# Hermanus Ratepayers Association > We Work For You | Ons Werk Vir U ## Posts - [Notes on monthly HRA meeting with Overstrand Municipal Manager on 26 September 2025](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/notes-on-monthly-hra-meeting-with-overstrand-municipal-manager-on-26-september-2025/): Attended by : Overstrand Municipality: Municipal Manager (MM), Dr Dean O’Neill.HRA EXCO representative(s): Ken Briggs (KB) Download article KB thanked the MM for the opportunity to continue the monthly engagements. He noted that the HRA had preparatory discussions with both i.e. the Hermanus Business Chamber (HBC) and Hermanus Baboon Action Group (HBAG). The key points that were discussed following on from the 22 August 2025 meeting are briefly introduced below. - [Notes on HRA meeting with Overstrand Municipal Manager on 22 August 2025](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/notes-on-hra-meeting-with-overstrand-municipal-manager-on-22-august-2025/): Attended by : Overstrand Municipality: Municipal Manager, Dr Dean O’Neill.HRA EXCO representatives: Ken Briggs(KB), Tobie Louw(TL)  Download article KB thanked the MM for the opportunity to continue the monthly engagements. He confirmed that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues of importance to the ratepayers of Hermanus. The key points that were discussed following on from the 25 July 2025 meeting are briefly introduced below. KB introduced the discussion through raising a number of concerns that had been expressed by ratepayers.  TL confirmed that the HRA were in the process of mobilising a small team of planning experts from […] - [Notes on HRA meeting with Overstrand Mayor on 12 August 2025](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/notes-on-hra-meeting-with-overstrand-mayor-on-12-august-2025/): Overstrand Mayor Mr Archie Klaas, Deputy Mayor Ms Elnora Gillion and MMC Infrastructure, Mr Clinton Lerm, met with HRA EXCO representatives Ken Briggs, Tobie Louw, Russel Schierhout, and Deon de Kock. - [In Memoriam - Linda Louise Griffiths](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/in-memoriam-linda-louise-griffiths/): It is with sadness that we have learned of the passing of Linda on Thursday 31 July 2025. - [Hermanus Ratepayers (HRA) Response to White Paper on LGE26](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/hermanus-ratepayers-hra-response-to-white-paper-on-lge26/): The White Paper is detailed and explicit and does not shy away from the realities which we all know to exist. It sets out in an easily readable format and in logical sequence the reality of the situation. - [Notes on HRA meeting with Overstrand Municipal Manager on 25 July 2025](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/notes-on-hra-meeting-with-overstrand-municipal-manager-on-25-july-2025/): Ken Briggs(KB) and Tobie Louw(TL) of HRA met with Overstrand Municipal Manager (MM), Dr Dean O’Neill. - [HRA congratulates Alderman Klaas on being elected as Executive Mayor for the Overstrand Municipality](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/hra-congratulates-alderman-klaas-on-being-elected-as-executive-mayor-for-the-overstrand-municipality/): HRA congratulates Alderman Klaas on being elected as Executive Mayor for the Overstrand Municipality - [Feedback of the Hermanus Ratepayers Association (“HRA”)  on the 2025/26 Budget](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/feedback-of-the-hermanus-ratepayers-association-hra-on-the-2025-26-budget/): Feedback of the Hermanus Ratepayers Association (“HRA”) on the 2025/26 Budget - [Hermanus Ratepayers Association Comments on the Overstrand Municipality (OM) Integrated Development Plan (IDP) 2025/2026](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/hermanus-ratepayers-association-comments-on-the-overstrand-municipality-om-integrated-development-plan-idp-2025-2026/): Overstrand Municipality tabled a draft 2025 version of their Integrated Development Plan (IDP). It is understood that this is a 5-year plan, and the first version was drafted in 2022. The plan being annually updated through introducing revisions as necessary. This document provides that the comments of Hermanus Ratepayers Association (HRA) on the draft for the 25/26 financial year. - [Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie bids farewell to Overstrand following succesful tenure](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/mayor-dr-annelie-rabie-bids-farewell-to-overstrand-following-succesful-tenure/): The DA in the Western Cape acknowledges the decision of Dr Annelie Rabie to step down as Overstrand Mayor after serving the Municipality since November 2021. - [Notes on a meeting with Overstrand Municipality about the future of water supply to Hermanus](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/notes-on-a-meeting-with-overstrand-municipality-about-the-future-of-water-supply-to-hermanus/): Hermanus is undoubtedly experiencing change due to population growth and increasingly more permanent residents. Not only that, but also due to substantial upgrades to many residential and commercial buildings. Although the reticulation model gets regularly updated, it was suggested that the designers take cognisance of the ever-increasing demands required for future development trends. - [Resignation by the Land Use & Development and Public Relations leads](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/resignation-by-the-land-use-development-and-public-relations-leads/): EXCO update 5 March 205 - [REPORT: Dog Walking Survey](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/report-dog-walking-survey/): This survey was conducted by the Hermanus Ratepayers Association (HRA) to ascertain the views of ratepayers on the walking of dogs in the greater Hermanus and surrounds. The HRA EXCO initiated its survey on the 3rd of December 2024 (Survey ended 31 January 2025) with the view of gauging the views of residents on dog walking in response to significant queries on where dogs could be walked off-leash and the implications of the new cat and dog bylaw. - [Comments on Proposed Development of Lifestyle Estate in Voëlklip](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/comments-on-proposed-development-of-lifestyle-estate-in-voelklip/): The proposed development of a lifestyle estate on Erf RE/4833, Voëlklip, Hermanus. Comments on Basic Assessment Report 1. Prepared by Hermanus Ratepayers Association (registered as an IAP). - [The HRA needs you 🫵 ... to renew or activate your membership!](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/the-hra-needs-you-to-renew-or-activate-your-membership/): Being a member of the Hermanus Ratepayers Association (HRA) allows us to make your voice heard by representing you on important matters before the Overstrand Municipality and local government. - [Who are the HRA](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/who-are-the-hra/): The Hermanus Ratepayers Association (HRA) is one of the ten elected organisations representing the interests of the ratepayers resident in the geographical area of Ward 3 and part of Ward 4, it includes the following areas East to West. - [Resignation by the Conservation and Environment portfolio lead](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/resignation-by-the-conservation-and-environment-portfolio-lead/): Aloma Jonker has resigned from the portfolio with immediate effect. - [Hermanus Ratepayers Association (HRA) position on the De Mond tender process.](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/hra-position-on-the-de-mond-tender-process/): The Hermanus Ratepayers Association share some of the concerns raised by the broader community around the lack of stakeholder consultation prior to the award of the De Mond and one other tender to Point Caravan Resorts (PCR). We believe a tender process that enabled adequate stakeholder engagement in developing the overall site development concept would have been more appropriate. Such process would also give effect to the intention of the legal prescripts guiding the application of tender processes for public land. - [National Blue Drop Awards – Overstrand Local Municipality SA’s Water Champion](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/national-blue-drop-awards-overstrand-local-municipality-sas-water-champion/): Overstrand Local Municipality is recognized as South Africa’s top-performing water service authority, earning eight prestigious Blue Drop awards and achieving an impressive 99.9% score. - [Hermanus Monitoring Committee (HMC) – Feedback 12 September 2024 meeting](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/hermanus-monitoring-committee-hmc-feedback-12-september-2024-meeting/): The Preekstoel Water Treatment Works relies on both surface and groundwater to supply Hermanus with vital water resources. In this update, we cover the performance of the Gateway and Hemel and Aarde wellfields, based on recent monitoring by Umvoto, and provide key insights from the latest Hermanus Monitoring Committee meeting. - [Chairperson's Update - August 2024](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/chairpersons-update-august-2024/): Welcome to the Hermanus Ratepayers Association's journey of renewal. Following our recent AGM, we’ve embraced a fresh leadership team committed to ensuring Hermanus thrives amid evolving challenges. In this post, meet our new Executive Committee, learn about our strategic vision for the future, and discover how we’re addressing key community concerns—from infrastructure and conservation to safety and economic development. Join us as we work together to preserve the unique beauty and character of Hermanus while navigating the complexities of growth and change. - [OM’s response to HRA commentary on 24/25 budget and IDP](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/oms-response-to-hra-commentary-on-24-25-budget-and-idp/): All public comments received on the draft IDP review and proposed amendment for 2024/25 served together with the Final IDP document, at the Council meeting on 31 May 2024. The Municipality responses are as follows... - [HRA Commentary: OM Budget 24/25 & IDP](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/hra-commentary-om-budget-24-25-idp/): Feedback of the Hermanus Ratepayers Association (“HRA”) on the 2024/25 Budget & Overstrand Integrated Development Plan - [Notice: Special General Meeting to determine the future of the HRA.](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/notice-special-general-meeting-to-determine-the-future-of-the-hra/): Notice is hereby given for a Special General Meeting of the Hermanus Ratepayers Association, scheduled for the 15th of February at The Marine Hotel at 17:30 pm. The meeting will be conducted in a hybrid format to accommodate both in-person and remote participation.  To join via Zoom, click the button below: Join Online Meeting If you encounter difficulties with the link, please use the Meeting ID: 84124054440 and Passcode: 727629. In alignment with the commitment outlined in the December Chairman’s letter, a Special General Meeting will be convened to deliberate on the future of the HRA.  This necessity arises from the ineligibility for […] - [Comments by the HRA on the current (7th) version of Hermanus Bypass Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)*](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/comments-by-the-hra-on-the-current-7th-version-of-hermanus-bypass-environmental-impact-assessment-eia/): * DEA&DP Reference 16/3/1/2/e2/15/2124/14 Download PDF version. Introduction All those Hermanus residents and/or organisations that previously registered as Interested & Affected Parties (IAPs) will have received two emails from a company called SRK, the EIA consultants appointed by the Western Cape Province to apply for legal authorisation to build a new bypass around Hermanus. The first email has some summary documents attached and it also refers IAPs to the SRK website that has literally thousands of pages of technical documents about the bypass, stretching back to 2012. Comments on the latest iteration of the documentation need to be emailed to […] - [HRA Quarterly Report: September 2023](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/quarterly-report-sep-2023/): “One of the basic tenets underlying municipal systems and structures is the principle of public participation.” A reflection During my time as a member of the HRA I have come to understand more clearly the complexities involved in running a municipality. One would imagine that municipal legislation is designed to enable service delivery and to promote the interests and the rights of communities. To a certain extent this is true but there are many instances where rules and regulations make it difficult to get the job done. One of the basic tenets underlying municipal systems and structures is the principle […] - [New HRA membership drive](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/new-hra-membership-drive/): The HRA is embarking on a membership awareness drive. And membership for the rest of 2023 is free! 6 reasons to join us www.hermanusratepayers.co.za - [These Hermanus issues need attention](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/these-hermanus-issues-need-attention/): Your HRA EXCO is constantly looking after the interests of members. What follows is a list of current issues we’re dealing with. - [HRA Quarterly Report: May 2023](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/quarterly-report-may-2023/): As Chair of the HRA I felt that I could play a meaningful role in mediating a solution between the parties and my offer was accepted. Since the process of mediation began early in May one of the key questions has been where the Market would be in the long term. The bottom line is: there is progress! - [The Bypass: HRA presents case to Premier Alan Winde](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/the-bypass-hra-presents-case-to-premier-alan-winde/): ‘First Thursday’ 4 May 2023, Hermanus At last night’s First Thursday engagement with members of the Provincial government I made a short presentation to Premier Alan Winde as well as to the MEC of Mobility (Transport) setting out the basis of the HRA’s objection to the planned CBD Bypass. He did me the courtesy of listening carefully to the points made and promised to read the position paper with supporting documents. He quoted a few examples of communities who have lived to regret decisions taken opposing road projects but promised to keep an open mind. I didn’t lose the opportunity […] - [Scrutinising the draft OM budget](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/the-draft-om-budget/): The Hermanus Ratepayers Association will commence with an in-depth analysis of the Overstrand Municipality draft budget which will be sent to all members. - [Hermanus emergency numbers](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/emergency-numbers/): 24-Hour Emergency line (week days and over weekends) 028 313 8000/8111 - [Five reasons to join the Hermanus Ratepayers Association](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/five-reasons-to-join-the-hermanus-ratepayers-association/): Have you recently moved to Hermanus and count yourself lucky? Or have you been living here for some time, savouring your privilege and not dreaming of moving elsewhere? But how do you make it last? The Overstrand Municipality will look after us … will they? Our Municipality is one of the best in the country. Each year they receive a clean audit. In April of 2022, they were named as one of the 8 top municipalities in the annual Blue Drop report on water quality. Our mayor is one of the most responsive. And yet … How will the OM […] - [Assistance with objections to property valuations](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/communique-regarding-assistance-with-objections-to-property-valuations/): In response to the widespread concern regarding the updated valuation roll the HRA will be offering assistance to property owners who need help completing and submitting the forms. We have been offered space at some offices in Voëlklip where we will have forms available as well as someone to assist with the completion thereof and we will move location depending on where requests for assistance come from. This service is aimed particularly to those who are unfamiliar with the process or who are infirm or elderly. We will also assist those who are housebound and cannot travel to one of […] - [The rationale behind the 2023 amendment of the HRA Constitution](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/the-rationale-behind-the-2023-amendment-of-the-hra-constitution/): There was a need to bring the HRA Constitution in line with SARS requirements in order to introduce a number of safeguards into the Constitution. Clause 3 of the Constitution has been amended accordingly to include these requirements. At the same time the Executive Committee of the HRA believed that a liability clause should be introduced, indemnifying both committee members and other members against claims made against them for actions taken in good faith. This necessitated the introduction of a new Clause 13. Whilst attending to these essential amendments the Executive Committee of the HRA saw fit to deal with […] - [Chairperson's Annual Report for 2022](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/hra-chairpersons-annual-report-for-2022/): In preparing my thoughts for this report I was reminded of the song by Frank Sinatra which begins with the words “When I was seventeen it was a very good year…” and continued to chronicle the significant events in his life. I can still hear the haunting refrain in my head. I wish I could say, like Frank, that 2022 was a very good year but that would not be entirely true. It was in fact a very challenging year. It was a year in which the HRA had to come to terms with a new way of interacting with […] - [Be there: AGM on ZOOM](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/be-there-hra-agm-on-march-9-2023-on-zoom-at-600-pm/): The Annual General Meeting As was the case last year our AGM will be held virtually. Holding the meeting on the virtual platform enables more members to attend without leaving the comfort of their homes as well as including those who are not permanently resident in Hermanus: Please be aware that only paid up members have voting rights at the AGM. The annual membership subscription fee has increased this year to R150. Invoices to our members were dispatched on Jan 25. If you have not paid yet, please do so now. Payment details are given below – just scroll down. […] - [December 2022 Quarterly Report](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/december-2022-quarterly-report-of-the-hra/): Each quarter as I sit down to write the Quarterly Reports I am conflicted as to what to include and what to exclude, as well as how much detail to provide. In the final analysis I try to write about issues which are aligned with our constitution and to report on those things which are both important and useful to our members. The acid test is to ask whether what one is writing is useful and helpful and true. This quarter, like most others, has had its share of dramas and intrigues and people have conducted themselves in new and […] - [September 2022 Quarterly Report](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/september-2022-quarterly-report-of-the-hra/): With your continued support the HRA will continue its efforts to be a facilitator between the people and the establishment – Brian Wridgway Undercurrents of dissatisfaction In the mid-year Quarterly report I mentioned the undercurrent of dissatisfaction which has permeated much of the interaction between the citizenry and the municipality on a number of issues. I wish that I could tell you that the situation has improved but it hasn’t. If anything relationships have become more fractured. A recent request to discuss an issue with a senior municipal official was met with a refusal and an instruction to discuss it […] - [Business creep in Voëlklip?](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/business-creep-in-voelklip/): VOICE YOUR CONCERN BY AUGUST 19 An application for rezoning the property on the corner of 7th Street and 17th Avenue constitutes a deviation from the original title deed as well as representing “business creep” into what is a residential suburb. Comment is due by Friday 19th of August. A physiotherapist practice has until recently operated as a home business from what is essentially a residence. The physiotherapy practice has ceased to operate from the premises, however. To open up new business opportunities, the business owner wants to remove the restrictive title deed so that it can change from a […] - [June 2022 Quarterly Report](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/june-2022-quarterly-report-of-the-hra/): The winds of change… should we resist them? To the casual observer Hermanus is an attractive seaside village where everything works, the locals are friendly, the coffee is good and the scenery and beaches are beautiful. This perception has been changing steadily for some years now. It is evidenced by the size and scale of some of the buildings under construction, the opening of the Whale Coast Mall, the construction of the new industrial area and the influx of people into Hermanus. There is a worrying undercurrent of dissatisfaction that permeates much of the interaction between the citizenry and the […] - [HRA: How we work for you](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/hra-how-we-work-for-you/): The Hermanus Ratepayers Association (HRA) is the only body that looks after the interests of all ratepayers in our beautiful town If you have a property in Hermanus you pay rates every month to the Overstrand Municipality. Have you any idea how and where this money is being spent? Are you aware of the municipal projects that receive priority every year and do you know how these are determined? Who is looking after your interests and those of your fellow ratepayers? The HRA does! Amongst many other things the HRA … Finally, the HRA actively participates in the annual Integrated […] - [April 2022 Quarterly Report](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/april-2022-quarterly-report-of-the-hra/): What has Covid taught us? One of the lessons that Covid has taught us is that we need one another. We encourage more people to be involved with the HRA so that we can be effective in achieving our goals. Reflection on the new Council The new Council was constituted in November 2021 and early indications are that it is no longer business as usual. Our new Mayor Dr. Annelie Rabie has hit the ground running and it seems that she is action oriented and committed to ensuring that the Overstrand continues to be a wonderful place in which to […] ## Pages - [EMERGENCY NUMBERS](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/emergency-numbers/) - [PROJECTS](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/projects/) - [My account](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/my-account/) - [Checkout](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/checkout/) - [Cart](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/cart/) - [Shop](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/shop/) - [CONTACT](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/contact/) - [NEWS & MEDIA](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/news-media/) - [MEMBERSHIP](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/membership/) - [LEADERSHIP](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/leadership/) - [DOCUMENTS](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/documents/) - [ABOUT](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/about/) - [HOME](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/) - [Privacy Policy](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/privacy-policy/) ## Products - [Annual Membership](https://hermanusratepayers.co.za/shop/annual-membership/): BECOME A MEMBER OF THE HERMANUS RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION.   What’s in it for you? You will be empowered to become involved in matters of the municipality. You will be able to contribute actively to the preservation of the traditional character and beauty of Hermanus. Through us, you will have a voice in matters of local government. You can help ensure that municipal services are provided in an economical, effective, efficient, transparent and accountable manner; and You will have the opportunity to constructively work with the municipality – so much more effective than complaining on social media! We need you to help us stand together and to be a strong lobbying force – for you! [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)