As a long-time resident of Hermanus, I’ve seen our community grow and change. One aspect of this growth is the presence of informal settlements, a topic that often comes up in local discussions. This article aims to provide some context and information about these settlements in and around Hermanus.
Understanding Settlements in the Hermanus Area
The question of whether Hermanus itself is a ‘settlement’ in the formal sense is complex. However, it’s more accurate to consider Hermanus as a town comprising various residential areas, including both formal and informal housing. The term ‘informal settlement’ typically refers to areas where housing is constructed without official permission on land that the residents do not own. These settlements often lack basic services such as proper sanitation, water, and electricity. The topic of informal settlements in Hermanus reflects broader socio-economic issues within South Africa.