When we put together our very first edition three years ago, the intention was to highlight the people, places, and environment that make the Whale Coast the very special place that it is.

​This edition marks our third birthday, and our focus remains the same. Over the last 49 editions, we’ve covered local wine and food, conservation efforts, small businesses, community initiatives, and the individual stories that rarely make headlines elsewhere. This is made possible by the readers, the local business owners and advertisers who support local independent print, and the people who open their doors to share their stories and time with us.

We are very grateful to those who have kindly contributed articles, and to those who continue to do so. Your expertise ensures that we are able to provide these important stories with the knowledge that they require.

We’re so proud to continue our partnership with Greenpop’s Reforest Fest as a media partner. The work they do to restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity and bring communities together to make a difference for our planet is so important. We’re honoured to support the incredible work they do.

Local Life continues to grow. We post all our articles and content to our social media pages, and, over the last year, these have had over 1.7 million views – thank you! 

​Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting Local Life over the past three years. We’re very much looking forward to the year ahead.

Happy reading,

Taylum

Hermanus local, Crew Freemantle, is a guide and author whose love for the environment is the inspiration behind a growing collection of children’s books which he has written and illustrated. His books encourage curiosity and creativity, and spark a deeper connection with nature in both children and adults.

Crew is originally from Grabouw, where he spent his childhood before attending boarding school in Somerset West. He furthered his studies at the University of Cape Town, initially considering property development as a career, but he quickly discovered that desk work wasn't for him. Instead, he found himself drawn to opportunities that allowed him to work outdoors.

Crew began by offering guided hikes before moving into hospitality and sustainability roles at wine farms and lodges. Along the way, he became certified with the Field Guide Association of South Africa and developed a wealth of knowledge about the Cape’s remarkable biodiversity and the importance of sharing it with others. Crew also worked in Spain and Zambia where he continued to build his guiding experience.

He returned to the Overberg in 2024 and spent the next two years guiding hikers along the Kogelberg Camino before being head-hunted by Grootbos Private Nature Reserve to join its team as a field guide.

Through his work, the idea for his books began to take shape. “I wanted to find ways to inspire children to get outside, explore, and learn, rather than spend all their time on technology,” says Crew. In his books, he combines fact with fiction which makes them both informative and entertaining, and Crew's fun, hand drawn illustrations help his stories connect with his younger readers. He hopes to make learning about the natural world an engaging, hands-on experience. 

His first story, Oh to Be a Chicken on the Farm, was developed to educate children about the life cycle of a chicken at a local organic, free-range chicken farm. Featuring the character Cluckbert, the book brings learning to life through an engaging story. His latest release, Where Oh Where Do the Whales Go?, is an amusing tale exploring where southern right whales go when they leave Hermanus. Crew is currently developing a wildlife book for a game lodge, as well as another that teaches readers to identify animals through their scat.

The website for Crew’s own independent publishing company – Small, Round, Green Stories – is underway. It will feature his books as well as books from other South African authors who focus on environmental education and share the same values. Crew also plans to share more of his creative process on YouTube, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the stories and illustrations come together.

Where oh where do the whales go? is available locally at Bookmark, Onshore Eatery, Oskars Café & Bakery, and Grootbos. For queries, updates on new books, and upcoming readings, contact/follow @smallroundgreenstories on Instagram. 

Some places offer more than you might expect, and Wonderland Lifestyle Nursery is definitely one of those. A visit to buy a plant can turn into a coffee, a browse through interesting gifts and beautiful decor, or an afternoon of fun for the children. 

Behind it all is the Dalbock family – Marietjie and her sons, Arthur and Dylan. Marietjie oversees the café and playpark, while Arthur manages the nursery, with Dylan also working part time. Marietjie’s sister Nadine manages the finances.

The family’s story in Hermanus began long before Wonderland took shape. Marietjie and her husband Richard married in 1987 and initially lived in Stilfontein before moving to Klerksdorp where Marietjie started her own party business. Their first son, Arthur, was born in 2001, followed by Dylan in 2007. The family later ran a lodge in Mpumalanga before moving to Hermanus, drawn by the clean air and lifestyle.

Richard was an entrepreneur with a knack for spotting opportunities. The family bought the tobacco shop in town, now known as Smokies, and it was Richard who saw potential in a café they happened to drive past. Marietjie had always wanted a coffee shop, and in August 2011, they took over the café and a single jungle gym at what was then Superplants. Marietjie had one employee at the café, Geraldine Stolts, who is still employed there today. Their first children’s party, a Spiderman-themed celebration, was held in November 2011, just three months after they took over.

In 2015, the Dalbocks also took over the nursery, changing the name to Wonderland Lifestyle Nursery. Sadly, Richard passed away not long afterwards, but the business he helped shape continued to grow.

To assist his mom, Arthur began working weekends at the nursery while he was still at school. He developed a real affection for the plants and the people, and gradually took on more responsibility, from managing staff and customer service to introducing new products and expanding the nursery’s range. Today, customers can find everything from compost, plant food, pots and planters, to gardening tools, stones and edging.

The plant selection includes indoor plants, trees, shrubs, fynbos, flowers, creepers and ground cover, as well as vertical growing gardens. Plants are sourced from across South Africa and imported, and if a particular plant is not available, the team will do their best to find it.

Much of the nursery’s strength lies in its knowledgeable staff. Sizwe Mbali, who has been there since its earlier days and is qualified in horticulture, is often the person the family recommends to customers seeking advice. He manages stock, sources plants, and helps maintain their quality.

Around 30 permanent staff members work at Wonderland, many of whom have developed their horticultural knowledge through experience. Morné, for example, began as a handyman and gradually learned about the plants while watering them and reading their labels. Today, he knows their names and characteristics exceptionally well.

Staff are also encouraged to take on gardening work outside the nursery. Customers sometimes need help with their gardens after buying plants, and these opportunities allow the employees to put their knowledge into practice while gaining further experience.

“We aim to provide our customers with the widest variety of quality plants that we can, and provide service with a smile,” says Arthur.

The Glow Room and indoor emporium, with its selection of goods from South African makers, adds another reason to stay and browse a little longer.

The café and playpark are run by Marietjie with the help of Zanele Khati and Elsie Smith who have been working at the playpark for 6 and 7 years respectively. Eager, friendly and attentive, their responsibilities include serving food and doing the party setups. Marietjie says that they always “go above the call of duty”.

The playpark has expanded to include an indoor play area, putt putt, a sandpit, a jumping castle, a talking tree, and much more. Children’s birthday parties are a popular feature, with themed celebrations and food prepared by the café team. 

At the café visitors can enjoy breakfasts, light meals and cakes, or make bookings for functions. The café also makes platters that are available to order for outside events. 

Creativity has its own place at Wonderland. Marietjie hosts Thursday craft mornings, with a different activity each week and snacks included. Arthur’s wife Kelly, who teaches art at Curro Hermanus, runs art classes and workshops for children on Fridays and Saturdays called Tiny Makers. 

Be sure to allow more time than you think you’ll need for your visit – there’s always something to discover at Wonderland!

Wonderland Lifestyle Nursery is open Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 17:00, with the café and playpark closing at 16:30. On Sundays, the nursery, café and playpark are open from 09:00 to 15:00. Follow Wonderland Lifestyle Nursery on Facebook for plant specials, craft morning updates, Tiny Makers, and other exciting activities. For more information, visit www.wlnursery.co.za or call 028 316 4006.

In the October edition of Local Life, we introduced you to two local markets. This month, we invite you to discover a few more lovely spots, and there’s still more to explore. Keep an eye out for our December edition, where we’ll bring you the final instalment of “Your weekend market fix”. Enjoy wandering, browsing, soaking up the local atmosphere, and meeting up with friends and family at your favourite spots. Happy exploring!

Your Local Market

De Wet Hall, 6 Roos Street, Onrus

09:00 to 13:00

Founded in February 2025 by Chantell Le Roux, known locally as "The Pancake Lady", ‘Your Local Market’ was created to bring the Onrus community together while showcasing and supporting small businesses and independent vendors.

The market features fresh produce, home-cooked food, artisanal treats, handcrafted goods, vintage thrifting finds, and unique gifts. Stalls are both inside the hall and outdoors, with the lawns big enough to allow young children to get rid of some of that weekend energy!

It is relaxed and welcoming with just a little hint of the markets of yesteryear – a special spot for people to browse and meet, and well worth a visit. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming market dates. 

Stanford Saturday Morning Market

Stanford Square, Queen Victoria Street

09:00 to 12:00

For over 15 years, the Stanford Saturday Morning Market has been a regular weekend fixture on the stoep of the historic Stanford Hotel. It brings together local growers, bakers, and artisans offering a variety of fresh regional goods.

Visitors can shop for organic vegetables, seasonal fruits, herbs, and flowers, alongside farm-fresh honey, home-baked bread, pastries, jams, and sauces. The market also features natural cosmetics and handcrafted items, while nearby vendors serve up quick eats like pancakes, boerewors rolls, and gelato.

This charming Saturday market is great for picking up local items and connecting with the community.

Stanford Sunset Market

Village Green, Queen Victoria Street

18:00 to 20:00

Held on the historic Village Green on the last Friday evening of each month (Sep to May), the Stanford Sunset Market is family-friendly and highlights the best of the local region. 

Visitors can enjoy live music while sampling offerings from nearby wine farms, craft breweries, artisanal food stalls, and local gift vendors.

Designed for easy access, the market provides plenty of seating and hassle-free parking, though its central location makes it just as easy for Stanford locals to walk over, meet up with friends, and enjoy a meal together. Entry is free.

If the weather has you worried, please call ahead to confirm on 082 667 0619. 

BY DR JAWI RAMAHLO

Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Pretoria Mammal Research Institute: Department of Zoology and Entomology

If you’ve ever walked along a quiet river or stretch of coastline and noticed a quick ripple in the water, a flash of sleek brown fur and curious eyes, then thought you imagined it, you might have spotted an otter – our country’s most elusive semi-aquatic mammals, equally at home in water and on land. Seeing one in the wild is rare, as they are quite shy animals that are mostly active at dawn, at dusk, and while we are asleep. 

South Africa is home to two species of these playful water-lovers: the African clawless otter and the spotted-necked otter. African clawless otters are the third-largest otters in the world, and as their name suggests, they don't have claws on their front paws. Instead, they have super-sensitive fingers that they use to feel around in muddy riverbeds for crabs, frogs, and fish. Meanwhile, spotted-necked otters are smaller, faster swimmers who love to hunt fish, and – you guessed it – they have distinctive spotted patterns on their necks. Our otters depend on clean fresh water and undisturbed riverbanks to rest and raise their pups.

Otters play an important role in our ecosystems. They are carnivores that sit at the top of the freshwater food chain and can act as the health inspectors of our rivers. If a river becomes heavily polluted with litter or chemicals, or is damaged by human activity, the crabs and fish (the otters’ favourite food!) may disappear, and so may the otters. 

South Africa’s freshwater systems are facing intense pressures, from everyday litter and pollution to extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. If our rivers suffer, we suffer too, because clean water is the lifeblood of our communities, agriculture, and daily survival. When otters thrive in an area, it tells us that the water is clean, the food chain is functioning, and the ecosystem is healthy.

Become an Otter Spotter - Be the voice for our waterways

So, how do we protect animals that are hard to find across rivers and coastlines that stretch for thousands of kilometres? We can’t be everywhere at once, but together, we can come close. This is where South African Otter Spotters come in: a community-driven project that relies on ordinary people – ‘citizen scientists’ – to help track otter numbers across South Africa. You don't need a biology degree or expensive equipment. All you need is a smartphone and a bit of curiosity.

When you are out hiking, fishing, or walking near water, keep your eyes peeled. You might see an actual otter, or spot their distinctive footprints in the mud, or leftover crab shells in their spraint (otter poop) on a rock.

How it works

If you spot an otter, or even signs that they've been hanging around, you can help conservationists in seconds:

• Snap a photo of the animal or its tracks (if it's safe to do so)

• Open the SA Otter Spotters web-app (https://otter-spotters.web.app/) directly on your phone’s browser (no complicated app downloads required)

• Pin your location, note the date and time, and submit your sighting

Every single report helps us map where our otters are living, and where pollution or habitat development is threatening their homes. Protecting otters means safeguarding the rivers that sustain us all. By stepping up as citizen scientists, people like you can directly influence how we manage our precious water resources, especially as we face unpredictable weather and climate challenges ahead. 

Next time you head outdoors, keep your eyes on the water. Grab your phone and become an Otter Spotter! 

After Moltenos in Onrus closed its doors earlier this year after 20 years in business, residents have been wondering what would take its place. Now, the wait is over, with a new chapter beginning for this familiar local landmark.

A former post office might seem an unlikely place to find a bar and eatery, but at The Striped Horse in Onrus, the idea is to transform the familiar into something unexpected. With its eclectic bohemian interior and intimate seating, this new neighbourhood gathering spot promises good food, interesting drinks and a little armchair travelling.

For owner Jurie Blomerus, the opening marks something of a homecoming after buying a house in Onrus 5 years ago. Having opened the original Striped Horse in Muizenberg 10 years ago, he is bringing its distinctive spirit to the Whale Coast. A creative at heart, Jurie describes himself as more of a conceptualiser of beautiful spaces than a barkeep, believing that a memorable experience extends beyond what is served at the table. The surroundings, music and atmosphere are just as important.

Inspired by its Muizenberg counterpart, the Onrus venue has been renovated, with a new characterful interior that transports guests somewhere else while retaining a relaxed, local feel. Family and community are central to its identity, alongside a commitment to fresh ingredients and supporting local suppliers wherever possible.

The menu offers relaxed grill-house favourites and generous bar snacks, making it equally suited to a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Expect crispy chicken burgers, prego rolls, sticky pork ribs, halloumi rolls and sausage dogs, alongside seafood favourites such as scampi prawns, hake and chips, and calamari. The Mexicano section features tacos and nachos with a choice of chicken, steak or fish, while baskets of onion rings, crumbed mushrooms and chicken strips are ideal for sharing. A Greek salad offers a lighter alternative.

The drinks menu is just as enticing. Bespoke beer has long been part of The Striped Horse story, with the original concept inspired by the idea of creating a great craft lager. The eatery will continue that tradition with six beers and ciders on tap: Striped Horse Lager, Juicy Lucy IPA, Fokof Lager, Weiss CBC, Twakkie Vuil Ale, and Loxtonia Crispy Apple Cider.

Wine, bubbly, spirits and a cocktail selection round out the offering. Classic Margaritas and Old Fashioneds to refreshing Watermelon Gin Bulls and Peach Ritas, ensure there is something for every occasion. Daily slushy specials and happy hour are from 15:00 to 18:00 and offer further reasons to pull up a chair. Music will play an important role in shaping the atmosphere, with background sounds setting the mood and plans for acoustic live performances in the future. In addition, the eatery will also play televised sports.

Managed by local Megan McEwan, The Striped Horse is preparing to open in early November. Well-behaved, on-leash dogs are welcome. Their trading hours are Tuesday to Thursday 11:00 to 23:00, Friday and Saturday 11:00 to midnight, and Sunday 11:00 to 20:00.

For more information follow The Striped Horse Onrus on Facebook and Instagram, or call 082 094 8996.

At the Only Specials Lifestyle Hub in Hermanus, a collection of independent businesses provide an unexpected setting for young people learning their way into working life.

Follow the smell of fresh coffee through the gate at 14 Aberdeen Street and you’ll discover rather more than a café. There’s contemporary art, antique furniture, a garden filled with plants and, behind the counter, young people gaining valuable experience in the world of work.

Welcome to the Only Specials Lifestyle Hub, where an ordinary morning out can be part of something quite extraordinary.

LEARNING ON THE JOB

Only Specials is a social enterprise of the Sluyter Foundation, run in partnership with Camphill School and Camphill Farm. During their final school years, students with intellectual challenges gain practical experience in a working hospitality environment.

They take orders, prepare coffee, serve customers and learn to work as a team. Along the way come the less tangible skills: confidence, independence and the satisfaction of doing a job well.

"Everyone has something to contribute," says director Joke Gonggrijp. "Our guests don't come here out of pity. They come because it's a truly magical place, and the young people are proud of what they do. That pride is what prepares them for the next step."

And not everyone belongs behind a coffee machine. The Hub offers opportunities in retail, gardening, restoration, events and front-of-house work, allowing students to discover their strengths and interests.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Since opening in February 2026, the Hub has become a place to eat, browse, explore and spend time.

At Only Specials Café, visitors can settle in for breakfast or lunch, with students gaining experience in the kitchen and front of house. Rossouw Modern LOKAAL brings contemporary art by established and emerging Southern African artists into the mix, while Park99 offers 18th- and 19th-century Swedish, Dutch and French antiques, each piece restored in-house with its original provenance preserved, and paired with contemporary art and design.

Outside, Lloyd & Co Landscaping brings its coastal landscaping expertise to the garden, with plants and garden ornaments providing a setting for a leisurely meal.

The Hub also has a conference room for meetings and workshops, while private functions and evening dining extend its use beyond the usual café hours.

From December, Chef Tamuka will guide evening dining every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, giving visitors another reason to return and students the opportunity to experience a different pace of hospitality.

The businesses each have their own identity, but their presence gives the Hub something beyond the traditional café setting: a variety of working environments in which students can learn, contribute and develop their abilities.

SUMMER ON ABERDEEN STREET 

There is plenty on the calendar this festive season. From 14 December 2026 to 14 January 2027, the Hub plans a summer programme of wine tastings, workshops and exhibitions.

Whether you're meeting friends for lunch, looking for a work of art, browsing antiques or joining an event, there's good reason to spend a little time on Aberdeen Street. And while you enjoy your visit, someone else may be discovering what they can do.

Visit the Only Specials Lifestyle Hub at 14 Aberdeen Street, Hermanus. Follow the Hub on Facebook and Instagram for opening hours, the full summer programme, and event announcements.

On Sunday 25 October, Kleinmond welcomed a new sporting event to the Cape Whale Coast calendar as runners took on the inaugural Pam Golding Properties Hangklip Marathon & Half Marathon which saw approximately 1 200 runners taking part.

The race was brought to life through a collaboration between race co-directors Barry Muller and Japie Swanepoel, with support from key partners including title sponsor Pam Golding Properties Whale Coast. What began as an idea developed into a community-wide initiative, supported by local businesses, organisations and individuals.

The event was hosted by Hangklip Athletics Club, with support from Raceday and BMEvents. It was affiliated with Boland Athletics and conducted in accordance with Athletics South Africa. Barry and Japie expressed their gratitude for the enthusiasm and support shown by the Hangklip area, with Japie describing the marathon as an event belonging to the community. Both organisers hope it will become an annual highlight.

The event offered runners a choice of two distances – the 42.2km marathon, which started at 06:30, and the 21.1km half marathon at 07:00. Both began at Kleinmond Jukskei Klub and finished at a lively race village at Kleinmond Lagoon.

The route followed a section of Clarence Drive, the coastal road towards Betty’s Bay, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve on the other. Environmental responsibility was a priority and runners were asked to keep the route clean, with littering a grounds for disqualification.

Pam Golding Properties Whale Coast saw the event as an opportunity to celebrate the region’s communities and showcase the remarkable coastline. It also brought visitors to the area, supporting local businesses and highlighting the region’s hospitality and investment potential. The race holds significance for the wider running community, serving as an officially seeded qualifying event for the 2027 Comrades Marathon which will celebrate its 100th running, as well as the 2027 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.

The marathon’s official beneficiary is the South Africa Transplant Sports Association, which promotes organ donation and transplantation while supporting the quality of life of transplant recipients through sport and physical activity. 

Local businesses embraced the event with special offers for race-pack holders, encouraging visitors to explore the town and enjoy its hospitality. Participating businesses included Kleinmond Central Cafe, Bistro 14, Carry Me Home Restaurant & Deli, The Whine Room, C Shack Restaurant, Sasol Kleinmond, The Biltong Deli Kleinmond, Albertyn Pharmacy at SPAR Kleinmond, Mooi at SPAR, Lekker by Albertyn, and Homegrown SA Tours.

The weekend programme included a quiz night at Kleinmond Golf Club on 24 October and a two-day indoor market at Kleinmond Town Hall where visitors could browse handmade arts and crafts, local food and beverages, and more. 

A special touch came from Corinne de Haas Ceramics, who created the event’s unique ceramic medals for every finisher.

The inaugural Pam Golding Properties Hangklip Marathon & Half Marathon marked an exciting milestone for the region, and the organisers and participants are looking forward to seeing what 2027 holds. Barry and Japie would like to thank their partners, sponsors, and supporters for making this event a success. Visit the Pam Golding Hangklip Marathon page on Facebook to see more photos and results.