HPP Newsletter - January 2025
Keeping our community safe and clean, together
Greetings,
The HPP Board Members and I wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy and healthy 2025! Here is the latest update for property owners in the Hermanus Special Rating Area (HSRA).
In this Newsletter:
- HPP’s operational plans for the period ensured success
- Priorities for the last five months for the HSRA’s current term of operation
A successful Festive Season
The increased attraction of Hermanus as a holiday destination certainly resulted in a jam-packed and bustling Festive Season! HPP’s extended patrol and cleaning services, as well as the close cooperation with the Overstrand Municipal (OM) Law Enforcement, the South African Police Services (SAPS), our service partners Fidelity ADT, WCC Technologies and Iphupha Cleansing Services, as well as the various Neighbourhood Watch Groups and security companies, resulted into a successful festive period. “Thank you” to all concerned.
We are happy to report that the festive season was relatively uneventful.
Acknowledging Outstanding Teamwork and Dedication
We would like to commend the HPP managers, supervisors, CCTV controllers, and patrollers for their exceptional efforts in managing a series of unusual and challenging incidents over the past couple of months. From resolving public disturbances and tracking stolen property to assisting with medical emergencies and facilitating arrests, the teams professionalism and dedication have been instrumental in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.
These efforts reflect HPP’s strong commitment to supporting a safe and secure environment for all. Through vigilance, teamwork, and close collaboration with key role players, HPP remains dedicated to assisting in any situation. The collective response and coordinated efforts of all stakeholders continue to strengthen public safety in Hermanus.
Our CCTV and technology partners, WCC Technologies, provided their services throughout the holiday season, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the HPP camera network. We extend our sincere thanks for their dedication and ongoing support, which is essential in maintaining effective surveillance and enhancing public safety in our community.
The HPP cleansing team, in partnership with Iphupha Cleansing Services, worked diligently throughout the festive period, including public holidays, to keep the Cliff Path clean and well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant experience for all who visit this special area.
Thank you to every member of the HPP team for your dedication and for upholding the values that our community has come to rely on.
A hearty word of thanks goes to members of the public for promptly reporting suspicious behaviour and the occurrence of incidences to our Control Room. Please keep on doing so by using HPP’s Emergency Number 087 550 5295.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Overstrand Municipality Fire and Disaster Management teams for their exceptional efforts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in responding to the wildfire on Fernkloof Mountain above Northcliff, as well as the subsequent fire in Voëlklip.
Their dedication and swift action during these critical incidents were crucial in containing the fires and safeguarding the community.
Priorities for the last five months for the HSRA’s current term of operation
The HSRA’s term of operation ends on 30 June 2025 and the outcome of our application to the OM Council for an extension of the term is expected by February or March. Our Special Rating Area neighbours in Onrus/Vermont and Kleinmond are in a similar position.
Whilst we await the OM Council’s decision, the process to appoint service providers for the HSRA’s new term is being determined. We will of course make it a priority to comply to all governance and transparent procurement practices.
In addition, Council’s approval will trigger the move of the HPP Control Room to new premises. Our current premises, located in the Municipal Fire Station, have become too small to meet our operational requirements. Suitable space has been secured on a month-to-month lease basis at Mussel Centre in the Industrial Area. Once Council’s approval has been received, a fixed rental term with a five-year renewal option, will be signed.
Another priority in coming months is to extend the HPP Board’s engagement with property owners across the HSRA. Last year’s engagement with residents of Eastcliff, Northcliff and Hermanus Heights were most productive, and I look forward to doing the same in the other suburbs. I would also like to see our interaction with property and business owners in the CBD replicated in the Industrial Area.
That is all for now and as always, HPP urges our readers to remain vigilant and to be safe.
Jerry van Niekerk
HPP Chair
E-Mail: chairperson@hpp.org.za
Website: https://hpp.org.za