africa’s rich choral history, alongside the craftsmanship her husband Danie left behind, remain a proud legacy for her family, friends and community.

Local wine lovers gathered at POP UP by Bouchard Finlayson in Hermanus last Wednesday evening for the second instalment of the estate's WITH CARE series. Titled ‘The Architecture of Pinot Noir: Foundations for Greatness’, the event was hosted by Bouchard Finlayson's winemaker, Chris Albrecht, and farm manager Stefan Hartmann.

The intimate masterclass offered guests a rare opportunity to enjoy a refined tasting while exploring not only what makes Pinot Noir one of the world's most celebrated grape varieties, but also the countless decisions that shape every bottle.

Guests were guided through two tasting flights, beginning with four vineyard block samples from the 2026 vintage before progressing to pre-bottling tank samples of the 2025 Galpin Peak, Tête de Cuvée and the newly introduced Cuvée des Origines, ending with the finished 2023 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir. The tasting gave guests insight into the different vineyard sites, clones and blending decisions that influence the final wine.

Stefan explained that Pinot Noir has long been at the heart of Bouchard Finlayson. Early South African vineyards relied on the Swiss BK5 clone before French Dijon clones from Burgundy (widely considered superior for producing Pinot Noir) were introduced during the 1990s. Today, the estate's vineyard blocks feature several Dijon clones, each contributing its own distinctive character.

Guests also learned that Pinot Noir is often called the "heartbreak grape". Its thin skin and tightly packed bunches make it highly sensitive to weather and disease. Even with meticulous attention, it remains unpredictable, often resulting in low yields and challenging harvests.

Naturally low yields mean that every harvest requires careful management, with temperature, soil type, elevation, precipitation and other environmental factors influencing how and when each block ripens, as well as the quality of the yield.

Apart from careful decisions in the vineyard, the evening also highlighted just how much artistry takes place in the cellar. Chris explained that choices ranging from processing to fermentation, ageing, and blending all shape the final wine. Each decision alters the texture, aroma and flavour. "A glass of wine is the sum of hundreds of decisions," he said.

The second tasting flight gave guests the opportunity to sample a new wine being released by Bouchard Finlayson. Called Cuvée des Origines, the wine takes a different approach altogether, using careful processing and fermentation techniques to allow the vineyard itself to take centre stage in the flavour profile.

Complementing the tasting was a thoughtfully curated platter showcasing local cheeses from Klein River Cheese, Stonehouse Cheese Estate and Anysbos; charcuterie from Richard Bosman's; and freshly baked bread from Oskars Bakery, reinforcing Bouchard Finlayson's philosophy that care shapes craft.

WITH CARE continues on 29 July with ‘Patience Poured: A Retrospective of Bouchard Finlayson's Finest Vintages’, offering another opportunity for wine enthusiasts to gain exclusive insight into one of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley's most respected producers. Tickets are limited to 20 people and are available at www.shop.bouchardfinlayson.co.za/events

BY DR SHANAN ATKINS

Post-doctoral Researcher

University of Pretoria MRI Whale Unit

The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) may not be as well known as the whales that visit Walker Bay each winter, but it is the most threatened dolphin in our region. The University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit is playing an important role in helping secure its future. 

The Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin Conservation Network (HuDoNet) is made up of people who are committed to working together to conserve the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin throughout its global range. Recently, HuDoNet launched a new collaborative Network Action Plan to strengthen conservation efforts for this Endangered species. The network brings together nearly 100 researchers and conservation practitioners from 18 countries, spanning the southern tip of Africa to the southern tip of India, including Madagascar and other islands. 

The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin lives in shallow, nearshore waters – the same coastal areas where human activity is concentrated. Fishing, shipping, coastal development and pollution are placing increasing pressure on these dolphins. Most local populations are small, often numbering fewer than 100 animals, and many are declining. In South Africa, Indian Ocean humpback dolphins are found along parts of our eastern and southern coastline, including areas familiar to many coastal residents. Their close proximity to shore makes them especially vulnerable to coastal development, pollution and boat traffic. 

Although important research has been carried out in some regions, including work led by South African scientists, major gaps remain across much of the species’ range. In several countries, basic information is still lacking, including how many dolphins remain, where they occur and which threats affect them most. Many researchers and conservationists are also working with limited resources and limited coordination. 

HuDoNet was established in 2023 to help address these challenges by connecting people and encouraging collaboration across borders. The Whale Unit was closely involved in both the founding of the network and the development of the Network Action Plan.  Over the past year, network members worked together through a structured conservation planning process to identify the most urgent and achievable priorities. 

This process was guided by five thematic Working Groups: Biology, Threats and Solutions, People, Policy, and Network Success. Together, they pooled knowledge and identified practical steps forward. The result is a Network Action Plan that outlines 13 Priority Actions for the next few years. Several of these actions focus on strengthening the scientific evidence base. This includes conducting rapid assessments in countries where little data currently exist, supporting researchers to analyse long-term datasets, and coordinating studies on key threats such as fisheries bycatch and chemical pollution.

Other actions recognise that conservation depends on people as much as science. The plan includes initiatives to improve how humpback dolphins are considered in coastal development decisions and to strengthen community-based conservation approaches. It also aims to build long-term partnerships and secure funding to support sustained collaboration. 

Importantly, the Action Plan is designed to be realistic. Rather than trying to solve every challenge at once, it identifies what can be achieved in the short to medium term. These steps will help lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive Conservation Action Plan for the species in the future. 

For the Whale Unit in Hermanus, participation in HuDoNet reflects a broader commitment to marine conservation beyond our local waters. Many of the pressures facing humpback dolphins mirror challenges affecting marine mammals globally, including habitat degradation and human-wildlife conflict.

There is real reason for optimism. When scientists, communities and policymakers work together across countries, even large conservation challenges become more manageable. Shared data improves decision-making. Shared experience reduces duplication. Shared goals build momentum. Humpback dolphins may not draw the same crowds as southern right whales, but they are an equally important part of our marine heritage. Protecting them requires cooperation across disciplines and borders. With this new roadmap, that cooperation is beginning to take clearer shape.

From Hermanus to the wider Indian Ocean, the Network Action Plan marks a practical step toward a more coordinated and resilient future for one of our region’s most endangered dolphins.

Sometimes the best things start with a chance encounter. For chef Janine Burke and dietitian Wilna Eksteen, that moment came at the 2022 Babbel en Krabbel Christmas Market in Hermanus, where Janine was showcasing her baked goods for the very first time in the area.

Both new to Hermanus, Wilna was collecting a selection of Janine's products for her mother. When she arrived at the stall, the two struck up a conversation and immediately hit it off. Three years later, that chance meeting has grown into Just. – a local business built on real ingredients, handcrafted baking, and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

Between 2023 and 2025, Wilna collaborated with Janine on several projects that focused on creating healthier treat options. As a dietitian, Wilna is passionate about nutrition and understanding what goes into the food we eat, a passion that Janine now shares. When the company Wilna worked for was liquidated and she was retrenched in 2025, the pair decided to join forces full time. They rebranded Janine's baking business and officially launched Just. in September 2025.

"As our name suggests, it's really about keeping things simple and honest," they explain. "'Just.' means what you see is what you get."

Every recipe is developed from scratch and undergoes extensive testing and refinement. Together, Janine and Wilna have carefully crafted a range of products that proves dietary-friendly treats can be every bit as delicious and satisfying as traditional favourites. Their products contain no seed oils and, wherever possible, are made using raw, whole ingredients to retain their nutritional value. The range includes gluten-free, lactose-free and sugar-free options.

Nothing leaves the kitchen until the team is completely satisfied with the result. "We don't cut corners," says Janine. "Everything is made with care, patience and a lot of love."

All baking takes place in their purpose-built kitchen at Sugarberry Distribution in Hermanus Industria, owned by Janine and her husband. Janine leads recipe development and baking, while Wilna brings creativity and structure to the business by designing labels, packaging products and helping to manage the day-to-day operations. 

As a registered dietitian, Wilna also analyses every recipe to ensure each product is as nutritious as possible. She manually calculates the nutritional information for every item, giving customers accurate nutritional values and making it easier to understand how each product can fit into a balanced daily diet.

The business is also strengthened by Eric Mpofu, who joined the team in 2023. Eric discovered his passion for baking while still in high school and has spent years refining his skills. He previously worked at Sugarberry until, as Janine jokes, she "stole him" to help in the bakery. Recognising his exceptional talent and work ethic, she quickly made him an integral part of the team, where "Master Baker" Eric continues to play a key role.

Together Janine and Wilna continue to experiment with new flavours and ideas, often inspired by customer requests or their own creativity. Their growing range includes shortbread, brownies, rusks, granola, crunchies, chocolate chip biscuits and cupcakes, with new creations regularly joining the shelves. Today, Just. products can be found at several local stockists, including Sugarberry, Mikro Coffee Co, Onshore Eatery, Greenways, Stofpad Farm Deli, Selah Coffee, Mr Write and Stonehouse Cheese Bar.

Whether it's a classic brownie or a gluten-free rusk, every bite is made with care, passion and the belief that good food doesn't need to be complicated.

Visit www.justyummythings.co.za to view their products or to shop online. 

What started as a small art programme in 2013 has evolved into a community-driven initiative changing young lives in Hawston. Founded by Vivienne Mitchley, The Creative Space now supports 283 registered learners through visual art, crafts, design and art therapy.

As the programme has grown, Vivienne has recognised a deeper need within the local community. Many children arrive at classes hungry or without warm clothing and other basic necessities, making it difficult for them to fully engage in creative learning. It quickly became clear that before creativity can flourish, many families first need support in meeting their everyday needs.

Instead of adopting a traditional charity model, Vivienne and her team launched the Creative Space Recycle Swop Shop last week which uses a voucher-based system that turns community participation into practical support. Families earn points by collecting recyclable materials in their neighbourhoods and at home, which can then be exchanged for essential items. The Swop Shop shelves are stocked with toys, school supplies, food, clothing, bedding, towels, kitchenware and other household necessities, allowing people to choose what they need while preserving dignity and independence.

Female empowerment remains at the heart of the initiative. Women who wish to participate are given donated wool and knitting needles to create scarves, beanies and other winter garments for school learners. As completed items are returned, participants earn points that can be redeemed at the Swop Shop – creating both income support and valuable skills development.

Although the idea for the Creative Space Swap Shop only came to Vivienne three months ago, the response from businesses, organisations and individuals has been overwhelming. The project has already been made possible through a network of local support, including:

• Dr Lorenza Douwenga who provided funding for initial stock
  Yorke Cash & Carry, offering ongoing discounts on stock

• PNA Hermanus, donating a selection of products

• Hermanus First Fridays Artwalk, contributing funding for stock

• Nuraan MoyaTech, responsible for transporting recycling from the Swap Shop to processing facilities

• Overstrand Municipality, providing a monthly stipend linked to recycled materials collected

• A co-founder of Arabella, who wishes to remain anonymous, donating a large quantity of recycling, with the resulting points directed back into the Swap Shop for community benefit

• A close friend of Vivienne’s, who wishes to remain anonymous, assisting with marketing and strategy based on experience in the charity sector

• Kalfiefees, partnering with the initiative by placing collection bins at events in August and directing ticket sales towards fundraising efforts

Donations are always welcome. “Whatever you are thinking of getting rid of or donating, we can use – as long as it is in good condition,” says Vivienne. “If you are moving house, we can even collect your unwanted items, which will find a new purpose in helping local families. Volunteers are available to assist with collections when needed. To the Hawston community – if you are hungry or cold we urge you to make use of this opportunity.”

The Creative Space Swap Shop operates every Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm to 4pm at Hawston Secondary School. Anyone wishing to donate or learn more can contact Vivienne on 084 513 2804. As Vivienne is not always available to answer calls, please WhatsApp only.