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Sharpening skills for the premier league

Shane Schippers
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Sharpening skills for the premier league

Preparations for the upcoming cricket season are well underway at Hawston Cricket Club that is gearing up to make an impact in the Boland Premier League after an impressive promotion campaign last season.

Hawston’s continued growth is evident in the club’s expanding player base, with three men’s teams taking the field alongside a women’s side made up largely of high school learners.

The women’s team opened its pre-season with a challenging home fixture against the University of the Western Cape at Hawston Sports Ground. Although the visitors proved too strong on the day, the match provided valuable experience for the young Hawston side against a more seasoned opposition.

On Sunday, Hawston’s first and second men’s teams travelled to Stellenbosch for two T20 encounters against Spes Bona.

In the second-team clash, Hawston posted 113/2 after being sent in to bat. Unako Mazuthu top-scored with 34 off 38 balls, while Brin-Lee Layman contributed 31 off 37 deliveries.

Spes Bona, however, chased down the target comfortably, with Stanley Parsley leading the way with an unbeaten 41 off 39 balls as the hosts secured a five-wicket victory.

The first-team encounter proved a much tighter affair.

Spes Bona posted 137/9 from 20 overs, with Rodwin September (36 off 23), David John (26 off 23) and Curt Oliver (23 off 16) making valuable contributions.

Hawston’s bowlers kept the hosts under pressure, with Kyle Philander returning 2/7 and Elton Jacobs 2/10. Both delivered economical spells while striking – at crucial moments – to keep Spes Bona to a manageable rather than imposing total.

Hawston responded positively in the chase, with Wade Solomon and Dawid Gerber both scoring 47. Solomon faced 56 balls, while Gerber’s 47 came from 42 deliveries, as the pair anchored the innings and kept Hawston in contention. However, the visitors fell 14 runs short, finishing on 123/9 from 20 overs.

Despite the two defeats, the fixtures provided valuable early-season match practice as Hawston continues its preparations for a demanding first campaign in the Boland Premier League.

Walkerbay victory

The Village News
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Walkerbay victory

Cruising to a convincing 43-5 victory over Border champions, Mqanduli Sharks, on the weekend, Walkerbay’s rugby squad kicked off its campaign at the Betway Women’s Club Championship in Alberton in impressive fashion.

Delivering a dominant display to secure their place in the semi-finals, the Boland champions proved too strong for their opponents.

Walkerbay controlled the match from the outset, combining physicality, determination and disciplined rugby to build a commanding lead and put the Border champions under sustained pressure.

For her outstanding performance, front-rower Zena Swart was rewarded with the Player of the Match award.

Walkerbay is hoping to go one better this year after finishing as runners-up in last year’s tournament.

Withdrawal of the De Mond court action

The Village News
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We are not giving up; we are warming up.

As many people know, I have withdrawn my High Court challenge to the De Mond Lease.

This is not conceding defeat but a strategic withdrawal. Please note that this decision has nothing to do with pressure put on me by various people.

I remain of the view that the municipality’s decision to award the tender to Point Caravan Resort (Pty) Ltd in March 2024, and to conclude the lease for 45 years in September 2024, was not correct.

In general, I support development. But here, there should have been proper public participation regarding what the developer intended to do with the leased property. Will there be an abattoir, a picnic terrain or affordable housing?

One simply does not know. Not even after huge legal expenses incurred in the High Court battle regarding the ‘record’ of the municipality’s decision.

While I am disappointed that my efforts have not resulted in the revelation of Point’s plans for the leased property, I have been advised that my concern can be better addressed in the land development application process which lies ahead, in particular any environmental, rezoning or departure application(s).

I am advised that it is in that process that my concerns (if any, once I know what the plan is) about the compatibility of the intended use should be raised.

This litigation was hugely stressful and expensive. It was also unnecessary. Why can we not be told by Point and/or the municipality what is envisaged for De Mond? Not only for my information but for the public’s consideration and comment.

FROM: Elmien de Kock

Learn CPR basics and save a life

Bianca du Plessis
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Learning how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly called CPR, is one of the most valuable skills anyone can learn because it can save a life.

Few people know that there are two main types of CPR: hands-only CPR and conventional CPR.

Hands-only CPR is the practice of continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) due to safety concerns for both the patient and the person performing CPR.

Conventional CPR – that which we are likely to see on television programmes and movies – involves a cycle of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths.

But it isn’t as easy as it looks. Knowing exactly where to place your hands, how much pressure to apply and the tempo of the compressions is vital.

If you are keen to learn this important life-saving skill, diarise 16 October, marked annually as World Restart a Heart Day.

SafeBeat Training Co, a local company that provides various types of CPR training, will host a special event at the Whale Coast Mall to promote awareness of the importance of learning to perform CPR.

Training director Madelein Swarts says SafeBeat Training Co has joined first responders such as the Overstrand Fire and Rescue Services, law enforcement and traffic units, local ambulance services, the National Sea Rescue Institute’s Hermanus base, and 7202-SA to present an educational yet interactive and fun-filled day.

“The highlight of the day will be the CPR marathon in which participants from different teams will each get two minutes to do compressions. The aim is to do 1 000 minutes, that is why we need more participants,” Swarts says.

Bradley Grootboom of the Hawston-based, non-profit organisation, 7202 SA, explains that they will invite local schools to participate to reach their goal of at least 500 participants.

The event will be held from 09:00 to 15:00 in the foyer in front of Dis-Chem and Woolworths at Whale Coast Mall.

Safebeat Training Co offers CPR training to businesses, sport clubs and organisations, as well as individuals, while 7202 SA offers swimming lessons and water safety awareness programmes.

Visit the SafeBeat Training Co Facebook page, www.safebeat.live or email madelein@safebeat.live to learn about the various CPR training and first aid courses offered.

To learn more about 7202 SA and the swimming and rescue skills courses available, visit the Facebook page or send an email to hawston7202sa@gmail.com

New Sandbaai residential estate to meet rising housing demand

The Village News
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New Sandbaai residential estate to meet rising housing demand

With the launch of The Nautilus estate, the surging demand for quality housing along the Overberg coastline has found a timely answer in Sandbaai.

Positioned 800 metres from Sandbaai Beach and directly opposite the Whale Coast Mall, the secure estate addresses the region’s acute shortage of modern residential stock.

Located within 15 minutes of central Hermanus, Onrus, and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, the development pairs everyday convenience with access to key schools, commercial hubs, and natural landmarks such as the popular coastal cliff path.

Property specialists highlight that the release comes at an important juncture for the local market.

“The Nautilus development comes at an excellent time for the Sandbaai property market, where quality stock has been relatively limited,” says Jako Nagel of Greeff Christie’s.

Co-listing agent, Tony Kelly, agrees. “It presents an exciting opportunity for buyers looking to invest in one of the Whale Coast’s most sought-after areas, whether as a permanent residence, a lock-up-and-go, or an investment property.”

Designed with open-plan layouts and contemporary finishes, the development offers 83 apartments, 27 townhouses and 24 simplex units. To accommodate modern lifestyle preferences, the access-controlled layout incorporates updated security systems, high-speed fibre infrastructure, and dedicated pet-friendly outdoor spaces.

Lighthouse Construction principals Eddy Lanuti and Lambert van Heerden, whose two-decade portfolio includes landmark developments such as Ocean Breeze, Tambali and Monte Mare, are bringing the estate to life

Greeff Christie’s Whale Coast principal, Jaco van der Merwe, said the collaboration with Lighthouse instills confidence given their extensive local track record,. “To see the project take shape after years of planning is immensely rewarding. Sales have progressed remarkably well in just three weeks post-launch, with civil infrastructure currently underway and Phase One completion expected by late 2027.”

With prices ranging from R1 999 000 to R3 299 000, The Nautilus delivers a rare entry point into the vibrant local market for first-time buyers, downsizers, and investors. It offers a well-located coastal lifestyle designed for everyday living, community connection, and long-term value.

For more information, phone Tony Kelly at 082 777 8963 or Jako Nagel at 064 288 0887.

Overberg birding takes flight!

Tweet Gainsborough-Waring
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Overberg birding takes flight!

As more local and international birders discover the region’s exceptional birdlife and natural beauty, the vision of making the Overberg a leading birding destination – once a dream – is now a reality.

BirdLife Overberg chairman Steve Peck says this was the vision of the late Anton Odendal, a legend in the Overberg birding community.

Peck, who has guided international birders around the region, is mindful of the growing number of birders and is committed to carrying this vision forward.

With an impressive 454 bird species on record, including 41 pelagic and 413 terrestrial species – which include one critically endangered, eight endangered, 15 near-threatened, and eight vulnerable species, as well as endemic and near-endemic species – the Overberg is a hotspot for conservation.

It has sixty-one migrant species, including the Red-chested Cuckoo, African Paradise Flycatcher, Black Saw-wing and Black Cuckoo.

Based on BirdLife Overberg’s monthly bird counts over the past seven years, the number of species recorded represents 42% of all the birds on the official South African bird list.

“We firmly believe no other region in South Africa can come close to this percentage,” says Peck. Birding enthusiasts are drawn by iconic birds such as the Blue Crane, Denham’s Bustard, Cape (Agulhas) Long-billed Lark, Cape Rockjumper and other fynbos endemics.

Avi-tourism is becoming increasingly popular – and a valuable additional income for tourism in the area. Recent research has highlighted the benefits of developing it as a conservation and economic opportunity in South Africa.

A study of 11 community-based projects revealed that birding, when linked to conservation objectives, creates income, skills and empowerment opportunities for local communities.

The Overberg’s diversity of habitats and nature reserves – such as De Hoop, home to Cape Vultures; Stony Point, with its African Penguins; and Rooiels, where Cape Rockjumpers and Verreaux’s Eagles can be seen – offers birding enthusiasts a range of options.

Visit the club’s website, birdlifeoverberg.org.za and follow the link Birding Routes Archives to explore available routes in the Overberg.

No quick fix for Stanford Cove erosion

The Village News
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No quick fix for Stanford Cove erosion

A report from Overstrand Municipality states that officials are aware of growing concerns about erosion at Stanford Cove in De Kelders near Gansbaai, where sections of grass have been lost, embankments have collapsed, and steps to the beach have been washed away.

The cove is a popular, public open space for residents and visitors, and the municipal officials recognise the need to keep the area safe and accessible.

Recent storms and unusually high seas have caused significant erosion along parts of the Overstrand coastline. As a small ‘pocket beach’, Stanford Cove naturally experiences the sand’s movement within the area. Storms can shift sand away from sections of the beach and upper shoreline, while some sand may return under calmer conditions.

To assess possible solutions, the municipality requested advice from the Western Cape Government’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP). Its Coastal Management team inspected the site on 29 July and subsequently advised that the situation did not constitute an emergency and posed no immediate risk to life.

The municipality will therefore not mechanically reshape the beach or place rocks as an erosion-control measure at this stage. Such interventions could disrupt the natural movement of sand and potentially worsen erosion elsewhere in the cove.

For safety reasons, the damaged staircase and eroded paths have been closed and barricaded. The beach remains accessible via four to five other access points from the grassed area.

The damaged staircase will not necessarily be rebuilt in its current position. If replacement access is required, the municipality will investigate alternatives better suited to the coastal environment and natural movement of sand.

The municipality’s Environmental and Conservation Division, with the Infrastructure and Community Services Directorates, will monitor the site and assess:

the stability and safety of the eroded embankment

safe and sustainable beach access

options for restoring vegetation and retaining sand

the impact of stormwater flowing towards the beach, and

longer-term rehabilitation options.

Any future work involving sand movement, earthworks, rock placement or other coastal stabilisation measures will be discussed with the relevant environmental authorities to determine whether environmental authorisation or other approvals are required.

Residents are urged to keep away from steep or potentially unstable areas and obey temporary barriers and warning signs.

Missing the point

The Village News
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Last week’s letter of complaint about the U3A meeting notice regarding Dr Abedian’s lecture on Iran, K Enslin missed the quotation marks around “Great Satan” and “Little Satan”.

Quotations marks indicate that the writer says that this is somebody else’s words, (in this case the Iranian regime), not his or hers.

A brief Google search reveals that Dr Abedian is a passionate opponent of the Iranian regime, and does not in fact support their sentiments regarding Israel or the US. I therefore submit that no apology is needed to ‘Western civilised’ or ‘non-Islamic’ people.

From: Derik Gelderblom

Child porn case postponed again

Bianca du Plessis
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The pre-trial hearing of the Hermanus IT technician facing charges of the possession of child sexual abuse material (child porn) has been postponed owing to technical difficulties.

The accused appeared briefly in the Hermanus Regional Court last Friday. The prosecutor told the court that, although the state had met with the investigating officer and the accused’s attorney, they could not view all the footage related to the case. She explained the defence could not consult with his client to receive instructions.

The IT technician was arrested in June 2025 by members of the Western Cape serial and electronic crime investigation unit (SECI) after a tip-off from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in the USA. He was released on R10 000 bail shortly after his arrest.

On Friday, the prosecutor told the court that the parties met the previous week to view the footage, allegedly found in the accused’s possession. The parties, however, could not view certain files because they could only be viewed on the investigating officer’s laptop, which was unavailable on the day.

The court was also informed that an analyst was compiling a summary and classifying the various images. This will be provided to the accused’s attorney for him to consult with his client.

The case was postponed to 27 November. The accused cannot be identified as he has not pleaded to the charges against him.

In a separate case, a businessman also arrested in June 2025 on three counts of rape, sexual grooming and exposure of a minor to pornography, will appear in the regional court later this month.

He has been in custody since his arrest – at his business premises – by members of the Hermanus Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit.

Silt cuts dam capacity

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Silt cuts dam capacity

El Niño effect – water conservation measures necessary despite full dams

Despite being virtually 100% full, De Bos Dam’s water-carrying capacity has effectively decreased with silt build-up during the 2024 floods. Residents, therefore, are urged to use water sparingly and follow garden-watering restrictions.

A survey of the dam basin after the floods found the current full storage capacity at 5.57 million kilolitres. The original full storage capacity was 5.8 million kilolitres.

The Overstrand Municipality attributes the high dam levels to a strong flow in the catchment area following good rainfall earlier in the year. Statistics from the Department of Water and Sanitation confirm that De Bos Dam is 99.8% full, compared with 99.9% at the same time last year.

All dams in the Overstrand are close to 100% full. At this stage, no water restrictions are applicable in the Overstrand, but the situation in all towns is being closely monitored.

This must be seen in the context of the predicted El Niño effect, which is likely to cause warmer and drier-than-average conditions in the Western Cape in the months ahead.

To limit evaporation during the warmest period of the day, residents are reminded that Clause 46 of the Water Services By-law remains in place throughout the Overstrand. It requires that no irrigation takes place between 09:00 and 17:00.

The new borehole drilled opposite Gateway Lifestyle Centre last month is intended to replace older boreholes that have become unproductive and to increase overall production from the Table Mountain Sandstone (TMS) deep aquifers. The testing and investigation phase is ongoing.

Diversification of water sources continues, with planning for a seawater desalination plant for Hermanus in progress.

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