Best of the best
Di Rattle “It was like David and Goliath. I never thought we stood a chance against Lourensford and Bakenhof, the big names in the industry!”
This was the reaction of Leana de Wet, owner of Murasie Wedding Venue outside Gansbaai, after being informed it had won the title of the Best Wedding Venue in the KFM Best of the Cape Awards competition. She said: “The free publicity we got, as a result, was the cherry on top at this very difficult time with brides having to cancel due to all the uncertainty around lockdown restrictions.”
Murasie was one of six Overberg establishments to have come tops in KFM radio station’s Best of the Cape Awards. Also making the Overberg proud were Hermanus Country Market as the Best Market, Houw Hoek Farm Stall as the Best Farm Stall, Milkwood restaurant and Beach Hut as the Best Pet-Friendly Eatery, and Soetmuisberg Kafee in Bredasdorp as the Best Corner Shop. Southern Right Charters in Hermanus was voted the Best Adventure Experience.
Stephen Werner, Kfm Station Manager said: “The level of support has been unprecedented and really heart-warming. Everyone at the station banded together to pull of this sizeable initiative in support of those businesses and people powering our economy. After 18 months of slow trade and heading into tourist season, we hope this initiative will make a notable impact on their bottom line.”
Frieda Lloyd, Cape Whale Coast Tourism manager, said the competition brought acknowledgement to the business owners and staff who have worked hard during extremely tough conditions the past 18 months. She said: “It lifted spirits and gave the hospitality industry interesting conversation when considering those who had made it to the top five list. KFM did well in generating excitement and stretching the
made it to the top five list. KFM did well in generating excitement and stretching the expectations right until the last call on Friday 3 September when all finalists were phoned and made to hang on until the winners were announced. Announcements were well-timed to align with the start of Tourism Month.”
Lloyd said Cape Whale Coast Tourism is proud of the specific categories where we took podium position – market, adventure, wedding venue, pet-friendly eatery, farm stall, corner shop – because this is what the Overberg is really all about in offering country hospitality.
“Equally important is the fact that these nominations became a bit of a bucket list for domestic travellers prompting people to explore the Western Cape and visit the places mentioned,” she added.
“We are encouraged to explore our regions. The competition was a reminder of all the exceptional local businesses that surround us. Also, it was a chance to reflect on the places whom we know to have good service and quality produce and be grateful to have these resilient entrepreneurs in our midst.”
Overberg District Mayor Sakkie Franken said the Best of the Cape Awards meant a lot to the Overberg. “It means our businesses are doing well and that they are already the best. For Houw Hoek Farm Stall to win a category like Best Farm Stall means that we have arrived already. It also means the economy is alive and well in the Overberg, and we are on our way up.
“This also adds to creating new jobs; ones that were lost during Covid-19. Especially in categories like catering where we fared quite well at the awards.”
The competition was launched earlier this year, inviting listeners to nominate businesses, activities, services and entrepreneurs from the Western Cape who provide exceptional service and experiences to their customers. The Kfm Best of The Cape Awards competition was spearheaded by Kfm Mornings with Darren, Sherlin and Sibs.
After a round of nominations, the top finalists in 30 different categories were announced. Eighteen establishments from the Overberg made it to this final round, proving that the Overberg has some of the best facilities in the Western Cape.
Hermanus, internationally renowned for land- and boat-based whale watching, made it to the list of five finalists in the Best Dorpie category.
Also among the finalists were Mosaic Lagoon Lodge and Old Mac Daddy in the Best Hotel category, Paul Wallace Wines in the Best Wine Category and Fraser’s Folly in the Best Local Craft Beer category.