Chairperson

Ken is the Chairman of the Hermanus Ratepayers Association (HRA). He holds postgraduate degrees in sciences and economics, including a B.Sc. Hons. (Stellenbosch) and an M.Sc. in Development Economics (Oxford).

With 35 years of experience as an economist specialising in enterprise and economic development, Ken began his career with the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) and later joined Deloitte and Touche, gaining expertise in business transformation and turnaround. He has led a consulting firm for 28 years, focusing on public sector transformation and economic development across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ken has relocated permanently to Hermanus, where his family has resided for three generations. He enjoys outdoor life and is passionate about preserving the fynbos environment of the Western Cape.

Russel retired to Hermanus Heights in December 2017 after a 36-year corporate career with Standard Bank and BHP Billiton Limited, specialising in banking and treasury. He became involved in community matters as a founder committee member of the Hermanus Heights Village Association (HHVA) in 2019 and currently manages the HHVA and HRA WhatsApp groups.

Deon retired after 35 years in the military, specialising in Military Management. Since moving to Hermanus in 2018, he has been active in community service, currently serving as the Chairperson of the Westcliff Residents Association (WRA) and representing the community on the Westcliff Ward 4 Committee. Deon also contributes to the Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) Board on safety-related issues. His primary goal as an EXCO Member of the Hermanus Ratepayers Association (HRA) is to maintain Hermanus's beauty for all residents.

Tobie is a professional engineer with 43 years of experience, specialised in major urban infrastructure and bulk water infrastructure. He led the water business for Aurecon in South Africa and Australia. After retiring, Tobie and his wife settled in the Fernkloof neighbourhood of Hermanus, where he actively participates in community initiatives, including the conservation of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. He has previously served as the financial director for HPP.

Ian is the Managing Partner of the SMC.group and a partner in FutureFit, specialising in strategy facilitation, strategic change, and organisational development. He has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors in South Africa, Europe, and the USA. Ian holds a Bachelor of Social Science (UCT), a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (Wits Business School), and a Certificate in Organisation Design (University of Southern California). He is dedicated to building thriving, inclusive communities and has been a permanent resident of Voëlklip since the beginning of the year.

Steve graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in 1981 with BCom LLB degrees and shortly after completing his articles at Webber Wentzel in Johannesburg was posted to their office in Luxembourg. This eventually became the independent multi-disciplinary firm Maitland where he served as group CEO from 2006 with stints in Paris and London. Steve bought a holiday home in Hermanus in 1995 and since his retirement from Maitland in 2022 he has spent approximately half his time here. Steve serves as chairman of the Front Line Residents Association in Voëlklip which aims to protect the local environment.