A series of events, such as the Hermanus Passion Play to be presented for the first time in three years, is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the Overberg over the Easter long weekend.
Local police, law-enforcement units as well as provincial and local traffic authorities, however, are geared to deal with the influx of visitors and to ensure their safety. In addition to this, businesses are also primed for and positive about the expected benefits this long weekend will bring.
Overstrand municipal manager Dean O’Neill reports that some accommodation establishments confirmed they have been fully booked, while a number of other facilities reported that bookings had returned to pre-covid figures.
He added that he high number of bookings, in conjunction with a large number of day visitors expected to visit the region, bodes well for other businesses, such as restaurants and shops as visitors enjoy exploring, dining out, shopping, visiting markets and outdoor activities.
Holidaymakers and day visitors can look forward to a host of activities and events, including various country markets in the different towns and villages, the popular Hermanus First Friday Art Walk, a live performance by Mango Groove, Easter Egg hunts, special Easter markets and plant sales at different botanical gardens.
Popular places to visit include the Stoney Point Penguin Colony in Betty’s Bay, Danger Point Lighthouse in Gansbaai, the Old and New Harbours in Hermanus, the Genadendal Mission Museum, the Shipwreck Museum in Bredasdorp, the Whale House Museum in Hermanus and the L’Agulhas Lighthouse.
O’Neill gave the assurance that Overstrand traffic officials, together with the provincial traffic department, law enforcement, special task team and the police will maintain visibility throughout the April Easter holiday. He cautioned everyone to be vigilant and to not leave their valuables, especially cellphones and purses, in plain sight.
Brigadier Donovan Heilbron, Deputy District Commissioner: Operational, says law-enforcement agencies, including the police, law-enforcement units from Theewaterskloof, Overstrand, Cape Agulhas and Swellendam municipalities, will work closely together with local and provincial traffic authorities to ensure the safety of local communities, holidaymakers and road users.
The safety plan includes maintaining high visibility on all roads, beaches and in recreational areas.
“We collected previous years’ data to inform this safety plan,” Heilbron explained. “Our operations will be very task specific with road fatalities as result of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs being one of our main focus areas. To address this and other issues, such as the transportation of firearms, drugs and other illicit goods we will have static roadblocks as well as roaming vehicle check points.” Important emergency numbers:
For fire, accidents, drownings or floodings in the Overstrand call the 24-hour Emergency Control Room number 028 312 2400.
The national NSRI emergency contact number is 112. The NSRI Hermanus can be contacted on 082 990 5967, NSRI Kleinmond on 063 699 2765 and NSRI Cape Agulhas on 082 990 5952.
The Police’s Overberg District Command Centre is operational 24/7 and can be contacted on 028 313 7000 to report any police-related incidents across the Overberg.
