“We urge SANParks TMNP to reassess the use of the substantial revenue generated by TMNP and challenge the notion that the park’s vastness makes it difficult to police.

“We also aim to advocate for the creation of a sustainable movement that calls for a dedicated mountain safety unit to consistently police popular trails even beyond peak tourism seasons.

“Furthermore, we propose a centralised approach to streamline efforts and suggest involving a privately managed organisation in TMNP for heightened security on key routes,” said Friends of Lion’s Head committee member Kosta Papageorgiou.

André van Schalkwyk, the head of Table Mountain Watch, stated that awareness campaigns were required to educate people about the dangers involved with outdoor activities on the mountain. He stated that Table Mountain Watch supported any activity that brought attention to the issue of mountain safety.

“Tourism centres, car rentals and the hospitality industry must start raising awareness about what is happening on the mountain. People will always make their own decisions, but we must provide them with information,” said Van Schalkwyk.

Rangers have been deployed on foot, bicycle, vessel and vehicle patrols at various areas across the mountain, but still crime persists, with 62 incidents of crime reported in 2023 so far.

SANParks Western Cape spokesperson Lauren Clayton says, “Joint operations are underway between SANParks, SAPS and the City of Cape Town law enforcement. The Table Mountain Safety Forum, where the three authorities, as well as the provincial authority, meet weekly, has recently been revived to ensure streamlined and optimal deployment of resources to target crime and to share intelligence aimed at informing operations”.

Talk, talk, talk.

If you want to show support for taking our mountain back from the human predators that spoil a natural wonder for everyone, you can join The Friends of Lion’s Head on 1 December:

[source:iol]