A high-level engagement was held at the Hermanus New Harbour, bringing together national, provincial and local government leaders, alongside representatives from the business and fishing communities, to advance plans for infrastructure-led economic growth in the Overberg.
The session was attended by National Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson; Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers; Overberg District Municipality Mayor, Sakkie Franken; and Overstrand Executive Mayor, Alderman Archie Klaas, together with members of his Mayoral Committee, as well as representatives from the Hermanus Business Chamber, ratepayers’ organisations and the local fishing community.
The meeting took place against a backdrop of growing frustration from the municipality and local business owners regarding delays and constraints in the management and maintenance of harbour infrastructure, which remains primarily under national government control and is widely recognised as a complex, multi-sphere responsibility.
Provincial Minister Simmers emphasised a coordinated government approach supported by a R9.85 billion infrastructure budget and a R152 billion long-term infrastructure pipeline. He said that certainty, disciplined planning and intergovernmental alignment are critical to driving growth, with Hermanus Harbour identified as a strategic asset to stimulate tourism, investment and local economic development.
Minister Macpherson stressed the urgency of implementation and the cost of delays, confirming support for a collaborative “Right to Repair” approach that would enable municipalities to take a leading role in maintaining and upgrading key harbour infrastructure, while national government remains custodian.
Overstrand Executive Mayor Archie Klaas welcomed the strengthened intergovernmental alignment, noting that the municipality is ready to support immediate interventions to restore functionality at the harbour, including slipway repairs and infrastructure stabilisation.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Infrastructure Services, Clinton Lerm, said the engagement demonstrated clear alignment between national and provincial government on the future of the harbour, strengthened through direct engagement with the Hermanus Business Chamber and ratepayers’ organisations. He noted that the site walkabout provided valuable insight into both the historical significance and future economic potential of the harbour, reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
Stakeholders raised the importance of balancing tourism development with the protection of small-scale fishing livelihoods, a principle which was acknowledged by government representatives.
A joint technical task team will be established between the three spheres of government to fast-track a lease audit and identify urgent infrastructure interventions, positioning Hermanus Harbour as a potential model for decentralised, delivery-focused harbour management.
