Have your say on the future of Table Mountain National Park management

The South African National Parks (SANParks) is calling on the public to contribute to the future of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) and the newly established TMNP Marine Protected Area (MPA) by submitting comments on their draft management plans.

This invitation comes as SANParks embarks on a vital revision of the existing management frameworks and lays the groundwork for initiatives aimed at both conservation and sustainable use of these environmentally rich areas from 2027 to 2036.

JP Louw, SANParks Head of Communications and Spokesperson for SANPark said: "South African National Parks invites public comment on the draft Management Plans for Table Mountain National Park and Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area.

South African National Parks has commenced the revision of the management plan for the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) and the development of the management plan for TMNP Marine Protected Area, in terms of sections 39, 40 and 41 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003).

"The draft management plans will guide the management of the park and marine protected area for the period 2027–2036. In line with legislative requirements, interested and affected stakeholders are invited to review and comment on the draft documents."

According to the provisions outlined in sections 39, 40, and 41 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003), all interested and affected stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft documents, which will be publicly accessible from 09 February 2026 on the SANParks website at www.sanparks.org.

Hard copies of the drafts will also be available for viewing at selected public libraries, community centres, and SANParks offices throughout Cape Town and surrounding areas.

According to the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, Draft Management Plan for the period 2027-2034, the 153 paged document states that the management plans are especially crucial for the TMNP Marine Protected Area, which spans an impressive 956 km² from Mouille Point to Muizenberg.

The document states this region, rich in biodiversity, is home to 24 distinct ecosystem types, three of which are classified as endangered. A diverse array of marine life thrives in these waters, including various species of sharks and rays, over 149 species of fish, and the critically endangered African penguin.

The MPA's marine environment, situated at the intersection of the cold Benguela Current and the warm Agulhas Current, necessitates dedicated protective measures.

However, this natural treasure is under significant threat from urban pressures, pollution, overexploitation of marine resources, and the effects of climate change. These threats include increased sewage and plastic pollution, the impacts of global warming, and growth in coastal development. In light of these challenges, the draft management plan aims to promote the conservation of biodiversity while facilitating sustainable tourism and fishing practices.

In anticipation of feedback, SANParks will host a series of public information sessions between February 23  and March 13.  Comments on the TMNP-MPA management objectives and actions are due by April 3 and can be submitted via email to André Spies at [email protected].

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus