Table Mountain Aerial Cableway supports volunteer firefighters with R380 000 donation
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) information techology services executive manager Neil Arbous, executive director Selma Hercules,Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) volunteer and media manager David Nel, TMACC marketing and sales executive manager Collette van Aswegen, and managing director Wahida Parker.
Image: Supplied
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) handed cheques worth R380 000 to Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) and Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), two organisations that safeguard Table Mountain and its visitors.
The company recently hosted its second annual charity golf day at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate, in Melkbosstrand on Friday, November 21, uniting partners, corporates, and mountain lovers for a day of sport, shared spirit, and fundraising. Each beneficiary received R190 000.
The initiative highlights how local businesses and partners were stepping up to protect one of the world’s New7Wonders of Nature, especially as Cape Town enters peak tourism and fire season.
This year’s event hosted 25 four-ball entries and 13 waterhole sponsorships.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) information techology services executive manager Neil Arbous, Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) director Danny de Nobrega, chief marketing officer Jenny Scheffers, TMACC marketing and sales executive manager Collette van Aswegen, managing director Wahida Parker, and food and beverage executive manager Ronald Ramsamy. Neil Arbous, Executive Manager: IT, TMACC; Danny de Nobrega, VWS Director; Jenny Scheffers, Chief Marketing Officer, VWS; Collette van Aswegen, Executive Manager: Marketing & Sales, TMACC; Wahida Parker, Managing Director, TMACC; and Ronald Ramsamy, Executive Manager: Food and Beverage, TMACC.
Image: Supplied
Wahida Parker, managing director of TMACC, said beneficiaries were critical in protecting the natural heritage of Table Mountain and the greater Table Mountain National Park.
"Their lifesaving work, from emergency mountain rescues to frontline firefighting, is essential to keeping the mountain and its visitors safe throughout the year," she said.
Ms Parker said that the golf day was one of the ways they brought partners together for something bigger than themselves.
"When we invest in WSAR and VWS, we strengthen the guardians of our mountain and reaffirm our responsibility as custodians of this precious natural wonder,” she said.
Ms Parker said that as they entered the busy holiday season and the dreaded fire season, they were reminded of the essential services of WSAR and VWS.
"Their dedication allows millions of visitors to enjoy Table Mountain safely each year. We are proud to stand beside them, and we are deeply grateful for the incredible work they do," she said.
With December around the corner, Cape Town is moving into its busiest tourism period.
TMACC encourages visitors, both local and international, to plan their visits to Table Mountain to ensure a smooth and memorable experience.
Peak operating times are from Monday, December 1, until Saturday, January 31, with the first cable car going up at 8am; the last one at 8pm, and the last cable car down at 9pm.
VWS chief marketing officer Jenny Scheffers said: "This support is deeply valued, and we are grateful for the recognition of the commitment shown by our volunteers throughout the year. This contribution will be directed toward the core operational requirements that keep our organisation active and resilient," she said.
Ms Scheffers said these funds would help cover rising fuel costs during deployment, replace damaged equipment, renew essential personal protective gear, and support ongoing vehicle maintenance.
"These are non-negotiable elements of our readiness - each one vital to ensuring that our crews can respond effectively and safely during wildfire season," she said.
She said that as a volunteer-driven non-profit, partnerships strengthened its sustainability.
"To the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway team and all who participated in the golf day: thank you for standing with us. Your generosity makes a tangible and lasting difference to our organisation and the work we undertake on behalf of our environment," said Ms Scheffers.
WSAR volunteer and media manager David Nel said: "These funds will go toward promoting the awareness of essential wilderness safety practices, help us support our volunteer rescuers, and be used to upgrade and replace essential equipment," he said.
Mr Nel said these funds would go toward promoting the awareness of essential wilderness safety practices, supporting volunteer rescuers, and replacing essential equipment.