The first Southern Right Whales of the 2023 season were spotted in Hermanus this morning, slightly ahead of schedule.

Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie, said the early winter has its advantages and it is wonderful to welcome the gentle giants back into the bay.

Photo credit: Anne Wright (Hermanus resident)

The carcass of the 14 metre adult female Bryde’s Whale that was pulled from the New Harbour out to sea toward Die Plaat by Hermanus NSRI on 4 May 2023, washed up at Sopiesklip near Grotto Beach towards De Kelders over the weekend.

The cause of death could not be determined from visual inspection as there were no visible signs of entanglement or ship strike that could have led to its death.

Scientists from the Overberg Stranding Network will take samples and measurements during the course of the day.

Stranding response in the Overberg area is managed by a collaborative group of organisations, including CapeNature, Department of Environmental Affairs, Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Hermanus Animal Hospital 24 hr service, Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit, NSRI, Overberg District Municipality and Overstrand Municipality.

On the eve of Africa's Travel Indaba, starting on Monday, Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie, said the recent announcement by the South African Reserve Bank to upgrade banknotes and coins for the first in more than 10 years, will be a conversation starter.

Changes include the addition of pictures depicting the 'Big Five', as well as new animals and plants.

Mayor Rabie said she is thrilled to see the Southern Right Whale on the R5 coin and the Cape honey bee replacing the aloe on the 10c pieces

The Southern Right Whales come to the shores of the Cape Whale Coast in about June each year to mate and calve in the shallow waters.

Hermanus has gained the reputation of offering the best land-based whale watching in the world because of the excellent vantage points that the cliffs along Walker Bay provide.

Some Overstrand library members may have received random emails from the Western Cape Library Services about overdue books from last year.

Please ignore the email reminder that your library materials are overdue.

The Operating System of the Library and Information Management System (SLIMS) collapsed in November 2022 and is not working.

Should you have any overdue books and other library material, please return them to your local library as other people would also want to read it. No fines will be charged.

The library staff thanked all patrons for their patience and support. Please feel free to contact your local library for any questions.