A heated rift has emerged between SANParks and a coalition of concerned volunteers, hikers, and civic groups over the alleged mismanagement of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).

At the centre of the dispute is a petition launched by volunteers under the banner #SaveTableMountain, calling for transparency, urgent reinvestment, and stronger safety mechanisms. The campaign claims that SANParks has failed in its duty of care, despite TMNP being one of the country’s most visited and profitable national parks.

What’s Being Alleged?

Community-led groups, including Love Our Trails and partners, are raising alarm over:

• Dilapidated and overgrown hiking trails
• Frequent muggings and attacks with 78 incidents reported just between January and mid-May 2025
• Alien vegetation and fire hazards
• An over-reliance on volunteers to maintain infrastructure and respond to emergencies
• Poor reinvestment: Though TMNP reportedly generated over R430 million in revenue in 2024, only 24% (R107 million) was returned to the park

These frustrations came to a head following a June 4th meeting with SANParks CEO Hapiloe Sello, after which the petition was launched. While SANParks said it would follow up, volunteers believed the situation was too urgent to wait.

SANParks has pushed back, claiming the petition misrepresents efforts already in motion. These include:

• A 49% increase in conservation staffing
• The expansion of the Safety and Environmental Awareness (SEAM) unit
• Joint patrols with SAPS, drone surveillance, and increased community forums

But volunteers say these measures are too little, too late, and that many of the promises made since the original Visitor Safety Services agreement in 2018 remain unmet. Some civic groups have since withdrawn from that agreement in protest.

Table Mountain isn’t just a tourist gem, it’s a spiritual, ecological, and communal sanctuary for thousands of Cape Town locals. Its management reflects a broader national conversation about transparency, equity in public resource use, and community-driven accountability.

With safety, ecology, and access on the line, the mountain is calling. And this time, it’s not just a metaphor.

Want to take action?
Join the #SaveTableMountain campaign, sign the petition, or follow the latest updates from Love Our Trails, Parkscape, and other volunteer safety collectives.