The 2026 Cableway Charity Challenge has once again demonstrated the power of community action, raising an impressive R1 million for four organisations making a difference across the Western Cape.
Image: Supplied
Hosted annually by the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC), the fundraising event took place on 9 May and brought together hundreds of runners, hikers, donors and supporters in a shared effort to support conservation, youth development, emergency response and outdoor safety initiatives.
Following the conclusion of the fundraising campaign on 17 May and the reconciliation of donations and pledges, the challenge reached the R1 million milestone. During an official cheque handover ceremony held on 5 June, each beneficiary organisation received R250 000 to support its ongoing work.
The four beneficiaries were:
- SANParks Honorary Rangers
- Ubuntu Football Academy
- Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS)
- Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR)
Each organisation received an equal allocation of R250 000.
Image: Supplied
“The Cableway Charity Challenge continues to demonstrate the incredible power of community. Every rand raised represents the generosity of participants, donors, sponsors and supporters who believe in making a difference,” said Wahida Parker, Managing Director of TMACC.
She added that the success of the event reflects the strong connection many people have with Table Mountain and the communities that surround it.
Now in its 17th year, the Cableway Charity Challenge invites participants to summit Table Mountain as many times as possible between sunrise and sunset while raising funds for selected charities. Participants hike up Platteklip Gorge before descending via the cableway and repeating the route throughout the day.
The event has become a fixture on Cape Town’s outdoor calendar, combining physical endurance with fundraising for causes that provide essential services throughout the region.
For Wilderness Search and Rescue, the funding will help equip volunteers with critical rescue gear.
“This funding is truly game-changing for our organisation,” said David Nel of WSAR. “We are currently looking at procuring a new stretcher and replacing kilometres of rope that are critical to our rescue operations. Support from initiatives like the Cableway Charity Challenge gives our volunteers the resources they need to continue helping people in the mountains and natural spaces we serve.”
The funds will also help strengthen conservation efforts, support youth development programmes, bolster wildfire response capabilities and ensure rescue teams remain equipped to assist those in need.
While the challenge itself may be over, its impact will continue long after the final summit. Through the work of these four organisations, the funds raised will help protect natural spaces, empower young people and support vital emergency services across the Western Cape.
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