Table Mountain National Park is known as a protected area under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003, but it’s also a World Heritage site under the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Rangers are trying their best to keep the purpose of the park alive by preserving the ecological integrity of the area – meaning that certain activities are not allowed.
The Table Mountain National Park management is asking all visitors to please refrain from crafting graffiti images, rock packing, as well as the recent booming #challenges on social media, rangers have also come across several painted rocks with social media account handles in support of a charity/organisation
“Not only is this not allowed, but it is also illegal as it takes away the aesthetic of the natural essence of the National Park,” says SANParks.
The SANParks rangers have also come across shrines and urns that were placed in the memory of loved ones who have passed on. “We are sympathetic to your loss and understand that our park users would like to remember their loved ones in the park which they fondly used,” SANParks adds.
However, SANParks considers it a contravention when an urn with cremated remains is buried, outside of an existing grave or burial site in a National Park, or without the knowledge of, or mandatory permission from management.
Should urns and shrines with ashes be found in a National Park, SANParks staff members will hand these over to the SAPS. The park does not allow for the burial or placement of urns in any area, but they do allow for the scattering of ashes at a designated area in the park.
For more info on the scattering of ashes, you can send your inquiries to [email protected]
SANParks urges members of the public to report any of these activities by contacting the Emergency number at 086 110 6417 if/when you see someone vandalising the park. Visitors are kindly requested to adhere to and respect the rules of the park.
For the love of nature: Take only photos and leave only footprints!
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Picture: Facebook / SANParks – Table Mountain National Park