Margaret Motsoene’s journey to establishing her own business, Throneroom Living & Projects, where she is not only self-sustaining, but able to provide gainful employment to other members of her community began in 2012, when the Local Economic Department (LED) in partnership with the Hermanus Business Chamber, hosted a Women’s Day event. It was here that Margaret was first exposed to the South African Women’s Entrepreneurial Network (SAWEN) and the Cape Crafter’s Design Institute (CCDI), critical stakeholders that seek to develop small businesses.

Later in 2013, the LED Department once again formed a collaboration with the Hermanus Business Chamber to launch the Service Excellence Campaign. Soon after, the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) Customer Care training followed. This training was geared towards teaching entrepreneurs how to grow their businesses. It further focused more on tourism and how to have an impact in the tourism field. Modules such as ‘how to market to target customers’, ‘develop the business’, ‘developing the attitude to understand yourself as an entrepreneur and to conscientise yourself with regards to tourism’ were also incorporated.

The official launch of the “Overstrand Shack Fire Project” was marked by a ceremonial event that took place at the Zwelihle Community Hall in Hermanus on Wednesday, 5 August 2015.  The event was presided over by Executive Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie and included fire chiefs and senior fire fighting personnel, amongst others, from across the country.

The aim of the project is to empower people who live in the informal settlements to cope should a fire break out in their area.  Various training modules that included basic fire fighting and first aid training were offered by brainchild of the project and developer of the fire boxes, Hennie Zeelie, Angela Hesslop of the Red Cross and practical training from the Hermanus Fire Station. As the project rolls out further training will be provided to more informal dwellers.  

Once trained, individuals will have access to an electronic key that not only opens a carefully placed box containing a fire extinguisher, but will also sound an alarm to notify all residents of a fire outbreak.  A red light which is mounted high on a pole will flash and a SMS will simultaneously be sent to the fire brigade advising them which box needs attending to. In this way affected residents will have the means to try and stop the fire from spreading, or contain it before the fire brigade arrives.

Despite a blustering, cold winter wind that blew relentlessly through the Overstrand on Friday, 17 July 2015, attendees were left with a warm, fuzzy feeling when AVBOB funeral undertakers handed over a sizable donation of library books, office furniture and fixtures to the newly established library at Eluxolweni, Pearly Beach.

The ceremonial event was held ahead of International Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July, and it is only fitting that AVBOB, who was the official undertaker of this great statesman when he passed in December 2013, continues to honour his legacy by providing books and material to aid the government in the development of its youth.  The significance is even more profound given that Madiba was relentless in his efforts to ensure the youth of our country are provided with every opportunity to receive an education.  To this end, Frik Rademan the CEO of AVBOB, stated “We are honoured and privileged to be able to make this contribution to the Eluxolweni community as we know the importance of ensuring that our youngsters are literate. Being able to read opens up a new world to them.  That we are able to provide these books is our small way of investing in their education – an investment that will serve them and our country well in time to come.”

At the Annual Night of Excellence, recognition is given to achievers who make a difference in Overstrand by awarding the Mayoral Trophy for Environmental Conservation, the Woman/Women of the Year Award and the Award for Achievers of Excellence.

This year, Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie will present the awards on 25 August 2015.  Nominations are awaited and must be handed in on or before Friday, 7 August 2015.   

Nominations for the prestigious Mayoral Trophy for Environmental Conservation can be submitted to Liezl Bezuidenhout at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Nominations of Overstrand women who have made a difference in their area and who ought to be considered for a Woman of the Year Award can be submitted to Elize Verrij at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Achievers of excellence in communities are also identified by councillors.  Well-motivated nominations can be handed to any councillor or sent to Elize Verrij at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..