Efforts to restore damaged wetland in ancient Onrus peatland has earned Overstrand Municipality (OM) Silver at the Western Cape Government Service Excellence Awards while Hermanus Public Library takes top award.

Only about a third of the Onrus peatland, an ancient freshwater ecosystem estimated to be 10,500 years old, remains intact following a devastating wildfire and severe flooding.

Now, the Onrus Catchment-to-Coast (C2C) Restoration and Rehabilitation Project received Silver in the Best Municipal Project – Large/Metro category on Friday, 16 October.

Two awards

Meanwhile, Hermanus Public Library also received Gold, giving the municipality two awards at the ceremony presented by Premier Alan Winde.

The Onrus peatland, which once covered approximately 58 hectares, was damaged by a prolonged wildfire that spread from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in 2019. It suffered further damage during a 1-in-200-year flood event in September 2023, which caused extensive erosion.

Scientific research has confirmed that the Palmiet peatland is one of the oldest and deepest known peatlands in South Africa.

Its indigenous Palmiet vegetation plays an important role in stabilising riverbanks, reducing flood impacts, filtering sediments and storing carbon.

OM 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 Generation Restoration initiative has supported environmental assessments and strategic planning to guide rehabilitation, identify priority actions and secure additional investment.

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Practical restoration work is also under way.

Restoration under way

154 hectares of invasive alien plants have already cleared to date. A dedicated Palmiet nursery is being established and more than 5,000 Palmiet plants have already been propagated using locally sourced genetic material.

The plants will be used at identified rehabilitation sites to help restore the ecosystem’s hydrological function and ecological integrity.

Library recognised for community impact

Hermanus Public Library received Gold at the awards in recognition of more than a century of service to the community.

The library was recognised for its work in literacy, digital inclusion and support for job seekers, learners, senior citizens and visually impaired residents.

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, it has issued electronic cards and ranked second in the province for digital book checkouts.

Its facilities have helped 4 270 unemployed community members prepare CVs, develop digital skills and apply for jobs through the municipality’s online portal.

Like all Overstrand public libraries, it also offers free public internet access.

Hermanus library provides digital literacy training, computer assistance and workshops to help members access digital books through Libby.

Its outreach programmes support early childhood development centres and primary schools, while activities for home-schooling families help children develop reading, comprehension and public-speaking skills.

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.

Blind members

Hermanus Public Library has the highest number of South African Library for the Blind members in the province.

Its cultural programmes include book launches, local author events and annual Kalfiefees book activities. The Friends of the Hermanus Library contribute through fundraising, book donations and initiatives such as the Bhuki Café.

Overstrand Executive Mayor Archie Klaas said the municipality was proud to have received two awards.

“Hearing Overstrand Municipality’s name announced twice on the night was a proud moment for us all,” he said. “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.”

He added that “ultimately, these awards reflect our commitment to quality service delivery and the positive impact it has on the lives of Overstrand residents.”

The municipality said the restoration 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.