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Hermanus boasts the world's only Whale Crier!The function of the Whale Crier of Hermanus is to alert those on shore to the presence of whales in the bay. This he does by blowing on a long kelp horn. He uses different-sounding horn blasts (long-short combinations) to identify the various areas where the whales are to be found. These codes are detailed on his sandwich board. Our Whale Crier is Pasiika Noboba, a friendly and well-informed fellow who patrols the coastline of Hermanus between 10:00 and 16:00 during whale season (June to November). You can photograph Zolile, film him, and ask him whatever you want about our southern right whales. He can also be contacted on his hotline at 079 301 4665. |
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The different horn “codes” of the Hermanus Whale Crier refer to the various whale watching spots along the coastline where whales have been spotted:
The Hermanus Tourism Bureau publish an annual information book which provides directions to the whale watching spots. It is available for free from the bureau and contains a welath of information for the visitor to Hermanus. Download your free Whale watching Guide here. |
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Whale Crier – History The Whale Crier‘s Kelp Horn was first heard in Hermanus in August 1992. Pieter Claasen, then an employee of the Old Harbour, was our first Whale Crier. Little did he realise when he agreed to dress up in the now familiar regalia what he was letting himself in for. His friends and associates all felt that he was making a fool of himself dressing up as a "papegaai". With constant encouragement from his mentor, Jim Wepener, he stood his ground and as his reputation spread abroad (literally), they slowly changed their tune. Trips to Cape Town and Johannesburg followed and one of the highlights of his time as Whale Crier was surely his trip to Topsham in the UK where he was Guest of Honour at the annual Town Crier’s competition. He opened the proceedings with a call on his famous kelp horn and then shouted his greetings from Hermanus in true Town Crier fashion. He received a resounding applause. Later in the afternoon he led the colourful procession of Town Criers, floats from far and wide and a large crowd of onlookers down the Main Street of Topsham. On that trip he also participated in a presentation on Whale Watching in Hermanus and the Whale Route at the South African Embassy in London. Subsequently a letter received from the Ambassador said that the invited guests had enjoyed the presentation tremendously and congratulated the delegates saying it was one of the best presentations given at the Embassy. As the information has spread far and wide about the wonderful whale watching in Hermanus, so has the media interest increased both in the Whale Crier and Hermanus. Pieter has given literally dozens of press and TV interviews and these have continued to publicise Hermanus as an important tourist destination. Pieter was succeeded by Wilson Salukazana, a well respected and dignified figure from Zwelihle, Hermanus. He took the Whale Crier icon to greater heights and is arguably the most photographed South African after Nelson Mandela! One of his highlights was his visit to Great Britain, representing Hermanus as the only whale crier in the world in the city of Manchester. He walked the cliff path beat for 8 years, imparting his vast knowledge of the whales and Hermanus. At the same time he has always been very closely involved with the Zwelihle community. He started his own township tours called Ubuntu Tours which are thoroughly enjoyed by visitors. At the age of 66 Wilson retired as he said it was time to slow down a little. (Needless to say he only "slowed" for a few months!), Godleck Baleni was the following person to show off the Whale Crier boards and blow the kelp horn! He had very big shoes to fill and did a sterling job. His huge smile and charming character were a great attraction to visitors. Sadly the pressure of holding such a prestigious position overwhelmed him and he too resigned. At this very time Pasika Noboba was looking to grow his career. It is clear that he was born to carry the name of World's only Whale Crier™ and started in September 2008. His personal profile shows his great dedication and great achievements. He bears tremendous knowledge of Whales and Hermanus but is so keen to learn more. He is well respected in all communities for his humble friendliness. His passion for children and the elderly is as great as his passion for nature. We envisage him expanding the brand of the World's only Whale Crier™ to an even greater platform. |
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By the South African author, Zakes Mda The Whale Caller, in tattered tuxedo, spends his days on the cliffs of the small coastal town of Hermanus blowing his kelp horn to the whales that visit in the summer months. In particular, he blows for Sharisha, a southern right whale who always responds to his call. Then Saluni enters his life. Saluni - the feisty village drunk, a passionate but self-destructive woman cannot understand nor tolerate his fixation with the whales |
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