HERMANUS PUBLIC PROTECTION
NEWSLETTER
Keeping our community safe and clean, together
SEPTEMBER 2025
In this edition:
- AGM 2025 | Leadership Transitions and New Chapter for HPP
- CBD Property and Business Owners Meeting | The Centre Matters
- Operational successes | Working together to keep Hermanus safe
Leadership Transitions and New Chapter for HPP
Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) held its Annual General Meeting on 4 September 2025 at the Windsor Hotel. It was heartening to see so many members, stakeholders, and property owners in attendance, showing their ongoing support for the Hermanus Special Rating Area (HSRA).
During the meeting, members approved the minutes of the 2024 AGM, the 2025 financial statements, the 2026/2027 Implementation Plan and Budget, and the reappointment of PragmaKonsult as auditors (for more information visit our website).
This year’s AGM also marked the conclusion of Jerry van Niekerk’s three-year term as Chairperson. Jerry guided HPP through the critical extension of the HSRA mandate, securing a new five-year term to 2030. Between July 2024 and June 2025, under Jerry’s leadership, HPP expanded its camera network, strengthened visible policing with extended patrols and the introduction of a Mobile Safety Kiosk, and supported law enforcement partners. Our cleansing team’s service was expanded to six days a week, while investments in digital logging and analytics reinforced our operations. Jerry also championed community engagement, with initiatives such as the Safety Expo and precinct meetings bringing members directly into the conversation.
Both the board and members expressed gratitude for Jerry’s contribution, with a moving tribute delivered by Brian Wridgway. His words underscored the impact Jerry has had, not only on HPP, but on Hermanus as a whole.
Looking forward, the board has nominated me, Leon Rauch as Chairperson and Stephen Grundlingh as Vice Chairperson to lead HPP into its new five-year term. We closed the meeting with celebratory drinks, which provided a welcome opportunity to connect with members and reflect together on what has been achieved.
On behalf of HPP, I extend sincere thanks to all who attended the AGM and continue to support our mission of keeping Hermanus safe and clean.
Jerry’s steady leadership and dedication over the past three years have left HPP in a strong position, ready for the future.
The Centre Matters
The CBD is the beating heart of Hermanus. It is where visitors gather, where restaurants and shops thrive, and where the value of property is reinforced. As one of the few truly walkable towns in South Africa, the vitality of the CBD shapes how Hermanus is experienced and remembered. For these reasons, HPP dedicates significant resources to the town centre, while continuing to maintain strong operations across all residential areas of the HSRA.
At the meeting on 16 September, coordinated by business and property owners this point was reinforced. Trevor Edwards of the Hermanus Business Chamber noted: “Together we can achieve more. The CBD requires a different urban management approach compared to residential suburbs.”
HPP’s commitment is clear. Though the CBD contributes just under 10% of HSRA income, almost a third of operational resources are deployed here. It accounts for a third of recorded incidents and houses a fifth of the HPP camera network. Around-the-clock patrols on foot, bicycle, and vehicle, backed by 30 hotspot cameras and 24/7 monitoring, provide constant visibility and rapid response. Encouragingly, recent trends point to fewer incidents being reported in the CBD.
When our public spaces are actively used by residents and visitors walking the streets, enjoying the cliff path and supporting local businesses, they are naturally safer and more vibrant. HPP will continue to prioritise the CBD alongside residential areas to ensure Hermanus remains secure, clean and welcoming for all who live in, invest in and visit the town.
Working Together to Keep Hermanus Safe
1 September to 30 September 2025
Reports Received
487
Arrests
3
Waste Collected (KGs)
1295
HPP’s Presence Appreciated by International Visitor
PSO Nani’s welcoming smile was captured at the start of his morning patrol by an overseas visitor walking the Cliff Path. The image, later shared with HPP, was accompanied a message of appreciation:
“Special shout out to 74. As an overseas visitor we really appreciate the security you provide.”
Preventing Crime, Protecting Hermanus
This past month, HPP, together with the community, helped SAPS make several important arrests.
Following a call from the public about a suspicious man carrying a gas bottle in the CBD, HPP patrols and CCTV operators tracked the suspect to the rocky shoreline opposite Swallow Park. SAPS responded, arrested the man, and recovered the gas bottle. In another case, SAPS requested HPP’s assistance in Sandbaai, where CCTV operators quickly identified a suspect. Police were guided to the location and arrested him after Mandrax was found in his possession.
Not every case leads to the recovery of stolen goods. In a recent house break-in, a laptop was taken. CCTV footage enabled HPP to identify a suspect, who was detained for questioning the following day. However, as the laptop was no longer in his possession, a case could not proceed. SAPS will continue with the investigation.
By securing our homes, being cautious about who we employ and looking out for our neighbours by reporting suspicious activity, we can all play a vital role in keeping Hermanus safe and welcoming for all.
Meet the Team | Sam Xhonywa : A Positive Approach to Safety
Each month, we introduce a member of the HPP team. This month, we feature Sam Xhonywa, a Special Reaction Unit Officer.
Nohozana Simthembile Xhonywa, known to colleagues and residents simply as Sam, is a valued member of HPP’s Special Reaction Unit (SRU). He first joined HPP in 2019 as a supervisor, returning in 2021 when HPP was reformed, and today serves as a reaction officer.
“I find my job exciting. I do it properly and apply the rules,” says Sam. “Above all, I want residents to feel safe and protected. We are here to assist in whatever way we can.”
That assistance can range from escorting visitors back to their accommodation after dinner in town, to helping a resident with a flat battery in the middle of Hermanus.
Originally from near Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape, Sam is a proud father of two. He says his daily motivation is simple: to provide for his family and to serve the Hermanus community. “Most of our residents appreciate what we do. Of course, it can be a challenge to keep everyone abiding by the bylaws, such as keeping dogs on leads, but if I approach people with a positive attitude, I usually get a positive response.”
Grounded by his faith and grateful for the support of his church, Sam sums it up best: “I love both my job and my family, and I am happy to be working with HPP.”
That is all for this edition. With your support, we will continue to protect what makes Hermanus such a special place to live and visit.
Leon Rauch
HPP Chair