2005/2006 - SANParks

2005South African National ParksCAPE PARKS CLUSTERTABLE MOUNTAINOVERVIEWDuring the period under review, an array of exciting events and projectstook place at the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).Boasting the status of being one of South Africa’s World Heritage Sites,SANParks’ only urban-bound park staged the launch of the HoerikwaggoTable Mountain Trail on 24 November 2005. The function also celebratedthe fi rst Xhosa and Afrikaans Maps of TMNP, coupled with the handingover of the fi rst cadastral maps of the Western Cape to the Park Managerby the Surveyor-General.The period under review also saw a most successful Visitor Safety Programbeing staged and this led to an 85% reduction of crime incidents overthe past fi nancial year’s festive season.Other events which were staged at the park include two successful JazzFestivals on the Day of Reconciliation during and Family Day as well asthree theatre productions which were held at the Old Zoo Site.CONSERVATIONAfromontane Forest rehabilitation progressed well. This involved thecontinued collection and propagation of indigenous seeds, the clearingof 8,53ha by the Weed Control team, and the restoration of 154haby the Forest Rehabilitation team. Mountain to Ocean continued theirharvesting program of pines in the Cecilia and Tokai plantations undercontrolled conditions. The training of Traditional Healers and Rastafariansthat aims to both educate users in the sustainable use of local plants aswell as to capture indigenous knowledge commenced in the MedicinalPlant Garden in Newlands. The 158 Volunteer Fire fi ghters contributeda total of 1,278 hours of fi re fi ghting time and have developed into animpressively effi cient and well–resourced team.PEOPLE AND CONSERVATIONThe annual Park Forum Plenary was held and a new chair for the SteeringCommittee was appointed. Interaction with the Development Forumsof the seven communities on the boundary of the park took the form ofquarterly meetings. The TMNP’s 1 st Annual Volunteer Expo was held. TheEE container at Newlands Forest was renovated as a venue for forestecology lessons presented by volunteers. The park is also investigating theintegration of Learnerships into the Volunteer Development Programme.TMNP has received funds for 70 learnerships for Tour Guiding, VisitorSafety and Horticulture.48