Hermanus Times reported on Hermanus Country Kids, an early-childhood development centre fighting for survival after losing its premises, on 18 March (“Local preschool in Hermanus loses premises, faces closure”). Since then a Good Samaritan has provided it with a temporary site in Church Street, but it looks as if its problems are starting all over again.

The suitable site has not exactly turned into the temporary respite it was intended to be, for no sooner had the site in Onrus been identified for Hermanus Country Kids, a political battle ensued.

Regarding Erf 2549 Onrus, Ward 13 Ward Committee issued a statement, that it had “noted the petition calling for Erf 2549, the old school/clinic premises on the corner of Roos, Douglas and Dempers Street Onrus [was] to be leased to Hermanus Country Kids.”

It identified the plot as significant public property, and therefore its long-term future should be determined through appropriate legal, administrative and public- participation processes.

The ward committee was concerned about the proposed deviation from paragraph 18 of the Administration of Immovable Property Policy, permitting a direct temporary lease to Hermanus Country Kids without following normal competitive processes.

According to the principal of Hermanus Country Kids, Melinda Stoddart, it had never attempted to bypass any legal, municipal or statutory process. “From our side we have followed the appropriate processes and engaged with the relevant authorities through the proper channels. We have submitted proposals, provided information when requested and pursued the matter through the formal processes available to us. We want to make it clear that a school does not need to go through a competitive tender process.” Stoddart also explained that they are prepared to pay rent and have an 18-year financial record.

Ecd needed in onrus/vermont

Stoddart pointed out that the need for a pre-school/ECD facility in Onrus/Vermont was formally brought to the municipality’s attention by Hermanus Country Kids as most of its learners were from there. “It is significant that the need for an early-child development centre in this area was recognised in the Integrated Development Plan process only at the beginning of 2026, after parents and community members of Onrus had petitioned for it to be properly acknowledged and considered.”

She also said the Onrus and Vermont communities had changed tremendously over the past five years. “Many young families have moved into the area, and the demographic of these communities is significantly different from what it was a decade ago.

“And yes, the municipality has a legal and developmental duty to plan for and facilitate access to early childhood development facilities, though direct building obligations depend on local resources and community need.

“The question should not only be what the property was historically used for, but also what the community needs today and what it will need in the future.”

Stoddart stated Hermanus Country Kids didn’t want the whole property: “We respect that there are different views about what Erf 2549 should ultimately be used for. We also respect the importance of preserving the history and heritage of Onrus. That is why we suggested shared community use of the property.”

A creative solution

“We believe a creative solution should be explored that recognises both the historical significance of Erf 2549 and the very real need for early-childhood education in the growing Onrus and Vermont communities,” Stoddart said. “The current social-media debate has, unfortunately, reduced the matter to what appears to be a dispute between a preschool and a group wanting to preserve a heritage site.

“That is not the reality. At the centre of this matter are young children and their families, who need a permanent place for their education.”

She said Hermanus Country Kids was not asking for special treatment. “We are asking for a fair opportunity to have our proposal considered through the appropriate legal and public processes, along with any other legitimate proposal for the property.”

Hermanus Country Kids believes there should be room for both heritage and early childhood education. “We would welcome constructive engagement with Ward 13, the municipality, heritage stakeholders and the broader community to explore whether a solution can be found that respects the history of Erf 2549 while also addressing the pressing need for ECD services.

“The future of Hermanus Country Kids is about much more than a piece of land. It is about ensuring that children in Onrus, Vermont and the surrounding communities continue to have access to a safe, established and quality early-childhood education service.”

Meanwhile the ward committee stated it was planning an Onrust Heritage Hub on the premises.

On Facebook it said: “The Onrust Heritage Hub is a planned community project in Onrusrivier designed to celebrate the area’s rich artistic and literary history while creating a shared central space for cultural activities and community gatherings. For this the old Onrus clinic site (Erf 2549) is earmarked, pending a formal property transfer from the provincial government to the Overstrand Municipality.”

But according to Stoddart it seems that the ward committee has a conflict of interest: “As three of the menmbers on the committee are members of the Heritage Hub. Seems like personal gain?”