Social media has been abuzz with the unhappiness of business owners near the Old Harbour where the Whale Festival will be taking place this weekend. They say the Whale Festival is having a negative impact on their businesses as there is no parking available near most of the businesses this weekend.
Some of the businesses have also turned to the Hermanus Business Chamber for advice on the problem. According to the Overstrand Municipality’s municipal manager, Dean O’Neill, the Hermanus Business Chamber and the Office of Mayor Archie Klaas met to discuss growing concerns, particularly those raised on social media by local businesses about parking and other problems associated with the festival.
“Both parties acknowledged that there are issues and frustrations, especially from businesses around the Old Harbour, and agreed these issues need review, though two days before the festival is not ideal timing. It was also agreed that the Hermanus Whale Festival is an internationally recognised event and a valuable part of the town’s brand. With visitors already arriving, the festival will proceed as planned this weekend, as it is not feasible at this stage to scale back or reverse existing arrangements,” O’Neill said.
Klaas emphasised the importance of the Whale Festival as a long-standing, high-profile event that puts Hermanus on the global map. “…What we must do is protect it, improve it, and ensure that it benefits everyone in the community. While we recognise the concerns of businesses in key areas like the Old Harbour, it is important that the festival’s opportunities extend beyond any one group and include all residents and visitors, fostering a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that supports Hermanus as a whole.”
As a result of the discussions, a formal agreement has been reached to bring all stakeholders – including the Municipality and the festival organisers – together after this year’s festival to review and plan for the future.
