Hermanus Community Rallies Together, Praise for SA’s Police Force

As protestors have tried to rip Hermanus apart, the community of Hermanus has come together in a spirit of gratitude and love like never before. And all are united in an appreciation for the tireless and brave work of the South African Police Force, the “men and women in Blue”.

The invitation to tourists to not miss the whale season is genuine. Hermanus town is safe, say locals, and the trouble is contained in one area. Tourism is the main source of income for Hermanus, and its people are proud of this beautiful seaside town.

Local photographer Linda Fourie says: “I am a Hermanus resident and what I am seeing in how our whole town is pulling together to help tourism businesses (our main economic income) is incredible.

“Even if you do come through to see a community united in times of heavy conflict, please come. We are sad of what is happening in Zwelithle but so proud of our police. Come and see our beautiful whales and a town United, fighting these thugs in every possible way, even if it means serving incredible coffee. ❤”

Mywhalecoast’s Marthunis Barnard, who has been keeping Hermanus residents and everyone else updated on what is truly going on (rather than reading sensationalised media articles), said on Thursday morning that the court case – of community leader Xobani Nzongani/Gcobani Ndzongana, who is alleged to have been one of those inciting violence in Zwelihle – will take place at 09h00 this morning.

A request for 20,000 people to protest outside the Hermanus Magistrate’s Court has been denied.

Marthunis says it will be a bail application and request to move the case to a district court.

The army has not been deployed, and Hermanus is open for trade.

“All services are running and there is a heavy police presence in the areas to ensure everything runs smoothly,” he said on Facebook.

“Our men and women in blue are ready for all eventualities.”

He urged locals to not panic, if crowds do gather or if the R43 is closed. “Give the police a chance to work and restore order.”

According to Cllr Jean Orban, there is a large SAPS presence in Hermanus today, including the Western Cape Disaster Management.

The community is doing everything to make the officers comfortable with local businesses making hamburgers for all the extra personnel today. (Another 100 are still needed for lunch and dinner.)

Orban asked for donations (water, fruit, biscuits, sandwiches etc) tobe taken to the JOC at  the Fire Station please (and not the police station).

Mayor Dudley Coetzee expressed his deepest gratitude to Hermanus Primary and all those offering donations and help – “not only supplying meals for the police and law enforcement agencies, but also to the community who are serving at restaurants, picking up garbage and assisting the elderly. This action is assisting business to remain open.”

Hermanus has dug deep and is showing how a community can come together in times of strife.

UPDATE: According to Mywhalecoast, the matter has been transferred to Strand Magistrate Court, and is to be heard tomorrow. The accused will be remanded in Strand Police Cells.

Click here to read more on what is going on in Hermanus, and follow Mywhalecoast for accurate updates from Hemanus.

https://www.facebook.com/adamspiresvlogger/videos/1122229071261224/

https://www.facebook.com/MyWhaleCoast/posts/249908168941386

https://www.facebook.com/MyWhaleCoast/photos/a.143813722884165.1073741829.129746274290910/249832498948953/?type=3

Mywhalecoast’s Marthunis Barnard, seen in blue on the right, is bringing accurate reports from Hermanus throughout the day:

https://www.facebook.com/MyWhaleCoast/photos/a.143813722884165.1073741829.129746274290910/249621032303433/?type=3&theater

He asked that everyone share this, which shows the intimidation by protestors:

https://www.facebook.com/MyWhaleCoast/posts/249588315640038