Furore over safety and maintenance at Table Mountain National Park
There is an ongoing debate about safety and maintenance of the Table Mountain National Park
Image: File
One of South Africa’s most iconic and frequently visited natural landmarks, Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), is at the centre of a furore over safety, trail maintenance, and resource allocation.
The #SaveTableMountain coalition has raised concerns over rising crime, deteriorating infrastructure, and inadequately maintained trails, arguing that hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and even park staff face growing risks.
The coalition points to a decline in visible security resources as a major concern. While in 2021 SANParks reported having 52 Visitor Safety Rangers, including 16 dog handlers, current figures indicate there are now 40 SEAM team members and just two K9 security dogs. Questions have also been raised about the handling of the K9 programme, where four volunteer-funded dogs were reassigned elsewhere, prompting criticism about resource allocation within the park.
The coalition’s petition, which has amassed close to 11,000 signatures, reflects widespread public frustration over safety, trail conditions, and the state of park infrastructure. The group has formally submitted a detailed report and petition to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, calling for TMNP to be maintained as a safe and pristine natural space. The letter outlines a need for a qualified safety and security management team, adequately trained personnel, a 24/7 control centre, cameras at trailheads, an expanded K9 unit, and a consistent ranger presence.
Specific concerns also include derelict or deteriorating facilities such as the Rhodes Memorial Tea Room, Hoerikwagga Trail accommodation, Orange Kloof homestead, Tokai Manor, Newlands Forest homestead, and the Platteklip washhouse.
Trail maintenance, increasingly reliant on volunteers, has seen groups like Friends of Table Mountain and the Honorary Rangers repair 85 km of trails to date, including 30 km in 2024 alone. Poorly maintained boardwalks have contributed to injuries and rescue incidents, highlighting gaps in routine maintenance.
Financial concerns underpin much of the coalition’s argument. They note that SANParks reports an annual revenue of R4.1 billion and a net cash balance of R2.7 billion, yet claim the park is “underfunded” due to cross-subsidisation with other national parks. This has reportedly left volunteers filling gaps that should be managed formally. The coalition is calling for a transparent needs analysis, increased budget allocation for TMNP, a clear action plan with timelines, and quarterly progress updates.
In response, SANParks is rubbishing claims that the park is unsafe or neglected. JP Louw, Head of Communications, said: “We wish to put the following factual information on record: No official crime statistics have been released. Objective public records show that while there was a spike earlier in the year, these numbers have now stabilised to around single digits. We have also concluded the recruitment of a Senior Safety and Security Specialist, who will begin in early December 2025.”
“We increased our conservation staff by 43% and doubled the SEAM Team. Following an independent assessment of the K9 unit, older dogs were retired and others redeployed, with newly trained dogs to be integrated soon. While volunteers play an important role, we maintain an ongoing, structured trail maintenance programme: 64 km of trails were maintained in the first months of 2025, and a comprehensive assessment is underway for long-term planning.”
On financial concerns, SANParks said: “Claims that TMNP is financially neglected are not supported by our audited governance processes. National parks operate within a government-mandated cross-subsidisation model, ensuring conservation priorities receive adequate resourcing.”
“We have established open and constructive platforms with stakeholders, which continue to guide deliverables. Attempts to use media with questionable information to tarnish SANParks’ reputation are in bad taste and undermine these efforts.”
As the festive season approaches, SANParks confirmed it will provide comprehensive details on its readiness plans, while the #SaveTableMountain coalition continues to advocate for transparent measures to ensure the park remains safe, well-maintained, and accessible to the public.