Schulphoek

URGENT: Protect Sandbaai during the Schulphoek Development Processes

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH SCHULPHOEK?

The Overstrand Municipality plans to formalise the Schulphoek informal settlement (also called Dubai) in Zwelihle, Hermanus. This massive development will transform 54 hectares of coastal land into housing for 3,500+ households, with roads, sewerage, water, and electricity infrastructure.

But what is the cost to the environment and the ratepayers of surrounding areas like Sandbaai? By law, an Environmental Assessment must be done and the public must be consulted before this development is approved. You have until 8 JANUARY 2026 to register as an interested and affected party and submit your comments.

This website simplifies the process – submit your comments in just 5 minutes.

⚠️ COMMENT DEADLINE: 8 JANUARY 2026
⚠️ Government offices CLOSED: 15 Dec – 5 Jan (Must resubmit if commenting during closure)

SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT NOW

The Threat to Sandbaai:

An Environmental Impact Assessment (required by law) has been published, revealing serious concerns:

❌Schulphoek Road extension would destroy the sensitive coastal environment & Milkwood forest

❌ 3,500 households with no disclosed temporary relocation plan during construction phase → risk of “decanting” into Sandbaai

❌ Current destruction of the environment continues. There is no plan to stop this while the planning and assessments are in process.

❌ Service capacity crisis → Municipality already failing to provide services such as effective sewer and stormwater management in Sandbaai.

Read full details about all the critical issues

Take Action in 5 Easy Steps (5 Minutes):

✅ STEP 1: Register as an Interested & Affected Party

DOWNLOAD IAP FORM

(Fill the form out and save it)

✅ STEP 2: Copy the Comment Template

View Email Template (optional)

Subject: COMMENT - Schulphoek UISP (DEA&DP Ref: 16/3/3/6/7/2/E2/15/1285/25)
Attention: Mrs Euonell Visagie,

I hereby register as an Interested and Affected Party and COMMENT on the proposed Schulphoek development EIA Scoping document.

1. ONGOING INVASION: No plan to stop illegal expansion during construction. Environmental destruction spreading to Sandbaai and other coastal areas.
REQUIRE: Invasion Prevention & Environmental Protection Management Plan BEFORE approval.
2. DECANTING CRISIS: Where will 3,500 households go during construction?
I OBJECT to use of Sandbaai as temporary relocation site.
REQUIRE: Full disclosure of temporary relocation plan with public review.
3. MUNICIPAL SERVICES: OM already fails to adequately service Sandbaai (eg. environmental, sewer, and stormwater management)
REQUIRE: Proof of municipal service capacity and upgrades BEFORE construction begins.
4. SCHULPHOEK ROAD EXTENSION: Route runs through NEM:ICMA coastal protection zone (not disclosed in scoping report). Will destroy protected Milkwood forest. WHY can't road run along Sewerage Plant wall instead or via existing roads in Zwelihle?
REQUIRE: Alternative route analysis and NEM:ICMA compliance assessment.
5. WETLANDS: I object to development within wetland areas. Alternative layouts avoiding wetlands entirely must be explored.
6. HERITAGE: SKP 3 archaeological site requires more than 10m buffer. Independent monitoring during all earthworks essential.
7. COASTAL RISKS: Development within NEM-ICMA coastal protection zone poses long-term risks. Increased setbacks required.
8. CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS: Residents need guarantees for temporary services, health protection, and housing security during multi-year planning and construction phases.

My contact details:
Name: [YOUR NAME]
Address: [YOUR ADDRESS]
Phone: [YOUR PHONE]
Email: [YOUR EMAIL]

I request written responses to all concerns raised.

Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[DATE]

Subject: COMMENT - Schulphoek UISP (DEA&DP Ref: 16/3/3/6/7/2/E2/15/1285/25)
Attention: Mrs Euonell Visagie,

I hereby register as an Interested and Affected Party and COMMENT on the proposed Schulphoek development EIA Scoping document.

1. ONGOING INVASION: No plan to stop illegal expansion during construction. Environmental destruction spreading to Sandbaai and other coastal areas.
REQUIRE: Invasion Prevention & Environmental Protection Management Plan BEFORE approval.
2. DECANTING CRISIS: Where will 3,500 households go during construction?
I OBJECT to use of Sandbaai as temporary relocation site.
REQUIRE: Full disclosure of temporary relocation plan with public review.
3. MUNICIPAL SERVICES: OM already fails to adequately service Sandbaai (eg. environmental, sewer, and stormwater management)
REQUIRE: Proof of municipal service capacity and upgrades BEFORE construction begins.
4. SCHULPHOEK ROAD EXTENSION: Route runs through NEM:ICMA coastal protection zone (not disclosed in scoping report). Will destroy protected Milkwood forest. WHY can't road run along Sewerage Plant wall instead or via existing roads in Zwelihle?
REQUIRE: Alternative route analysis and NEM:ICMA compliance assessment.
5. WETLANDS: I object to development within wetland areas. Alternative layouts avoiding wetlands entirely must be explored.
6. HERITAGE: SKP 3 archaeological site requires more than 10m buffer. Independent monitoring during all earthworks essential.
7. COASTAL RISKS: Development within NEM-ICMA coastal protection zone poses long-term risks. Increased setbacks required.
8. CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS: Residents need guarantees for temporary services, health protection, and housing security during multi-year planning and construction phases.

My contact details:
Name: [YOUR NAME]
Address: [YOUR ADDRESS]
Phone: [YOUR PHONE]
Email: [YOUR EMAIL]

I request written responses to all concerns raised.

Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[DATE]