Media Release: TMNP Update on Rehabilitation Work Post Fire

10 June 2021

South African National Parks (SANParks) says the rehabilitation work that has been taking place following the fire that started along the Rhodes Memorial area of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), is showing great progress.

According to Frans van Rooyen, TMNP Park Manager, 'the rehabilitation work has been successfully concluded at Devil's Peak lower contour to Blockhouse and Tafelberg jeep track erosion gullies… this means some areas are ready to be opened.'

He confirmed that more work is currently in progress in the Woodstock, Oppelskop, Blockhouse contour path to Newlands, Plumb pudding, as well as in the Rhodes Memorial lower jeep track water bars areas. 'We request users and visitors to these areas to continue exercising patience and allow the rehabilitation work to proceed without any obstructions.' According to van Rooyen, it is expected that the rehabilitation work will take a bit of time as over 600 hectares of land was affected by the fire. 'This is a big area considering it took over three days to completely put the fire down'

He said SANParks appointed an independent investigator to look at the possible causes of the fire. 'An investigation report will be made public in the coming weeks, with a further announcement on more areas. The Park will announce the reopening of certain areas later this month after we have engaged with our stakeholders.'

'SANParks wishes to thank the members of the public for the ongoing support and will continue to provide updates on progress made as information becomes available and we would like to thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time,' concludes Van Rooyen.

Issued by:
SANParks - Table Mountain National Park

Media enquiries:
Reynold 'Rey' Thakhuli
SANParks Acting Head of Communications
Cell: 073 373 4999 or email: [email protected]