A total of 83 beneficiaries received serviced plots from Overstrand Executive Mayor, Alderman Archie Klaas on 8 April 2026 at Mandela Square in Zwelihle, Hermanus.

The project is implemented in terms of the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP), which makes provision for housing subsidies to fund serviced sites and basic infrastructure for qualifying beneficiaries.

While beneficiaries will not be issued with title deeds at this stage, this milestone represents a step forward, enabling them to erect temporary structures and begin establishing more stable living conditions.

The project, which commenced in 2016, has taken nearly a decade to reach this point. The Mayoral Committee Member responsible for Community Services Ronald Nutt provided a brief history, noting that although the process was lengthy, the long-awaited delivery has finally been realised. The project regained momentum in November 2023 when Council approved its continuation.

 

However, progress was not without challenges. The development experienced delays due to vandalism of ablution facilities, theft of infrastructure, and illegal dumping on the site.

In response, a decision was taken to allow beneficiaries to move onto the approximately 80m² in size plots before damaged and stolen infrastructure is replaced. This approach aims to encourage community ownership and responsibility in safeguarding the development going forward.

Mayor Klaas acknowledged the hard work of the Infrastructure team, noting that significant progress had previously been made before infrastructure was vandalised and stolen. “That is now behind us,” he said, encouraging beneficiaries to focus on building their homes and creating a better future for themselves and their families.

He also expressed concern about ongoing illegal dumping, highlighting that the area had been cleaned by the Municipality’s Solid Waste team just a week prior to the handover, only to be littered again shortly thereafter.

On a positive note, Mayor Klaas welcomed the diversity among the beneficiaries, describing it as a good mix of elderly residents and younger people, including individuals who grew up in Hermanus but had not previously benefited from housing opportunities.

He encouraged the new residents to establish a committee to engage with the Ward 6 Councillor and address any challenges collectively. “Let us work together in the best interest of all and move forward as a community,” he said, urging beneficiaries to build positive relationships with neighbouring communities.

Mayor Klaas extended his appreciation to Aron Gcotyelwa and his team for their role in managing housing services, as well as to Director Stephen Müller and the Infrastructure Services team, including George Lotter and Theo Steenberg, for their work on electricity and stormwater provision.

Beneficiaries will open municipal accounts and receive subsidised basic services. While the plots do not include formal housing structures, they provide residents with a foundation to build their own homes and create a place they can call their own.

Mayor Klaas concluded by encouraging beneficiaries to value the opportunity: “You now have your own space – do not take it for granted.”