Come and celebrate Hermanus Times’ 75th birthday.
This, the oldest newspaper in the region, is the heartbeat of the Overberg, and since its first edition in 1949 the then-named Hermanus Newshas grown with local residents and made its mark as a trusted source in the local, social, economical and political fields.
The first issue appeared on 17 September 1949 with the slogan “A newspaper devoted to the interests of Hermanus and district and surrounding seaside resorts”.
In its upcoming publications Hermanus Times will share articles and advertisements that appeared in its first edition. From Hermanus News (Saturday 17 September 1949): Reference to the publication of HERMANUS NEWS is made in the last issue of the influential PRESS NEWS, South Africa’s monthly for those in the technical, literary and advertising fields of press work.
In a news item under a 3-column heading, PRESS NEWS says: “A well-known South African magazine journalist, Mr J.O. Rowe, until recently assistant editor of the OUTSPAN and wartime head of the Press Department of the State Information Bureau, has floated a new Company which has acquired the CALEDON VENSTER and is starting publication of a new weekly, HERMANUS NEWS.
“Hermanus with a static population of nearly 10 000 increased by another 15 000 during the season, is a seaside resort with a future as big as any in the Union.
“Mr Rowe, whose co-director is Mr D.G.S. Cambell has been a senior member of the South African Society of Journalists for the past 20 years and was vice-chairman of the Free State branch in 1947 and 1948.
“Educated at the South African College, Cape Town, Mr Rowe joined the Cape Times in 1929 and served as reporter and sub-editor until 1937 when he joined the OUTSPAN as chief sub-editor.
“He went on active service in 1940 and in 1943 was appointed head of the Press Department of the State Information Bureau.
“During the war he wrote and produced AFRICAN ARSENAL – one of the best wartime propaganda publications produced by the Union Government.
“Mr Rowe rejoined the OUTSPAN in November 1945 and was appointed assistant editor.”
