HPP Newsletter - May 2025
Keeping our community safe and clean, together
Greetings,
In this Newsletter:
- The HSRA has been granted a five-year extension
- HPP Safety Expo 2025 was an informative and fun day
- Operational progress steps made
Stronger Together: HSRA Term extended from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2030.
We are thrilled to announce that our application to the Overstrand Municipal Council for the term of the Hermanus Special Rating Area (HSRA) to be extended for another five years, has been approved. We are thankful for the resounding vote of confidence we have received in the work of Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) and the value it brings to our town!
My heartfelt thanks go to the HSRA Property Owners for their support, the Overstrand Municipality for their continued collaboration and trust in our mandate, the HPP Board for their strategic leadership and to our Executive Officer for the work done on our extension of term application. The close collaboration between the three Overstrand SRA’s in our shared endeavour to secure extended terms is also applauded.
In the interest of transparency, we note that one written objection was received during the public participation process for the HSRA term extension. The objection and HPP’s formal response are available on our website.
With this confirmation, we can now progress to the establishment of our dedicated control room and initiate the formal tender process for the appointment of service providers for the new term. These steps are central to enhancing our operational capacity and ensuring the continued delivery of effective public safety, monitoring and cleansing services within the HSRA.
Here’s to five more years of progress, public safety, and pride in the place we call home!
Highlights of the Safety Expo
The Expo was held on 20 May at Bosko Hall and was attended by approximately 50 residents who braved the stormy and wet weather. The Expo consisted of expert-led sessions and practical demonstrations which covered:
- Digital Safety tips from Lirene van Zyl and Anne Droomer, helping residents recognise and avoid scams.
- Self-Defence demonstrations by Sensei Ruehan van Romburg, reinforcing the importance of situational awareness and safe responses.
- Medical emergency guidance from Almon Bronkhurst of CMC, who also offered free blood pressure and sugar testing.
- Law Enforcement insights from Officer Grant Gillion, explaining how Law Enforcement, Traffic, Task Team, and K9 units help keep the Overstrand safe.
- Behind the scenes with HPP Executive Officer Marcia Bown shared an inside look at HPP’s daily operations, emphasising how consistent visibility and support for individuals in distress help deter crime and reinforce Hermanus’s reputation as a safe, well-managed, and investment-worthy town.
- Home safety tips from Donovan van der Westhuizen from Fidelity-ADT, promoting prevention and community vigilance.
Public Safety Tips Shared:
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially along the Cliff Path and other public walkways.
- Avoid displaying valuables—keep phones, wallets, and handbags out of sight and close to your body.
- Walk in pairs or groups where possible, particularly after sunset or in quieter areas.
- Steer clear of poorly lit, overgrown, or secluded spots, stick to well-used routes.
- Report any suspicious behaviour, loitering, or signs of tampering (e.g. near vehicles or homes) to HPP or SAPS immediately.
- Trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, move to a safer, more populated area and alert others if needed.
The Expo reinforced strong collaboration between SAPS, Overstrand Law Enforcement, private security companies, emergency medical services, neighbourhood watches and HPP. Thank you to all who attended and contributed.
Safety Operations
We are proud to report several key public safety milestones:
- Prominent emergency contact signage has been installed across the CBD, thanks to the generous support of the Hermanus Business Chamber, enhancing rapid response and public awareness.
- The rollout of new surveillance infrastructure in North Kwaaiwater is well underway, with two advanced camera sites already operational and enhancing coverage.
- Three fully branded HPP patrol vehicles have been delivered by Fidelity ADT, increasing visibility and response capability across the HSRA.
- The recently deployed thermal camera in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve is already proving its value, performing reliably in low visibility and adverse weather conditions.
- Incidents of vandalism along High Street have dropped significantly, demonstrating the impact of our increased presence and strategic interventions.
Cleansing Operations
In addition to routine cleaning, the following tasks were undertaken during the month:
- Refuse was cleared and the area cleaned at the Marine Pool after waste bags were torn open and litter was scattered.
- The team responded to an incident at Fick’s Pool, where an unauthorised structure had been erected. The area was cleaned and restored.
- Full cleansing team attendance was ensured over the long weekends to maintain high service standards during peak visitor periods.
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