SANParks has again refuted claims of mismanagement and an escalating safety crisis at the Table Mountain National Park.

This was in response to claims made by the #SaveTableMountain coalition, regarding the crime at, and the management of, the national park. 

In a statement on Tuesday, the coalition referenced “newly released crime statistics” which it claims reveal a growing trend of crime at the landmark, particularly of assault and robbery.  

The coalition comprises activist groups, including Friends of Table Mountain, Take Back Our Mountains, Table Mountain Watch, Love Our Trails, Hikers Network, Table Mountain Bikers.  

The coalition further expressed concern over what it claims is the “decrease” in security resources at the landmark.

#SaveTableMountain also claims that the national park is being mismanaged.  

“A plan to address identified issues with clear actions and timelines; A detailed and transparent needs analysis to determine the resources required to manage TMNP to the highest level; An increase in the TMNP budget to ensure the required resources are available; Regular three-monthly feedback to stakeholders on the actions identified,” is among the demands that the #SaveTableMountain coalition made in their statement. 

This is not the first time the coalition has come forward to express its concerns, having launched a petition that has, until now, garnered more than 11,000 signatures.  

ALSO READ: Over 6,000 sign #SaveTableMountain petition, SANParks disagrees 

And similar to when the coalition initially raised its concerns, SANParks disagrees.  

Spokesperson JP Louw said no official crime statistics have been released yet to confirm these claims. 

“Objective public records shows that whilst there was a spike earlier in the year, these have now stabilised to around single digit numbers,” said Louw.

In a statement, Louw further denied the other claims made by the coalition, noting that work was being done to ensure that the national park is managed effectively and that safety was prioritised.  

Louw then criticised the #SaveTableMountain coalition for its latest statement. 

“We find the choice of attempting to use media with questionable information aimed at unjustifiably tarnishing SANParks’ reputation in bad taste and undermining of these efforts.”