Join the Fight to #Save Table Mountain: Petition for Accountability and Action
Image: Picture: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
A Change.org petition demanding accountability, calling for comprehensive action to restore and protect Table Mountain, is set to cross 4 000 signatures.
The campaign, driven by Friends of Table Mountain and supported by Take Back Our Mountains, Love Our Trails, Table Mountain Watch, Table Mountain Bikers and Hikers Network, said they believe it's their right and responsibility to demand accountability and action.
'Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is plagued by critical issues directly attributable to SANParks' poor management and underfunding. These problems threaten the park's ecological integrity, visitor safety and tourism potential,' the collective's campaign said.
They are concerned by the persistently high crime rates, failure of their conservation mandate, decaying infrastructure, insufficient signage, runaway fires, and the decay of tourism infrastructure.
They also raised concerns regarding SANParks spending only R107 million on TMNP in 2024, despite generating R430 million in income.
They said that as concerned citizens and users of TMNP, they demand transparent resourcing, enhanced safety and security, an effective 24/7 control centre for reporting issues, cameras at trailheads and key hotspots, expansion of the K9 dog unit and Infrastructure review and investment, as well as fair permit fees.
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SANParks spokesperson, JP Louw, said the safety of Table Mountain requires a whole-of-society approach.
'The beauty of this national park is breathtaking. But beauty can become dangerous if basic safety rules are ignored. That's why SANParks continues to issue safety guidelines, and recent incidents prove just how vital those messages are.
'But what is the use of signage, media engagements, awareness blitzes, loud hailers, and all other efforts to get the message out when, at a partnership level, we do not seek to join efforts to push back against criminal elements?' Louw said.
'For context and not wishing to nitpick, a few scenarios will illustrate this aptly. A young lady was stranded at about 8pm on a Friday night with no cellphone or cash.
'Our rangers, whilst on a routine safety patrol, came across her and offered assistance. In another instance, a group of ladies in their late teens and early twenties were also found walking from Signal Hill to Lion's Head by themselves at night. This is unsafe, as we advise hikers not to hike at night,' Louw said.
Louw stated that SANParks has consistently demonstrated its commitment to preserving nature and ensuring public safety. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
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