Overstrand Municipality received two awards at the Western Cape Government Service Excellence Awards on Friday, 16 October 2026. The awards were presented by Premier Alan Winde as part of the Western Cape Government’s recognition of excellence in public service. Hermanus Public Library received Gold, while the Onrus Catchment-to-Coast Restoration and Rehabilitation Project received Silver in the Best Municipal Project – Large/Metro category.

Overstrand Executive Mayor, Alderman Archie Klaas, said: “Hearing Overstrand Municipality’s name announced twice on the night was a proud moment for us all. These awards recognise the excellent work being done by our staff and partners, whether it is creating opportunities through our libraries or protecting important natural ecosystems for future generations. Ultimately, these awards reflect our commitment to quality service delivery and the positive impact it has on the lives of Overstrand residents.”

Hermanus Public Library

Hermanus Public Library’s Gold Award recognises more than a century of service to residents. From promoting literacy and digital inclusion to supporting schools, job seekers, senior citizens and visually impaired residents, the library continues to adapt to changing community needs.

It was the first library in the Western Cape to introduce electronic library cards, allowing patrons to receive a digital card on their mobile phones within two hours of applying. Since January 2026, the library has issued electronic cards and ranked second in the province for digital book checkouts.

Like all Overstrand public libraries, Hermanus offers free public internet access. Its facilities have helped 4,270 unemployed community members prepare CVs, develop digital skills and apply for jobs through the Municipality’s online portal. The library also offers digital literacy training, computer assistance and workshops to help members access Libby’s digital books.

Its outreach programmes support ECD centres and primary schools with books and literacy initiatives. The library also has strong ties with the home-schooling community, helping children develop their reading, comprehension and public-speaking skills. Holiday activities are popular with local children, while theatre productions have attracted audiences of up to 160 young people.

The library also visits six retirement villages and old-age homes each month, providing books, audiobooks and digital support. Through its partnership with the South African Library for the Blind, visually impaired residents can access specialised audiobook services and equipment. Hermanus Library has the highest number of South African Library for the Blind members in the province.

Literary and cultural activities, including book launches, local author events and the annual Kalfiefees book programmes, add to the library’s role in Hermanus. The Friends of the Hermanus Library also support its work through fundraising, book donations and initiatives such as the Bhuki Café, helping to buy new books and extend its services.

Onrus Catchment-to-Coast Restoration and Rehabilitation Project

The Onrus Catchment-to-Coast Restoration and Rehabilitation Project’s Silver Award recognises ongoing efforts to restore one of South Africa’s rare freshwater ecosystems.

The Onrus Catchment-to-Coast (C2C) Project focuses on restoring and protecting the Onrus catchment, including its rare Palmiet peatland. Scientific research has confirmed that the peatland is approximately 10 500 years old, making it one of the oldest and deepest known peatlands in South Africa.

The wetland was damaged by a prolonged wildfire that spread from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in 2019 and was further impacted by a 1-in-200-year flood event in September 2023, which caused extensive erosion. Once covering about 58 hectares, only around a third of the peatland remains intact. The indigenous Palmiet (Prionium serratum) that dominates the wetland plays an important role in stabilising riverbanks, reducing flood impacts, filtering sediments and storing carbon.

Overstrand Municipality established the C2C Project and a dedicated Steering Committee to coordinate restoration across the wider catchment, bringing together government departments, environmental organisations, researchers and local communities. Funding through the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Generation Restoration initiative supported the assessments and strategic planning needed to guide future restoration, identify priority actions and secure additional investment.

Work is also progressing on the ground, with 154.07 hectares of invasive alien plants cleared to date and a dedicated Palmiet nursery is in the process of being established. Using locally sourced genetic material, more than 5 000 Palmiet plants have already been propagated, with additional seedlings still being quantified. These plants will be used to restore the hydrological function and ecological integrity of the system at identified rehabilitation sites.

The project demonstrates how municipal leadership, strategic partnerships and coordinated planning can support ecosystem recovery and provide a model for restoring other ecologically important systems across South Africa.