Cape Town: Update on the Rhodes Memorial Section of Table Mountain National Park
South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an update on the current situation in the Rhodes Memorial Section of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town. The section was closed in April 2021 due to a devastating fire that destroyed more than 650 hectares of land.
In order to rehabilitate the area and ensure the safety of our users, an assessment of the burnt area was done by Table Mountain National Park together with an appointed service provider, who identified approximately 280 burnt trees for felling along Rhodes Memorial. Felling operations commenced in the area on 16 August 2021 and is set to be completed by the end of November 2021, weather permitting. To date, 434 trees including Devil's Peak and Game Camp Area, have been successfully felled by the contractor.
According to Table Mountain National Park Park Manager, Mr. Frans van Rooyen, partial reopening of the area has been granted to users by Table Mountain National Park management which allows hikers, runners, cyclists, etc. to make use of the area through the turnstile located at the main entrance. Vehicle access is not permitted at this stage as felling operations continue. We urge users to be cautious when carrying out their activities in the area.
The fire assessment at the Rhodes Tea Room in Table Mountain National Park has been finalised. The insurers appointed a Heritage Architect to oversee the construction work and contractors were appointed to clean the damaged area and safeguard parts of the building to assess if some of the building material cannot be re-used. The possible re-building of the Rhodes Tea Room, however, is delayed as a result of discussions with the Department of Public Works who are the custodians of the Land. Secondly, the Rhodes Tea Room is a Heritage Site and all deliberations and decisions on the building must be approved by Heritage Western Cape. If Table Mountain National Park decides to rebuild the Restaurant, Heritage Western Cape will have to approve the plans. Lastly, all the infrastructure related to water, electricity and sewerage systems were severely affected by the fire and have to be re-established. The insurers are busy with evaluations and in the process of appointing service providers to commence with the work.
