Latest news with #SelmaHercules
IOL News
04-08-2025
- IOL News
Up, up and away! Table Mountain Aerial Cableway reopens after a tune-up
South Africa's Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is back in operation after being closed for maintenance. Image: Supplied The iconic Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) has officially reopened its doors to the public following a week-long maintenance shutdown designed to ensure optimal safety and operational efficiency. The annual maintenance was scheduled from July 28 to August 3, with visitors welcomed back on August 4. During the maintenance period, all operational and commercial facilities at both the Lower and Top Stations, including restaurants and ablution facilities, were closed. However, the natural beauty of Table Mountain remained accessible for hiking, walking, and cycling enthusiasts eager to explore the picturesque landscapes. TMACC's Executive Director, Selma Hercules, expressed excitement about the reopening, stating, 'Our annual shutdown allows us to carry out essential upgrades and make sure the Cableway runs at the highest possible standards. We're delighted to welcome visitors to the mountain!' The annual maintenance shutdown happens in the middle of the year, after the mid-year school holidays, during South Africa's winter season, which is a generally quieter period for tourism. This year's closure was brief compared to last year's extended shutdown, which lasted an unprecedented seven weeks from July 15 to September 1. This longer duration was necessary to align with global safety protocols and ensure comprehensive maintenance that met the rigorous Swiss BAV regulations for cableways. Significantly, the maintenance work included a full track cable replacement for the first time since 1997, along with meticulous inspections of the operating equipment, cable cars and their component mechanisms. All four of the 1.5 km-long track rope cables were replaced as per OEM (Doppelmayr Garaventa) specifications, underlining TMACC's commitment to safety and performance. Notably, TMACC has garnered attention for its sustainability efforts, recently winning a silver medal in the Managing Waste category at the 2025 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards, as well as a nomination for the Best Tourist Attraction in the Best of the Cape Awards 2025. TMACC offers an unforgettable experience, providing stunning panoramic views of Cape Town, the majestic ocean, and the surrounding landscapes. The cable cars rotate a full 360 degrees on the ascent, ensuring every passenger enjoys a magnificent view as they journey to the summit, where the rich biodiversity of the World Heritage site awaits exploration.
The South African
04-08-2025
- The South African
Table Mountain Cableway is open again – Here's what's new
The iconic Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is officially back in service after its annual maintenance closure, which took place from 28 July to 3 August, 2025. From today, 4 August, visitors can once again glide up to the mountain and soak in Cape Town's panoramic beauty from above. 'Our annual shutdown allows us to carry out essential upgrades and make sure the Cableway runs at the highest possible standards,' Selma Hercules, Executive Director of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) said. 'We're delighted to welcome visitors to the mountain again!' Table Mountain Cableway back in action after annual maintenance The shutdown, which occurs each year, is part of routine maintenance aimed at ensuring the continued safety and reliability of the cable car system. SA citizens who celebrated their birthdays during the shutdown can still redeem their free birthday return outside of the annual maintenance period. Operating hours will continue as follows: First car up: 08:30 08:30 Last car up: 17:00 17:00 Last car down: 18:00 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Climb for a cause: Support local charities at the Table Mountain cableway challenge
Participants will receive a medal made of retired track rope cable removed from the cableway. And at the end of the race, each participant will receive something meaningful - a medal made from the retired track rope cable once used by Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC). On race day, runners, walkers and joggers undertake to climb Platteklip Gorge as many times as possible between sunrise and sunset, to raise money for charity. Participants from across South Africa will descend on Table Mountain on Saturday with one common goal – to tackle Platteklip Gorge as part of the annual Cableway Charity Challenge. The steel cable, removed during the 2024 annual maintenance period, has been cut into discs by residents of The Ark – City of Refuge, a Cape Town-based organisation that supports people affected by homelessness and unemployment. 'We wanted to give participants a unique token of appreciation this year,' said Selma Hercules, executive director of TMACC. 'We chose something that was a reflection of the event and of the strength of the mountain. It also was a reminder of the power of the hands of local makers that went into the making of the medals, and of the impact of the money raised on the day.' The funds raised will support four organisations that make a difference in communities. Ubuntu Football, based in Masiphumelele, where young people are mentored through sport and life-skills development, is a new organisation to join the list of beneficiaries. Executive director, Casey Prince, said the Cableway Charity Challenge was another great way for the Ubuntu Football story to spread further in the city through participants and spectators - and that interconnectedness is the spirt of "ubuntu". 'It's the community showing up, step after step, for our youth and for their futures.' Karen Temlett, co-founder at Funda Kunye, a Hout Bay organisation which focuses on early childhood development in under-resourced areas, said the support they receive through the Charity Challenge helps build stronger, more nurturing foundations for children at the most critical stage of their development. 'Our work starts with caregivers, but it extends to entire communities,' said Temlett. Volunteer Wildfire Services depend heavily on community support to remain response-ready during fire season. 'It's more than just a fundraiser - it's a powerful act of solidarity and community,' said Jenny Scheffers of the VWS team. 'Every step taken up the mountain represents support for the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to protecting our natural heritage.' For Wilderness Search and Rescue, the challenge is a reminder of the importance of teamwork. 'People come to the mountain for joy and adventure,' said Johann Marais of WSAR. 'When things go wrong, we're there, and it's support like this that ensures we always can be.' Last year's event raised over R1.2 million, and this year, the goal is to match or surpass the amount milestone. Residents can support the initiative by pledging to donate to the cause. For more information, or to support the event, visit Cape Argus
