This is a day that many residents and law enforcement officers look forward to - the launch of the Holiday Safety Plan in the Overberg, which was held on Monday in Hermanus.
The day, which was attended by some of the neighbourhood watches in the district, the South African police as well as other law enforcement departments such as the fire and rescue services and also ambulance services, emphasises the importance of the Holiday Safety Plan.
During his welcome message, the Mayor of the Overstrand, Archie Klaas, said no one is above the law and they will all go out of their way to provide a service. He also jokingly mentioned that he is a resident of Zwelihle in Hermanus and said he would not want to trade his neighbourhood for a safer neighbourhood.
“The lauch is a personal moment for me as someone who lives in Zwelihle, an area that is problematic when it came to crime stats. This is an opportunity to reflect and listen to what is going to be done in dealing with crime in this district. I chose to remain where I stay,” Klaas said. “That is why it is a pleasure for me to welcome you all in the Overberg.”
The Mayor of the Overberg District Sakkie Franken also expressed the importance of safey during the last meeting with Klaas. During this meeting he emphasised the importance of feeling safe in the town you are residing in. Klaas also said that this lauch is being supported by all the mayors in the Overberg.
The Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Policing, Major General Luyanda Damoyi, addressed the public and shared the focus areas with all.
“During this time of the year there is a lot of movement in the Overberg. Let us increase our visibility all over the Overberg,” he said.
According to him one of the focus areas is Gender Based Violence. “During this time of the year Gender Based Violence also increase and we must be there for the victims,” he said. Another focus area is the prevention of robberies like cash
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and transit. “People must feel free to do their shopping without fear of being robbed.”
According to Damoyi they are also going to focus on illegal fire arms, liquor and drug trafficking. “Other areas are road safety, unlawfull businesses like selling fake clothing and bylaws enforcement.”
Tourists and visitors must feel safe to visit the Overberg. “Visibility is important and with the help of other departments we will make sure that the Overberg is a safe place to visit.”
New commissioner joining the bench
For residents of Hermanus seeking an affordable and accessible way to resolve civil disputes, the local Small Claims Court (SCC) provides a valuable community service that many may not fully understand or utilize.
Established in 2010, the Hermanus SCC brought justice closer to home for local residents who previously had to travel to Caledon for small claims matters. The court has since become an integral part of the local legal landscape, with seven Hermanus attorneys currently serving as commissioners.
The court welcomed a new commissioner on 17 October; Anton Coetzee was sworn in to join the bench. This appointment comes as the court prepares to bid farewell to a veteran of the system. Commissioner Henning Vil-
joen, who currently chairs the Advisory Board, will be retiring at the end of this year after an impressive 35 years of service in Small Claims Courts, spanning his time in both Pretoria and Hermanus.
The SCC handles civil claims up to a maximum value of R20 000. For claims exceeding this amount, plaintiffs must be willing to abandon the excess to proceed – for example, a R25 000 claim would require abandoning R5 000 to fall within the court’s jurisdiction.
Any person over 18 can file a claim against another individual, though claims against government entities or municipalities are not permitted. While companies and other juristic persons cannot sue in the SCC, they can be sued as defendants.
All the different law enforcement departments as well as the fire and rescue services attended the launch on Monday.
The court welcomed a new commissioner on 17 October, as Anton Coetzee was sworn in to the bench.
25 years for Deveney
Conviction and sentencing in the Deveney murder was welcomed, but activists say more is needed.
“As an activist, I am very grateful for the outcome. I am grateful to detective Baksteen Louw and his team. But we are not done yet, there is still a long way ahead for us.”
So said Lucinda Evans, an activist with women’s- and children’s-rights group One Billion Rising.
The Western Cape High Court has sentenced a child in conflict with the law to an effective 25 year direct imprisonment following his conviction for the murder of Deveney Nel and an attempt to defeat the course of justice.
“In this case, 25 years of direct imprisonment is the maximum sentence the accused could receive under the law,” said Eric Ntabazalila, the National Prosecuting Authority Regional Communications Manager of the Western Cape.
According to Ntabazalila the accused, through his legal representative, approached the State with an offer to enter into a plea and sentence agreement. “He confessed to the murder of Nel, an attempt to hide her body, and he was sentenced to
25 years direct imprisonment for the murder and 12 months direct imprisonment for the attempt to defeat the course of justice.
The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, effectively sentencing him to 25 years direct imprisonment. Both her mother, Lida Nel, and the investigating officer, detective Warrant Officer Louw, were consulted before the sentence agreement was concluded, and they agreed with the sentence.”
EXCESSIVE VIOLENCE
In the aggravating factors, state advocate Leon Snyman told the court that the accused murdered the deceased at school, a place where children are supposed to be safe. “He used excessive violence, stabbed her with so much force that her left lung collapsed, and the blade perforated the right ventricle of her heart. The motivation offered for the killing is indicative of toxic masculinity.
The high level of disregard for human life shown at such a young age by the accused is worrisome.
“The family of the deceased is traumatised by the offence, and her mother will never fully recover from this loss. There is a public outcry against the high
levels of serious and violent crime against women in South Africa,” Snyman said.
In her first statement since the incident Deveney’s mother Lida said: “Deveney was brutally, deliberately and cold-bloodedly murdered. For me, there are no mitigating circumstances. Murder is the worst thing anyone can do. Still, some days I think to myself that what happened cannot be true, because how can anyone think of hurting another so much that it causes their death?”
She also described the pain as unimaginable. “Losing your daughter (or child) to another’s hand is the most painful pain that can exist in a parent’s life. The pain is unimaginable; I will never be able to fully describe or express it. This is a pain I can’t describe, I don’t have the words to explain it, it is indescribably heartbreaking. Deveney, my daughter, was gentle, loving, helpful, full of empathy for others and always put other people’s feelings above her own, stood up for what is right and wrong, she was a phenomenal piece of a person and had her whole life ahead of her, she wanted to continue studying and help others, but one monster cut her life short and caused such an immense amount of sorrow that he will never ever
Skool rou ná leerder se dood
Rasaad Adams
Die Swartberg Sekondêre Skool en Caledon-gemeenskap is in rou gedompel nadat ’n 17-jarige leerder Donderdag (16 Oktober) in Ravenstraat, Bergsig, deur ’n voertuig getref en op die toneel dood is. ’n Tienermeisie is ook in die ongeluk beseer en sterk in die hospitaal aan.
Die skool het die oorledene in ’n Facebook-plasing as Neo Cornelius (17) identifiseer.
“Ons harte is swaar oor die afsterwe van Neo Cornelius, ’n kosbare leerder van Swartberg Sekondêr.
“Neo sal onthou word vir sy vriendelikheid, goeie maniere en die positiewe energie wat hy oral saamgedra het.
“Mag sy familie en vriende vertroosting vind in die mooi herinneringe wat hy agterlaat,” lui die skool se plasing.
Wesley Twigg, ’n provinsiale polisiewoordvoerder, het by navraag aan Hermanus Times gesê die polisie is omstreeks 15:40 na die toneel ontbied.
“Met die polisie se aankoms het hulle ’n wit Toyota-bakkie op die sypaadjie aangetref.
“Die bewering is dat die bestuurder van die voertuig twee mense raakgery het.
be able to understand or imagine.”
The horrific murder of Deveney on 7 Augustus 2024 shocked the entire country. Deveney’s body was found in a storage room after she had been stabbed. Deveney and the murderer had attended school together. The accused, 17 years old at the time of his arrest, was initially held at a centre for youth as per the law, but was moved to a regular prison after turning 18 in April.
CANNOT BE NAMED
He was, however, tried as a minor under the Child Justice Act because he was legally a minor at the time of Deveney’s murder and his arrest, and is why he cannot be named.
Evans is calling for an urgent
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“Verdere ondersoek het gelei tot die ontdekking van die liggaam van die seun.
“Die 15-jarige slagoffer is op die toneel deur mediese personeel dood verklaar,” sê Twigg.
Volgens hom het die polisie ook ’n vrou aangetref wat beserings opgedoen het en later na ’n nabygeleë hospitaal vervoer is.
Twigg sê ’n 21-jarige man is in hegtenis geneem op aanklag van strafbare manslag.
Huldeblyke stroom sedert die voorval op sosiale media in.
Duncan Plaatjies, ’n onderwyser by Swartberg Sekondêre Skool, het sy harteer en skok oor die voorval in ’n Facebook-plasing gedeel.
“My hart bloei vanaand, man. Jy het nie dit verdien nie, my klong.
“Hoe kap jy aan as daar ’n leë stoel nou in jou klas is?
“Aan al Neo se familie, vriende en onderwysers sê ek alle sterkte.
“Onthou daardie smile van hom en hoe hy was.
“Ons bly biddend en ons glo en vertrou dat God weet wat hy doen,” lui Plaatjies se plasing.
• Cornelius se familie kon nie telefonies bereik word nie.
review of the Act, arguing that it gave repeat juvenile offenders too much protection while failing to keep schools and communities safe. “If he behaves well he may be able to get out of prison after 10 years, and that’s what we want to stop,” she said. Meanwhile the accused’s mother applied for interdicts against activist Tanya Bippert, One Billion Rising SA’s national co-ordinator Evans, a woman from Grabouw and Julian Jansen, a well-known journalist and the author of a number of books including The Murder of Deveney Nel. They will once again appear in the Grabouw Magistrates’ Court on 6 November to oppose a protection order prohibiting them from commenting about the case or posting anything about the case.
What does a conveyancer do?
If you’re buying or selling property for the first time the transfer process may seem a li le overwhelming. We’ve compiled a list of common questions to help you understand the key steps and make the experience a bit less daunting.
1. What does a conveyancer actually do?
A conveyancer is a specialised a orney who oversees the legal work involved in transferring property ownership. They ensure all paperwork is in order, manage payments such as transfer duty, clear outstanding municipal rates and lodge documents at the Deeds Office. Their job is to make sure everything runs legally and efficiently.
2. How long does a property transfer take?
Most property transfers take around 8 to 12 weeks, depending on how quickly documents are submi ed and how long it takes to get rate clearance from the municipality. Once the transfer is lodged registration at the Deeds Office usually takes about seven to 10 working days.
3. What costs should I expect during a transfer?
There are several fees involved in the transfer process:
• Transfer duty (if applicable): a tax paid to Sars, based on the purchase price.
• Conveyancing fees: a legal fee for the work done by the conveyancer.
• Deeds Office fees: a registration fee based on the property value.
Municipal clearance: any outstanding rates or taxes must be paid before transfer.
The seller covers rates and taxes up to the date of registration, while the buyer is responsible for most of the legal and registration fees.
4. Who chooses the conveyancer?
In South Africa the seller usually appoints the conveyancer. Although the buyer doesn’t get to choose it’s still important for them to stay in close contact with the conveyancer to
make sure all payments, documents and obligations are handled correctly.
5. What if there are unpaid municipal charges?
The transfer cannot go through unless a clearance certificate is issued by the local municipality. The seller is responsible for se ling any outstanding rates and taxes before the property can be registered in the buyer’s name.
6. Can I do a property transfer without a conveyancer?
No. Property transfers must be handled by a registered conveyancer. It’s a legal requirement in South Africa. A conveyancer protects both parties by ensuring the transaction complies with all regulations and is properly recorded at the Deeds Office.
7. What happens a er the transfer is registered?
Once registered, the buyer officially becomes the legal owner. The conveyancer will provide confirmation and the new title deed. From this point on the buyer takes full responsibility for the property, including ongoing municipal charges and upkeep.
8. What are the buyer and seller each responsible for?
• The seller: must provide documents like the title deed and clearance certificates.
• The buyer: must pay transfer duty (if applicable), registration fees, and sign the required legal documents.
Both parties should respond promptly to the conveyancer’s requests to avoid delays.
9. Why is proper registration so important? Until the transfer is recorded in the Deeds Office, the seller remains the legal owner. If the property isn’t properly registered, the buyer cannot legally take ownership or enforce their rights to the property.
Need advice or assistance with a property transfer?
Our conveyancing team is ready to help you every step of the way - www.vorsteyn.co.za
The murderer of Deveney Nel is sentenced to an e ective 25 years direct imprisonment. Photo: Mitzi Buys
Polisiebeamptes hou ’n kombers omhoog om die ongelukstoneel af te skerm. Foto: Sydney Armoed
Neo Cornelius (17)
Penguin Palooza to open your heart
In the crystal-clear waters off the Overberg's coastline, a beloved black-and-white seabird is fighting for its very survival.
The African Penguin, the continent’s sole penguin species and a cherished icon of South African wildlife, now teeters on the brink of extinction.
With fewer than 8 750 breeding pairs remaining and their numbers plummeting by 8% annually, scientists deliver a sobering warning: without immediate action these charismatic birds could disappear from the wild forever by 2035.
But hope isn’t lost. In a powerful display of conservation unity, CapeNature and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) are joining forces to spotlight this crisis and showcase the remarkable efforts to save these penguins. Their weapon of choice? The heartwarming Penguin Palooza – a free community celebration that transforms conservation awareness into a joyful, family-friendly experience.
The free public event, starting at 10:00 on Saturday, 8 November at Stony Point, will shine the spotlight on the crisis facing one of South Africa’s most beloved seabirds. This year visitors can enjoy an outdoor market featuring local food, crafts and community stalls, alongside interactive ex-
hibits and children’s activities.
The highlight of the day will be the release of rehabilitated penguins back into the wild, providing a rare opportunity to witness conservation in action.
Regarding the diminishing numbers, at Stony Point the decline is even more stark; the 2023 census recorded 1 200 individuals, but by 2024 this had almost halved to 673, just 27% of what the colony was a decade ago.
Unique to the continent the African Penguin stands as its only penguin species.
Sadly, it’s also an important indicator of marine ecosystem health. The major causes of this decline include limited food availability, pollution, climate change, oil spills and predation. CapeNature, in partnership with Sanccob, is working to rehabilitate ill or injured penguins and hand-rear abandoned eggs and chicks for release back into the wild, in this way combating this alarming loss.
DRIVER OF LOCAL LIVELIHOODS
Stony Point is one of the few remaining key colonies where these efforts are focused.
The colony at Stony Point is also deeply tied to the local community. A recent report estimated that African Penguins at this site alone generate R55,6 million in tourism spend annually, while the On the Edge Restaurant, run by the Mooiuitsig Community adja-
cent to the reserve, reinvests profits directly into community upliftment.
The penguins are not just an environmental boon; they are a driver of local livelihoods. If South Africans do not act now
they may face a future without African Penguins in the wild.
“The Penguin Palooza showcases to present and future generations the importance of penguins to the environment and local communities,” said
Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature.
STRONG PARTNERSHIP
“Our efforts, alongside those of Sanccob, WWF-SA, Dyer Island Conservation Trust, BirdLife SA, and the Betty’s Bay Conservancy are essential to protecting this species. Together we are leading the effort to ensure the future of penguins on our coastlines and raise the profile and awareness of the African Penguin among the public.”
Natalie Maskell, CEO of Sanccob, said the Penguin Palooza is a celebration born out of the strong partnership between the two organisations.
“Together, our organisations have worked tirelessly to safeguard seabirds, resulting in the rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of seabirds, including the critically endangered African Penguin.
Through Sanccob’s dedicated rangers at key breeding colonies, such as Stony Point, and Sanccob’s expertise in monitoring, rescue, and rehabilitation, this partnership ensures vulnerable seabird species receive the protection and care they need to survive and thrive.”
Events such as Penguin Palooza not only highlight the impact of this collaboration, but also inspire awareness and encourage collective action to protect local marine ecosystems.
First African penguin tests positive for HPAI in SA
Kailin Daniels
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) confirmed that the first African Penguin has tested positive for high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), marking a serious new development in the ongoing outbreak among Western Cape seabirds.
In August almost 1 000 seabirds have been confirmed with HPAI, and the spread remains deeply concerning. Since early July, a new outbreak of HPAI has been confirmed in wild seabirds across the province — the first wild-bird detections since April 2024. Infected birds often display neurological signs, such as tremors, head twitches, and seizures. While HPAI occasionally infects mammals and humans, experts emphasise that the risk to the public remains very low when basic safety precautions are followed.
Sanccob confirmed that its teams are working “diligently and cautiously” to ensure that all seabirds entering rehabilitation facilities are tested and cleared before admission. “Our highest priority is keeping our seabird hospitals infection-free and ensuring every case is accurately recorded,” said Sanccob spokesperson Dr Katta Ludynia in a statement.
“This is a fast-moving situation, and we are working closely with the State Veterinary Services and conservation authorities to respond effectively.” The organisation continues to support wild responders, monitor the impact on wild populations, and provide training and guidance to other rehabilitation centres and veterinarians. The public are urged not to pick up or handle sick or dead birds under any circumstances. Instead, cases should be reported immediately to the correct authorities.
For seabirds: Sanccob – 021 557 6155
(landline) or 078 638 3631 (cell/WhatsApp).
For non-seabird species: Use the online reporting tool: DFFE Avian Influenza Reporting Form. Residents are also reminded to keep pets away from affected birds and to report any sightings promptly to help authorities map and contain the outbreak.“Every report helps us respond faster and prevent further infections,” said Ludynia. “The public plays a vital role in helping protect South Africa’s vulnerable seabird populations.”
By early August, most confirmed cases were among Hartlaub’s Gulls, though Great White Pelicans, Grey-headed Gulls, Kelp Gulls, Whitebreasted Cormorants, Crowned Cormorants, and Sacred Ibises have also been affected. Domestic chickens and ducks have tested positive too. The type of virus circulating, H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, is known to cause rapid and severe illness in birds.Infected seabirds may ap-
pear unusually tame, unable to fly or walk, or show signs of twitching, seizures, or cloudy eyes. Sadly, birds showing symptoms cannot be treated and are humanely euthanised to prevent further spread. Members of the public are asked to: Report any sick or dead seabirds immediately to Sanccob; use the official DFFE form for other bird species; not attempt to pick up or move birds; keep pets away from beaches or areas where birds appear ill.
If you have handled a dead or sick bird, wash hands and surfaces thoroughly with soap and water, disinfect with diluted bleach, and wash clothes before resuming contact with any domestic birds.“We can all play a part in limiting the spread,” Sanccob said in a statement..
For updates and information on how to assist Sanccob’s work or to volunteer your time to help, visit https://tr.ee/SaveThePenguins
Events such as Penguin Palooza, which takes place on 8 November, not only highlight the impact of this collaboration, but also inspire awareness and encourage collective action to protect local marine ecosystems.
Rissies verras
Mitzi Buys
Die 24-jarige Caitlin Fourie is passievol oor volhoubare groenteverbouing en kon onlangs met haar eerste groot pikantrissie-oes (peppadew) spog.
Caitlin woon die afgelope 10 jaar in Genadendal en het haar skoolloopbaan aan die Hoërskool Emil Weder voltooi. Sy het onlangs ’n jaar lange leerlingskapprogram in volhoubare produksiebeplanning en boerdery aan die Exodus-akademie voltooi, waarna sy die praktiese deel van die program moes uitvoer. Hiervoor het Exodus haar van ’n groot hoeveelheid pikantrissieplantjies voorsien, wat Caitlin op haar kêrel se stuk grond geplant het.
Toe die pikantrissies gereed was om te oes, was Caitlin effens oorweldig en het sy nie eintlik geweet wat om met so ’n groot opbrengs te maak nie. “Ek het navorsing daaroor gedoen en Marshall Rinquest van Greyton het die voorstel gemaak dat ek van hulle inlê.”
Marshall het geen bekendstelling nodig wanneer dit by volhoubare organiese verbouing van groente kom nie. Hy is betrokke by verskeie suksesvolle programme en verkoop gereeld van dié programme se groente by die mark in Greyton. Marshall was baie opgewonde toe hy Caitlin se pikantrissies gesien het. Hy sê dis van die mooistes wat hy nog onder oë gehad het.
“Ek het vir Caitlin potjies gekoop en etikette gemaak sodat sy kan begin inlê en ook 70 kg van die pikantrissies gepluk en dit vir haar by die mark verkoop. Basies help ons haar nou om die groentetuin uit te brei en somergewasse soos pampoen, botterskorsies, wortels en skorsies te plant,” sê Marshall.
“Wat vir my belangrik is, is dat sy nou ’n rolmodel kan wees vir ander jong vroue
in Genadendal. Sy is nou baie opgewonde oor die projek, want sy het nog nie voorheen ander gewasse geplant nie,” sê Marshall.
Oor Marshall se betrokkenheid en mentorskap sê Caitlin: “Ek het Marshall altyd by die mark gesien en toe ek hom om hulp gevra het, het hy dit onmiddellik aangebied. Hy het my storie op sy Facebookblad gedeel en dit het my baie gehelp om van die pikantrissies te verkoop.
“Ek is so dankbaar vir die hulp wat ek van hom kry.”
Caitlin sê sy het nou rooikool en spinasie geplant en daarna kom die somergewasse.
“Dit is maar nou die begin en ek het nog baie om te leer, maar ek het ’n passie hiervoor en dit is gewis wat ek wil doen.”
Emoji hou bewusmaking
Mitzi Buys
Emoji Movement, ’n organisasie sonder winsbejag, het Saterdag 11 Oktober ’n stap en boomdrapering deur Myddleton se strate ter bewusmaking van kanker gehou.
Hoewel Oktober Borskankermaand is, het Emoji Movement besluit om bome nie net in pienk materiaal te drapeer nie, maar ook om bome in elke straat op die roete in ’n kleur wat ’n soort kanker simboliseer, te drapeer. Die vrolike groep deelnemers het van die gemeenskapsaal af deur verskeie strate, waar hulle bome en pale drapeer het, na die sportterrein gestap.
Tannie Baby van der Schyff het haar kankerreis in ’n bemoedigende boodskap met die mense gedeel, waarna Christa Myburgh en haar span van AVBOB geskenkmandjies aan ’n groep vroue, wat hul kankerstryd oorwin het, geskenk het.
As ’n groot verrassing vir die kinders, wat vroeër ook fluks met die drapering van die bome gehelp het, het ’n span van
die Caledon-brandweer ’n skuim-glybaan vir die kinders opgerig. Hiérvan kon die kinders nie genoeg kry nie en hulle het omtrent baljaar.
AVBOB het die kinders met koeldrank, kolwyntjies en ’n geskenkpakkie met lekkers bederf.
Christa Myburgh sê: “Kankerbewusmaking is so belangrik. In ons werk sien ons waardeur mense wat ’n geliefde aan kanker verloor het, gaan. Dit is ’n saak wat ons na aan die hart lê en ons probeer maar altyd om deel van die gemeenskap te wees – om te help waar ons kan en om iets aan die gemeenskap terug te gee.”
Janine Botha van Emoji Movement sê die bewusmakingsveldtog was ’n groot sukses. “Dit is die eerste keer dat ons so baie ondersteuning van die gemeenskap gekry het en dit was regtig verblydend. Ek is dankbaar vir AVBOB se ondersteuning, asook dié van die brandweer, die YeBoneers, lede van die Disa-dienssentrum asook die gemeenskap wat bygedra het om die dag suksesvol te maak.”
Caitlin Fourie met haar rissies. Foto: Marshall Rinquest
’n Deel van die groep wat Emoji Movement se kankerbewusmakingsdag ondersteun het. Foto: Mitzi Buys
Die afgelope vakansieprogram was weer eens ‘n reusesukses. Op die laaste dag van die program, die sportdag wat in die
aangebied is,
raadslid Yvonne van Tonder by dié aktiwiteit gaan inloer. Foto: Mitzi Buys
Burgemeester verras kinders by biblioteek
Mitzi Buys
Die gewilde vakansieprogramme wat die Caledon-biblioteek in samewerking met die Caledon-museum aanbied, is ’n gulde geleentheid vir laerskoolleerders om gedurende die vakansie onder toesig aan ’n verskeidenheid stimulerende programme deel te neem.
Dié program word reeds die afgelope 16 jaar aangebied en gaan van krag tot krag. Die verskeidenheid van die programme maak dit vir die kinders elke keer interessant. Die program is nie net opvoedkundig nie, want die kinders kan deur middel van verskeie speletjies heerlik met kinders van hul eie portuurgroep sosialiseer.
Die pas afgelope lentevakansieprogram het onder meer ’n rolprentvertoning, ’n speletjiesdag, ’n skattejag, die uitbeelding
van ’n storie en ’n sportdag ingesluit.
Gerhard Afrika-Van Wyk van die Caledon-biblioteek sê die program is goed ondersteun en dit was weer eens ’n groot sukses met 150 kinders wat bereik is.
Volgens Afrika-Van Wyk was die sportdag wat in die Veldblommetuin aangebied is gewis die hoogtepunt van die program. Hier kon die kinders na hartelus aan verskeie sportitems deelneem.
TWK se uitvoerende burgemeester, Lincoln de Bruyn, en die raadslid Yvonne van Tonder het vinnig by dié geleentheid ingeloer en die burgemeester het ook ’n kort gesprek met die kinders gevoer. Ouers word aangemoedig om hul kinders aan hierdie vakansieprogramme te laat deelneem. Inligting oor die volgende program sal nader aan die tyd by die biblioteek en die museum beskikbaar wees.
OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY/MUNISIPALITEIT/UMASIPALA
NOTICEISHEREBYGIVEN thatan ORDINARYMEETING ofthe OVERSTRANDMUNICIPALCOUNCIL willbeheldinthe BANQUETINGHALL,CIVICCENTRE,HERMANUS on WEDNESDAY,29OCTOBER2025 at 10:00.
KENNISGESKIEDHIERMEE dat’n GEWONEVERGADERING vandie OVERSTRANDMUNISIPALERAAD gehousalwordindie BANKETSAAL,BURGERSENTRUM,HERMANUS op WOENSDAG,29OKTOBER2025 om 10:00.
As ’n mens dink aan Suid-Afrikaanse skerpskertsers (stand-up comedian) kom name soos Trevor Noah, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Barry Hilton en Marc Lottering op. Maar Hermanus pronk met sy eie skerpskertser – ’n vrou!
Christie van Niekerk is nie skaam om op die verhoog te wees nie en dié aktrise het in 2024 besluit om die wêreld van toneelspel vir verhoogkomedie te verruil. Volgens haar het sy vasgevang gevoel in die toneelwereld. “Ek het gevoel ek moet uit my comfort sone uitkom en iets doen wat ek altyd wou doen. Ek het in ’n huis grootgeword waar my pa baie lief is vir stand-up comedy en die res van die familie is almal uitstekende storievertellers. Dit is waarom ek besluit het om my as skerpskertser te bekwaam. Ek het ’n datum vasgemaak, ’n venue bespreek, die bul aan die horings gepak en die nuwe uitdaging aangevat... en die res is geskiedenis,” vertel Christie. “Dit is nie ’n maklike beroep nie, maar dit maak my gelukkig.” Vir Christie het baie skerpskertsers ’n indruk op haar gemaak, maar dit is veral Rob van Vuuren, Schalk Bezuidenhout en die Australiese komediant Hannah Gadsby wat vir haar uitstaan. “Dié drie staan vreesloos op die verhoog en die selfvertroue wat hulle uitstraal om net hulself te wees, is iets waarna ek opkyk. Ek het al die voorreg gehad om saam met Rob en Schalk te werk en ek kan eerlik sê ek het baie by hulle geleer –veral die feit dat hulle enige situasie hul eie kan maak.” Haar droom is om eendag ’n suksesvolle aktrise en komediant te wees. Sy sê die teaterwereld het haar van jongs af aangegryp en sy skryf ook deesdae produksies vir kinderteater. “Ek is net so dol oor acting as oor komedie. Musiekproduksies is ook iets wat my aantrek. Ek hou daarvan om vir myself geleenthde te skep en dis waarom ek stand-up comedy en skryfwerk doen.”
Haar leuse in die lewe is om nie bang te wees nie. “Ek was nog altyd ’n bang mens en so vier jaar gelede het ek ’n kopskuif gemaak om nie meer bang te wees nie en dit het deure vir my oopgemaak. Dit is ook belangrik om elke dag in liefde te lewe – dit wat jy insit, gaan jy eendag terugkry.”
Christie is betrokke by die Cave-teater en volgens haar is dit die ideale plek vir inwoners en besoekers om te kom besoek
as daar produksies is. “Dit is so ’n spesiale plek – ’n plek waar jy na produksies kan kyk en waar jy die see nie net kan ruik nie, maar kan hoor ook. Ek sal graag wil hê mense moet meer bewus raak van die teater by die hawe en dis waarom ek met Cave Comedy begin het. My doel is dat dit elke maand moet gebeur sodat die Cave-teater kan blootstelling kry.”
Christie woon van April af in Onrus en al het sy gereeld vir haar ouma in Hermanus kom kuier, voel dit vir haar of ’n nuwe lewe vir haar oopgegaan het vandat sy permanent hier woon.
“Dit voel nou vir my of ek een van die berge is. Die stadige pas was vir my ’n aanpassing, maar deesdae voel ek gemaklik daarmee en baie tuis.”
Haar raad aan ander jong skerpskertsers is om ’n dik vel te kweek. “Jy moet kritiek kan hanteer – veral van die mense wat vir jou lief is. En jy moet ook bewus wees dat daar soms goed in jou lewe gaan wees wat nie gaan werk nie en dan moet jy dit as ’n les sien.”
Christie skerts en sê as sy nie in die vermaaklikheidswêreld was nie, sou sy ’n Checkers-Sixty60-bestuurder wou wees. “Niks sou vir my lekkerder gewees het as om op ’n Vrydagmiddag ’n brood vir ’n ou tannie te gaan gee nie,” lag sy. Inwoners en mense van oral gaan nog baie van Christie hoor en almal kan met groot verwagting uitsien wat hierdie jong meisie in Hermanus gaan doen. • Cave Comedy bied Saterdag (25 Oktober) weer ’n vertoning by die Caveteater aan waar skerpskertsers soos Callum Hitchcock, Emily Hitchcock, Christie en Yaaseen Barnes gaan optree. Die optrede begin om 19:00 en kaartjies is by Quicket beskikbaar.
Dieresorg kry kosskenking
Mitzi Buys
Caledon-dieresorg het onlangs ’n baie welkome meevaller ontvang toe Ounooi van Straten van Hillside-plaas buite Caledon aan hulle ’n groot hoeveelheid dierekos geskenk het. Ounooi het aan Hermanus Times vertel: “Ek het met my onlangse verjaardag my vriende gevra om nie vir my geskenke te koop nie, maar eerder ’n skenking vir Caledon-dieresorg te gee. Met dié ruimhartige skenkings kon ek ’n groot hoeveelheid honde- en katkos koop, wat ek aan Caledon-dieresorg oorhandig het.” Ounooi sê sy sien gereeld foto’s van maer en dikwels verwaarloosde honde op die dieresorg se sosialemediablad en het toe besluit om te help deur kos te skenk. Sy het op haar 70ste verjaardag ses jaar gelede iets soortgelyks gedoen en die skenkings wat sy toe ontvang het, is aangewend om honde en katte te steriliseer. Ounooi en haar man, Sam, het vroeër vanjaar twee hondjies deur Caledon-dieresorg aangeneem. “Hulle is pragtige honde wat nou deel is van die establishment hier.” Caledon-dieresorg het hul opregte dank teenoor Ounooi uitgespreek. ’n Groot nood bestaan om diere te help en die skenking word opreg
Aangesien nie almal ’n groot sak dierekos – wat baie duur is
nie, word
bekostigbare
die Dieresorgwinkel
waardeer.
– kan bekostig
van hierdie kos in kleiner,
pakkies opgemaak en by
in Donkinstraat verkoop.
Ounooi van Straten saam met Cornel Roux van Caledon-dieresorg met die honde- en katkos wat Ounooi aan die dieresorg geskenk het.
Caledon-veldblommetuin
het TWK se burgemeester Lincoln de Bruyn en
Hermanus se eie skerpskertser, Christie van Niekerk.
Rotary helps Mount Pleasant Crèche
Anna Christensen
They say it takes a village to raise a child, but when it comes to providing a safe learning environment, Rotary Club of Hermanus has brought together three countries and two NGOs.
The local Rotary club has secured funding from member clubs in Scotland, Germany, England and Breadline Africa to provide new classrooms for Woelwaters Crèche in Mount Pleasant.
Enlighten Education Trust is deeply involved and brought the Woelwaters’ plight to Rotary’s attention in March. The 35 three- to five-year-olds presently spend their days in a local church hall that does not comply with basic health and safety standards or provide a safe outdoor area for play. Although bright and cheerful and brimming with educational materials it, therefore, does not qualify for much-needed funding from the Western Cape Department of Basic Education.
Only about 65% of families, most of whom are single parents, pay the school’s fees. It also employs a dedicated teacher.
Rotary Club of Hermanus’s project champion and fundraiser Adré Smit recently paid the deposit for two pre-fabricated classrooms to be erected on a new site. With any luck, 40 children will be attending the new premises by the start of the next term. Breadline Africa, also devoted to providing safe spaces for children to learn and grow, has inspected and approved the new property, which will include an enclosed play area and two toilets.
COULD BE MOVED
It is owned by family of Mardelyn Montague, owner and principal of Woelwaters since 2011. The classrooms could be moved
to another location if necessary.
“My dream is to be known as the best early learning centre and the best principal in the area,” Montague said with a huge smile recently.
She spoke with pride about past pupils who come back to visit. One is training to be a teacher at Boland College, Caledon, and another works at Enlighten. They pass on what they have received.
Rodney Nissen, Enlighten’s projects
manager, contacted Smit after Rotary Hermanus’s successful involvement with the renovation of Sonstraaltjies ECD in Hawston.
It cares for more than 50 children and had been threatened with closure due to health and safety standards. Enlighten have worked with Montague and Woelwaters over the past years and know her to be a dedicated educator who attends professional development, including teach-
ing children with special needs, and who involves children’s families at monthly meetings and utilises the vast array of Enlighten’s resources. The NGO is involved with 68 educare centres from Betty’s Bay to Hermanus.
PAY HALF
Breadline Africa, which has constructed 487 classrooms in South Africa, stepped in and inspected the proposed Woelwaters’ site and found it suitable for two classrooms at a cost of R730 000. They agreed that they would pay half and Rotary Club of Hermanus would need to fund the remainder.
Then local Rotarians reached out to overseas clubs. The magic of Rotary International is that it has more than 45 000 clubs worldwide, all devoted to service.
One member took the presentation to the Rotary Club of Esk Valley, Scotland, another met a visiting Rotarian from Wasserburg Club, Germany, while on duty at Rotary’s Bargain Box and spoke about the project and Smit made an online presentation to the club. Each have committed about R80 000. Another Rotarian secured funding from Rotary clubs in Cornwall, England.
The Hermanus has contributed the remainder. It focuses fundraising efforts on Early Childhood Development (ECD), considered crucial for later learning and development through annual events such as Hermanus Christmas Carols, on 16 December this year. Nissen best described the way the role players feel about the education and development of primary and pre-primary school children.
“My dream is to see every community adopt and support an ECD learning centre,” he said from his perch on a child’s plastic chair.
The Hermanus Rotary club has secured funding from member clubs in Scotland, Germany, England and Breadline Africa to provide new classrooms for Woelwaters Crèche in Mount Pleasant.
Rotary Day of Dreams
The Rotary Club of Stanford is set to host an innovative career inspiration event this Thursday, designed to open the eyes of local Grade 7 students to the wealth of opportunities that await them in the working world.
The Day of Dreams, scheduled for 23 October from 10:00 to 12:00 at the Stanford Community Hall (Die Stoor), will bring together learners from the three surrounding primary schools for a unique educational experience that promises to be both informative and entertaining.
Breaking away from traditional career guidance presentations, the event will take the format of a lively talk show, where students will watch real-world professionals being interviewed on stage about their career journeys and daily work experiences. The diverse lineup of participants includes a plumber, an entrepreneur from the beauty industry, a paramedic, and a law enforcement representative –each bringing their own unique perspective and story to share with the young audience.
"Basic education and literacy are core values of Rotary, and we wanted to create a day where we could showcase this principle in action," explained a spokesperson for the Stanford Rotary Club. "This isn't just about telling students what careers exist – it's about showing them real people who've built meaningful lives in different fields.
"The talk show format will encourage active participation, with students having the oppor-
tunity to ask questions directly to the professionals on stage. This interactive approach aims to break down barriers and allow young learners to gain first-hand insights into various career paths. The carefully selected range of professions –from skilled trades to emergency services to entrepreneurship –demonstrates that success comes in many forms and doesn't follow a single path. "The purpose of Day of Dreams is to spark curiosity, broaden horisons, and encourage learners to start imagining the many career paths open to them," said the organisers.
The event recognises that Grade 7 is a crucial time when students begin to think more seriously about their futures and the subjects they want to pursue in high school. By exposing students to professionals they might not otherwise encounter, the Day of Dreams aims to expand their understanding of what's possible and perhaps inspire some to consider careers they hadn't previously imagined. The event reflects the Rotary Club's ongoing commitment to education and youth development in the Stanford area.
By investing time and resources into inspiring the next generation, the organisation continues its tradition of community service and support. The Day of Dreams promises to be a memorable morning for the Grade 7 learners, potentially planting seeds that could influence their educational choices and career aspirations for years to come.
Seep-saak floreer
Met haar sensitiewe vel en liefdie vir natuurlike produkte het Nicolene Gericke van Stanford Hills 23 jaar gelede die geloofstap geneem en Antjie’s Handmade Naturals begin.
Antjie’s Handmade Naturals is ’n trots Suid-Afrikaanse bad- en lyfhandelsmerk en is nou in 34 Checkers-winkels oor Suid-Afrika heen beskikbaar. Nicolene vertel trots oor waar die inisiatief vandaan gekom het: “Ek het seep in my kombuis begin maak, want ek was op soek na ’n sagte, natuurlike alternatief vir my sensitiewe vel.
“In 2002 het ek ’n Nuwejaarsbelofte aan myself gemaak om my eie seep te begin maak – iets waarin ek reeds belanggestel het,” onthou sy. “Dit was iets prakties en iets wat ek regtig geniet het om te doen.”
Vandag gee Antjie’s vir 15 mense werk – van produksie en verpakking tot administrasie, kleinhandel en logistiek. “Die meeste van die werknemers is vroue, intern opgelei en betrokke by elke aspek van die onderneming – van ontwerp en bemarking tot winkelverkope,” sê sy.
Die onderneming ondersteun ook tot 50 vroue oor die WesKaap heen wat met die hekel help en krale en handwerk met behulp van volhoubare materiale vir die verpakking maak.
“Alles is handgemaak – van
seep sny tot verpakking – en dit stel ons in staat om ’n persoonlike aanslag in elke item te behou, terwyl ons werk en geleenthede vir vroue in ons landelike gemeenskap skep – een van ons belangrikste waardes,” sê Nicolene.
Nicolene het by Checkers se Klein, medium en mikro-ondernemings-program (KMMO’s) aangesluit en Antjie is in 2023 by 10 winkels gelys. Daardie getal het intussen verdriedubbel.
“Ek kan met vrymoedigheid sê Checkers is ’n kleinhandelaar wat werklik omgee vir die kleiner ondernemings en hulle was deurlopend betrokke by my onderneming – van tegniese ondersteuning tot praktiese leiding – en het baie gehelp om my onderneming te laat groei tot
waar dit vandag is.”
Haar produkte sluit in handgemaakte seep, boerseep, badsout, bruisballetjies, tee en die kenmerkende stortsakkies –seep toegedraai in ’n lapagtige sakkie vir maklike gebruik en sagte afskilfering.
Nicolene se seun, Christoff, speel ’n sleutelrol in die verpakking: “Toe ons die stortsakkie geskep het, het ons gesien hoe vernuwing verkope kan dryf,” sê hy. “Ons ontwerp alles intern – tot by die 3D-vorms.”
Nicolene sê hulle is dol “oor wat ons doen en oor wat ons geskep het”.
“Ons hoop ander voel dit wanneer hulle ons produkte gebruik. Ons is dankbaar vir hoe ver ons gekom het – en selfs meer opgewonde oor wat voorlê.”
Nicolene Gericke en haar seun Christoff by van haar produkte wat sy by Stanford Hills maak.
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ie twee Overbergspanne Safcol en Botrivier het ná ’n swart naweek verlede week hul ondersteuners weer hoop gegee toe hulle die afgelope naweek wegholoorwinnings tydens die SanlamBoland-Top-12-kampioenskap aangeteken het.
Safcol, wat tuisveldvoordeel gehad het, het Delicious maklik 76-24 gewen. Bousandpark, soos Grabouw se sportterrein bekend staan, was nie ’n lekker plek vir Delicious om te speel nie. Saffies het die oorhand van die begin van die wedstryd af gehad en selfs in die skrums kon Delicious nie juis hul man staan nie. Saffies se ondersteuners is nie teleurgestel nie, al het Delicious in die eerste paar minute aanvallende rugby gespeel. Slegte besluite en doellose skoppe van Delicious het Safcol egter balbesit besorg, wat hom op die aanval gesit het en Safcol se Cameron Julies het ná die eerste vyf minute agter die doellyn gaan kuier. Ná 15 minute het Safcol se flank Heinrich Claassen ook vir ’n drie oorgeduik nadat Safcol die bal by ’n lynstaan reg by Delicious se doellyn ingegooi het.
Delicious se doellose skoppe – wat nie die kantlyn kon haal nie – het
veroorsaak dat Safcol twee minute ná sy tweede drie weer agter die doellyn gaan draai het. Saffies het in die 22ste minuut die doellyn weer met ’n goeie agterlynbeweging oorgesteek.
Halftyd het Saffies 31-14 voorgeloop, maar daarna het hy die krane oopgedraai en met goeie samespel tussen die voor- en agterspelers het die manne omtrent agter Delicious se doellyn gaan kamp opslaan.
Safcol is nou derde op die punteleer van Groep B met ses punte en speel Saterdag teen Saldanha in Saldanha.
Die topspan in die Overberg, Botrivier, het Saterdag met Vanrhynsdorp ook maklik afgereken en 52-24 gewen. Botrivier se voorspelers was net te sterk vir Vanrhynsdorp en die besoekers het danksy goeie samespel die een drie ná die ander ingeryg. Tans is Botrivier derde op die punteleer van Groep A met ses punte. Roses United is eerste met 10 punte en Wesbank tweede met sewe punte. Botrivier sien uit na sy wedstryd Saterdag teen Wesbank. Botrivier, wat verlede week nog ’n swaard oor sy kop gehad het oor vals gerugte wat die ronde gedoen het – dat sy afrigter bedank het – gaan al sy kragte inspan om sy tuisskare tevrede te stel en sy teenstanders se monde te smoer.
Overbergspanne gee hoop
Eight local boxers return home as SA champions
The Overstrand Whale Boxing Club (OWBC) has delivered a knockout performance at the Sanabo National Cadets and Junior Championships, with all eight of their boxers returning home with medals – including six coveted gold medals that crowned them as South African champions.
The remarkable achievement took place during the national championships held in Rustenburg, North-West Province, from 7 - 12 October where the Hermanus-based club’s athletes helped propel the Western Cape provincial team to second place in both the Cadets (12-14 years) and Juniors (15-16 years) categories. Leading the charge was Kolunga Ndleleni, who not only claimed gold but also received the prestigious “best bout trophy” for his outstanding performance. He was
joined on the top step of the podium by fellow gold medalists Sikhumbuzo Saul, Gift Nogemane, Yonwaba Mcinjana, Sinalo Mbovane, and Sibulele Sukude. The medal haul was completed by Iphemna Mbaba with silver and Sinako Ndlovu with bronze, making OWBC’s representation a 100% medal-winning success story.
The road to success wasn’t without obstacles. The Western Cape team faced significant challenges when 24 of their 45 boxers were disqualified due to inadequate medical examinations – a costly requirement that proved prohibitive for many athletes. “Thanks to EMS Foundation for the support they gave to the OWBC boxers, as these medical blood tests are done in laboratories and are very expensive,” noted club manager Mzi Damesi. The foundation’s support extended beyond medical costs, covering
travel expenses, accommodation, catering, and essential equipment including boxing boots. The support proved crucial in a competition where, due to lack of sponsorship, many other provincial boxers were “forced to sleep in community halls on the floor with no proper catering”.
“For OWBC, these national championships represent more than just immediate success – they’re part of a larger vision. “This is a cohort of boxers that as OWBC we want to prepare for 2032 World Olympics in Brisbane, Australia. This is our dream as OWBC,” explained Damesi, who emphasised the inspirational impact in their community: “These kids are now a beacon of hope to all the children in Hermanus and Zwelihle, that you can be the best regardless of your background.” The success story high-
lights the importance of community partnerships in developing sporting talent. The ongoing relationship between OWBC and the EMS Foundation has proven instrumental in enabling these young athletes to compete at the highest level. “Our partnership is now bringing real tangible results,” noted Damesi, while also acknowledging the crucial support from parents who backed their children through intensive training preparations. As these young champions return to their training routines, they carry with them not just medals, but the dreams of an entire community and aspirations for future Olympic glory. Their success serves as proof that with the right support, dedication, and partnership, extraordinary achievements are possible.
Botrivier se speler van die wedstryd, Tyron Roberts, met sy prys.
