A growing concern over the safety and infrastructure in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) has sparked a passionate response from both community members and SANParks.
Friends of Table Mountain / Facebook
According to reports by the Daily Voice, a petition driven by the #SaveTableMountain coalition recently garnered nearly 11,000 signatures, calling attention to what they describe as declining maintenance, trail safety and security presence.
What the coalition is saying
Advocates, including hikers, local volunteers and community organisation, say they’re alarmed by deteriorating boardwalks, long-neglected heritage sites like the Rhodes Memorial Tea Room, and an overall lack of visible security. They argue that too few rangers patrol the park, and some even claim that the K9 unit has weakened after several volunteer-funded dogs where reassigned elsewhere.
Their demands are clear:
- A 24/7 control centre
- Cameras at trailheads
- More rangers
- A strengthened K9 dog unit
To bolster their position, volunteer groups have stepped up, repairing over 85 km of trails, including 30 km in 2024 alone. They say that without these effort, dangerous spots go unmaintained, sometimes resulting in injuries or emergency rescues.
At the heart of the campaign is a push for greater transparency. Despite TMNP’s strong revenue, advocates argue that too little of it is being reinvested into conservation and maintenance
SANParks’ response
SANParks has firmly rejected claims that the park is unsafe or neglected. Spokesperson JP Louw points out that crime has stabilised, with reported incidents now in the “single digits.”
They also highlight a substantial ramp-up in staffing:
- A 43% increase in conservation staff
- Doubling of the SEAM Special Operations Ranger Team
- A senior safety specialist is set to take up a new role in December 2025
On maintenance, SANParks says its trail programme is structured and active. In early 2025 alone, around 64 km of trails were serviced . A long-term review of park infrastructure in already underway.
Strengthening security for visitors
The park isn’t resting on its laurels. In response to rising visitation, 1.7 million entries between April and October 2025, a near 20% increase year-on-year, SANParks is scaling up its safety measures.
Some of their initiatives include:
- Increasing the ranger corps to 157 across the park, supported by SEAM’s 40 elite operatives.
- Using drone technology to support patrols and firefighting efforts.
- Boosting firefighting readiness: aerial units were activated in November 2025, earlier than in past seasons.
Importantly, SANParks defends its financial stewardship. While the coalition accuses it of neglect, SANParks maintains that their budgeting aligns with mandated cross-subsidisation among national parks.
What this means for travelers
For tourists and hikers, the ongoing debate is more than just policy, it’s about trust and the quality of the park experience. While some lobby for greater investment and security, SANParks insists that visitor safety is improving and infrastructure remains a priority.
If you’re planning a trip to Table Mountain:
- Be aware that the terrain is rugged and trail conditions vary.
- Always hike in groups if possible.
- Carry enough water, use a tracking app and know the emergency number: 086 110 6417
As SANParks prepares for its busiest season, this tension between public concern and institutional reassurance may define the path forward for Cape Town’s iconic mountain—as both a world-class destination and a deeply loved local landmark.
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