Dear HSRA Property Owner,

Welcome to 2022! We trust that you had a good summer holiday, and that you are ready for the excitement and challenges this year might bring.

By all accounts it was a good season for Hermanus, particularly the hospitality and retail sectors. Our beaches were packed to capacity on (those rare) sunny days, and it was great to see how busy the restaurants along the Waterfront were. And High Street came alive! What a draw card this street has become since its refurbishment!

HPP would like to thank the Overstrand Municipality, business owners and the many ‘community warriors’ for pulling out all the stops to welcome visitors and returning property owners.

We would also like to thank the SAPS, the law enforcement agencies, private security companies and neighbourhood watches for maintaining high visibility during the festive season.

The Year Ahead

The South African economy is facing huge challenges. Amongst others, unemployment is at a historical high. And we all know the link between unemployment, poverty and crime.

It implies that all the players in the crime prevention domain must become a lot smarter in our approach to crime prevention. Collaboration is going to be key, as will our collective investment in technology and resources. All of this must be informed by benchmarking and the adoption of developing good practice.

We envisage that more suburbs will follow the Fernkloof and Voelklip example of self-funded camera networks (linked to a central control centre) to monitor critical entry and exit points. These networks have a proven impact on crime reduction and property values.

HPP Board

The Board held its first meeting for 2022 on 25 January. The minutes of this meeting will be available on the HPP website within the next few days.

We have had two resignations since November 2021. Clinton Lerm had to resign when he was elected to the OM Council, whilst Anton Hartman resigned for personal reasons. I would like to thank both gentlemen for their significant contribution during their tenure as directors.

The resignation of Clinton and Anton, together with the Board’s rotation policy, presents an opportunity to have a fresh look at the composition and functioning of the Board. Details to follow.

Finance

After the first 6 months of the financial year, we can report that HPP’s financial situation remains healthy.

In line with our 2-year budget we plan to start spending a bit more on the safety and cleanliness along the cliff path, which is a very important asset for Hermanus. Additionally, we intend appointing a consultant that can assist Hermanus with its challenges pertaining to homeless people and vagrancy.

The renovations to our Control Centre have been completed, but there are increasing more demand for maintenance on the older surveillance installations.  These expenses are all well planned for and by the end of the financial year, we still expect to end up within the 21/22-year budget.

Operations

The 2021/22 upgrade and installation of new cameras and software has been completed. HPP acquired, installed and commissioned the Avigilon NVR system and installed six new generation cameras and an additional PTZ camera in the Hermanus Special Rating Area (HSRA). HPP are also exploring purchasing a drone to compliment the HPP’s technical surveillance component.

After the recent attacks on the Cliff Path and in the CBD, HPP’s Operations Director met with the SAPS, Law Enforcement, the Security Company providing security service at the Waterfront complex. The SAPS and Law Enforcement agreed to deploy foot patrols in the CBD and the Cliff Path on a frequent basis and the Security Company agreed to be more vigilant and also patrol the adjacent parking areas until the restaurants close.

We again, plead with residents to remain vigilant when using Hermanus public spaces and also ensure that your home is secure at all times. Please follow the safety recommendations to walk in groups, keep valuables out of sight, secure your home by activating the alarm and saving emergency numbers to your phone.

Cleansing

In December, HPP with Fynbos Gardens and the Cliff Path Management Group completed clearing a portion of the Cliff Path and flower beds near the Marine Hotel of alien invasive plants and overgrowth. The project included training for local unemployed youths. We look forward to coordinating similar projects in the near future.

The HPP will be instigating a new environmental awareness initiative in the coming weeks. The initiative will be aimed at school children to create videos raising awareness about the environment and the impact humans have on it.

The HPP Board will also be looking at working with stakeholders to improve Bekker’s Park by potentially adding some exciting outdoor activities for kids… and adults. We will keep you updated on progress.

Wishes

The HPP Board would like to wish each one of you all the best for the year ahead.

Thank you for your continued support and feedback.

Until next time, kind regards.

Errol van Staden

HPP Chair