The second Hermanus Country Market Steering Committee meeting between representatives of the Overstrand Municipality, Hermanus Sports Club and the Hermanus Country Market regarding the issues that hinder trade for the Market took place on 22 February 2023 in Hermanus.

This follows the first technical meeting held on 8 February that kicked-off the negotiations to try and find a way for the continued operation of the Hermanus Country Market as per Mayor Rabie’s commitment at the public meeting of 6 February 2023.

During today’s meeting several matters were discussed, with the main focus being the progress the Hermanus Country Market has made in the required submission of the application to sublease via the Hermanus Sports Club.

The other matters discussed were the trading of the Market on the current location pending the submission and outcome of the application and the requirement set by the Municipality.

It was again requested by the Municipality that the latter be provided with indemnities by the traders due to the non-compliance of the structures.

The representatives of the Hermanus Country Market committed to provide the necessary by next week in order for the Municipality to consider whether consent will be given to trade during the month of March 2023.

No clear timeline was given for the submission of the application to sublease as well as the removal of the structures which is currently illegally on municipal property outside the lease area of the Hermanus Sports Club.

The Hermanus Country Market did submit an engineer’s certificate for the tent and the Municipality is currently in discussing this certificate with the entity who issued same.

A further meeting will be held shortly after 8 March 2023 to monitor the progress.

The next public meeting is scheduled for 3 May 2023. All roleplayers have until then to attend to any issues.