When the heart of Hermanus’ history fell into disrepair, this community refused to look the other way.
Hermanus, South Africa (19 February 2026) – The dire state of the Rotary View area, the heart of historic Hermanus, cluttered with everything from fast food packaging to broken glass, prompted a united front to restore order and its former glory.
Yesterday, members of the Marine Coastal Conservation (MCC) partnered with Overstrand Mayor Archie Klaas and representatives from the OM cleaning team, Hermanus Public Protection (HPP), Hermanus Business Chamber (HBC), Rotary International and members of the public for a much-needed clean-up in central Hermanus.
The clean-up was driven by the urgent need to remove large amounts of plastic after the recent heavy rains, as all the stormwater drains in the town – fed by waste in the streets – were overflowing with waterfalls of trash.
“In one hour, we cleaned as much litter as possible from the area around and below the Rotary View deck near Swallow Park,” a representative of the MCC said.
The targeted area is popular in Hermanus for tourists and locals to watch whales and dolphins, walk along the iconic Hermanus Cliff Path, have a picnic or take a break from work in town.
“As such, it is also the site of considerable amounts of trash like fast food packaging, broken glass and hundreds of cigarette butts, much of which is blown or swept into the ocean and surrounds Fernkloof Nature Reserve along the cliff-front.”
With the area looking far better than they had found it, thanks went out to every community member who rolled up their sleeves to fill a trash bag and help keep their town clean as well as its special marine and fynbos environment as beautiful as possible.
“Our gratitude also to Coca Cola Peninsular Beverages for the cool drinks and water, and to Plastics|SA for the collecting bags. Thanks to the OM for trucking away the many bags of trash.”
The collective effort serves as a touching reminder that when a community lends its hands, it heals its heart.
Sources: Marine Coastal Conservation
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