The South African National Parks (SANParks) has boosted its presence on the ground with the addition of a new ranger corps and is also rolling out a recruitment plan.
On Thursday, it plans to unveil its SANParks Vision 2040, highlighting its initiatives and partnerships.
As warmer weather sets in and the numbers of hikers increases, including tourists, calls have been made for visible and sustained security on hiking trails especially at Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).
According to Friends of Table Mountain, by the end of last year about 56 muggings were reported on TMNP in three months.
RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town race director Stuart McConnachie has also expressed continued crime concerns.
The annual RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town is estimated to be bringing R50 million to the local economy.
“While some measures have been implemented, including increased patrols and the installation of security cameras in certain areas, there is a pressing need for more to be done.
“These efforts need to be visible and sustained. We call on the City and SANParks to better communicate existing safety plans and future initiatives to reassure the public and potential visitors.
“Our international athletes are increasingly expressing concerns about safety in Cape Town, particularly regarding Table Mountain.
“Clear communication about security measures is crucial to maintaining visitor confidence. Although there are numerous emergency numbers for TMNP, we would also suggest that authorities have one hotline number that the public uses to report suspicious activity,” said McConnachie.
Friends of Table Mountain chairperson Andy Davies said legitimate security concerns were being raised and it was not unreasonable to expect far more in terms of visible policing.
“At the end of the day, crime on TMNP hurts us all and a lot more needs to be done to prevent it. We cannot have a repeat of the end of 2023 where we had approximately 56 muggings on TMNP in three months.
“We would like to see a comprehensive needs analysis for SANParks resources in TMNP and then see those resource requirements being met by skilled, motivated and visible rangers,” said Davies.
SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said they noted the reports of concern and said such expressions were speculative and may cause unnecessary alarm, which undermined successful efforts.
According to Louw, the official crime statistics have drastically decreased from 16 and 32 respectively in October and November 2023 to six in July 2024 and three in August 2024.
“SANParks vehemently discourages the use of unverifiable and subjective statistics. While we encourage engagement by all parties with data and information which can assist us in the management of TMNP, we have never received credible information suggesting that currently deployed approaches are incorrect. Using speculative and unverifiable statistics, which are not supported by verifiable evidence and science, could lead to reckless and indefensible decision-making, which SANParks cannot afford.
“TMNP is engaged in consultations aimed at finalisation of a framework that will inform the introduction of properly co-ordinated and vetted volunteer-based partnerships that can be seamlessly integrated in the overall safety and security measures currently being implemented,” said Louw.
The parks authority said the plan comprises both interventions undertaken by SANParks as well as collaborative relationships which enabled an expansion of personnel and resources available for safety and security.
Cape Times